Introduction to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

What are Volatile Organic Compounds ?

Volatile organic compounds (VOC's) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.  VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.  Concentrations of many VOC's are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.  VOC's are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.  Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluid and carbon-less copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products.  Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products.  Fuels are made up of organic chemicals.  All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s “Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study” (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas.  TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.

 

Volatile Organic Compound Sources 

 

VOC Health Effects

 

remove VOC with air purifier

Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.  Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOC's include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue and dizziness.

 

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic to those with no known health effect.  As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed.  Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics.  At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes.  Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.

 

Levels in Homes

Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors.  During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.

 

Steps to Reduce Exposure

Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOC's.  Meet or exceed any label precautions.  Do not store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials within the school. Formaldehyde, one of the best known VOC's, is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured.  Identify, and if possible, remove the source.  If not possible to remove, reduce exposure by using a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other furnishings.  Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides.

  1. Use household products according to manufacturer’s directions.
  2. Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using these products.
  3. Throw away unused or little-used containers safely; buy in quantities that you will use soon.
  4. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  5. Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.
 

Follow the label instructions carefully

Potentially hazardous products often have warnings aimed at reducing exposure of the user.  For example, if a label says to use the product in a well-ventilated area, go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it.  Otherwise, open up windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air possible.

 

Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely

Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home.  (Be sure that materials you decide to keep are stored not only in a well-ventilated area but are also safely out of reach of children).  Do not simply toss these unwanted products in the garbage can.  Find out if your local government or any organization in your community sponsors special days for the collection of toxic household wastes.  If such days are available, use them to dispose of the unwanted containers safely.  If no such collection days are available, think about organizing one.

 

Buy limited quantities

If you use products occasionally or seasonally, such as paints, paint strippers, and kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as much as you will use right away.

 

Keep exposure to emissions from products containing methylene chloride to a minimum

Consumer products that contain methylene chloride include paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints.  Methylene chloride is known to cause cancer in animals.  Also, methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with exposure to carbon monoxide.  Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information and cautions on the proper use of these products.  Use products that contain methylene chloride outdoors when possible; use indoors only if the area is well ventilated.

 

Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum

Benzene is a known human carcinogen.  The main indoor sources of this chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels, and paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages.  Actions that will reduce benzene exposure include eliminating smoking, careful fuel storage in well ventilated areas. Be sure to keep the door that leads into your home from the garage closed when there is a car running and shortly thereafter. 

 

Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum

Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning.  In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause cancer in animals.  Recent studies indicate that people breathe low levels of this chemical both in homes where dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they wear dry-cleaned clothes.  Dry cleaners recapture perchloroethylene during the dry-cleaning process so they can save money by re-using it, and they remove more of the chemical during the pressing and finishing processes.  Some dry cleaners, however, do not remove as much perchloroethylene as possible all of the time.  Taking steps to minimize your exposure to this chemical is prudent.  If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until they have been properly dried.  If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry cleaner.

 

Standards or Guidelines

No standards have been set for VOC's in non industrial settings.  OSHA regulated formaldehyde, a specific VOC, as a carcinogen.  OSHA has adopted a Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of .75 ppm, and an action level of 0.5ppm.  HUD has established a level of .4 pm for mobile homes.  Based upon current information, it is advisable to mitigate formaldehyde that is present at levels higher than 0.1 ppm.

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