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Volatile Organic Compounds

Definition

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gasses emitted into the air as vapors from certain solids or liquids during common home activities such as using cleaners, cooking on fuel-burning appliances, painting, etc,. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times) than outdoors.¹

Sources of VOCs

VOC-containing chemicals are common ingredients in many household items such as paints, paint removers, adhesives,varnishes and wax cleaning products, personal care products, air fresheners, indoor pesticides and arts and crafts products (i.e., glues and markers). 

Home furnishings such as  bedding, carpeting, drapes and upholstering can obtain VOCs. Additionally, baby products including cribs, baby seats and play mats can be sources of VOCs.  They can also include potentially toxic chemicals such as perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and flame retardants that can become part of household dust that affect health.¹ ²

Health Impacts

Immediate health effects include eye, nose, throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, nose bleed and fatigue. Long-term effects include damage to the kidney, liver, endocinre and central nervous system.²

Steps for Prevention and Remediation ¹ ²
  • Choose no or low-VOC products, such as paints and home repair products.
  •  If using VOC-containing products such as paints, adhesives, solvents, or VOC-emitting arts and crafts products, use them in a well-ventilated room.  
  • Keep the lids closed tightly after use and don’t store these products in the house, if possible. Some VOC-containing products can still off-gas slowly when lids are on and not in use. 
  • Most VOC-containing products need to be thrown away as hazardous waste.  Throw away unused or little-used containers according to your city or county’s hazardous waste regulations. 
  • Consider solid wood furniture over pressed wood, as pressed wood is known to emit formaldehyde.
  • Choose carpets and furnishings without VOC-containing products, such as stain-resistant chemicals.
  • For cleaning your clothes, use wet cleaning establishments instead of dry cleaners (which depend on solvents).
  • If your only choice is dry cleaning, note that the chemicals can continue to release into the air when you bring your dry-cleaning home.  To minimize exposure, air dry them outdoors or in the garage for a few hours before bringing them indoors.
  • Consider using portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters to neutralize VOCs from the indoor air.
Additional Resources

American Lung Association. Volatile Organic Compounds: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds

US EPA.  VOC Impact on Indoor Air Quality https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

Reference List

1. American Lung Association. Volatile Organic Compounds in the Home. Available at: https://www.lung.org/blog/volatile-organic-compounds-at-home. Accessed July 3, 2024.

2. US EPA. Volatile Organic Compounds Impact on Indoor Air Quality. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality. Accessed July 3, 2024.

Combustion

Combustion, the process of burning fuels for energy, is used in two-thirds of US households for heating, cooking, and drying, emitting pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can cause both immediate irritation and long-term health issues such as lung disease and cancer.


Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants, including mold, pests, and animal dander, originate from sources like people, pets, and plants, and can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and infectious illnesses in the home.


Current Page: Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted from household items like cleaners, paints, and furnishings, are often found in higher concentrations indoors and can cause immediate health issues like irritation and headaches, as well as long-term damage to the kidney, liver, and central nervous system.


Lead

Lead is a toxic heavy metal found in household paint, dust, soil, and water, particularly in homes built before 1978. Exposure can cause acute effects like seizures and anemia, and chronic effects such as cognitive impairments, reproductive complications and irreversible nervous system damage, especially in children.


Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through cracks in walls and foundations, leading to dangerous indoor levels. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among non-smokers, necessitating testing and remediation in high-risk areas.


Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber used for its strength and heat resistance in building materials and products. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, leading to serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.


Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic chemicals used in various forms like sprays and powders, and are found in 75% of U.S. households. These chemicals, including insecticides and rodenticides, can pose health risks, so it is crucial to assess specific products and their associated hazards.


Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are chemicals used to slow or prevent the spread of fire in various household products. These substances, which can persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, may cause health issues such as endocrine disruption, cognitive impairments, respiratory problems, and increased cancer risk.


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