Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a diverse group of chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature, and they are capable of evaporating even when they are a part of consumer products used in a home on a daily basis1,2. The Environmental Protection Agency defines VOCs as any compound containing carbon, except for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions3,4. Common VOCs found in homes include benzene, toluene, texanol, xylene, and many more2,3,4.
Volatile organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in many household products and building materials. These products and materials are capable of releasing VOCs, whether they are simply stored or in use. A list of common VOC emission sources include furnishings, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, moth balls, and automotive products1,2,3. A significant level of VOCs can be observed in homes if one of following activities/items is present2:
Concentrations of VOCs are higher indoors than they are outdoors, and can vary greatly between homes due to the different variety of consumer products used on a daily basis1. Levels of many VOCs can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than they are outdoors, and it is thought that VOCs are a significant contributor to sick building syndrome1,2,3,4. VOCs can be very harmful at high concentrations, and have been shown to cause both short term and long term health effects1,2. Common symptoms caused by exposure to high levels of VOCs include:
Mulitple sources list several ways to reduce your daily exposure to VOCs1,2,5:
For more information on VOCs and possible environmental effects, contact: