VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals emitted into the air at room temperature as gases (called “off-gassing”) from certain solids or liquids. According to GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), VOCs are “used to manufacture and prepare” many kinds of materials. Some of the most commonly found VOCs in indoor materials include: benzene, butoxyethanol, decane, formaldehyde, isopentane, limonene, methylene chloride, perchloroethylene, styrene, toluene, vinyl chloride and xylene. We can sometimes notice them as an odor. Common examples are paint, “new car smell,” etc.
Short-term health effects may include:
- Skin, eye, nose and/or throat irritation
- Headaches
- Respiratory difficulties, exacerbation of asthma
- Nausea/vomiting
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue and/or dizziness
- Loss of coordination and memory impairment
Concentrated exposure to VOCs or exposure for an excessive length of time may also result in the following long-term effects:
- Damage to heart, liver, kidney and/or central nervous system
- Cancer (in humans and animals)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- developmental problems with the fetus or in young children
- complications during pregnancy
- Sick building syndrome (SDS)
- Paint and lacquers
- Paint strippers
- Adhesives/glues
- Drapery
- Carpet
- Cleaning products
- Some building materials
The best way to avoid VOCs is to stop using products with VOCs and use products that contain No or low VOCs. The best option is always choose products with No VOCs.
When choosing paints, paint strippers, and lacquers you should always choose products that have No VOCs. Usually this information will be on the label and advertised as such. It is also important to ask the person mixing the colors of your paint whether there are VOCs in the collarants they use. If there are, then you should ask them to use collarants without VOCs or go to a paint store that does not use VOCs in their collarants. The easiest way to ensure that there are no VOCs in the collarants used is to go to your local green home and building store.
When putting down new floors make sure to ask your to use glues and adhesives that do not have No VOCs and are non-toxic or ask your installer to.
For curtains and all other linens, buy organic cotton or hemp products. Do not use vinyl shower curtains.
Buy all natural cleaning products that are non-toxic.
All of these products can be found at your local healthy home store. Also, be sure to ask about VOCs to the people helping you at the store you shop at.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Household Product Database — The database offers health and safety information on household products. You can search by product, manufacturer, ingredient or health effect.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
GREENGUARD — Chemical Emissions
Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Toxins Page
Minnesota Department of Health — VOCs
The New York State Department of Health — Volatile Organic Compounds in Commonly Used Products
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) — Toxic Substances Hydrology (Toxics) Program
VOCs Specific
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — TaxFAQTM: Benzene
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Butoxyethanol
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – TaxFAQTM: Formaldehyde
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – TaxFAQTM: Methylene Chloride
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — TaxFAQTM: Toluene
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — TaxFAQTM: Styrene
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – TaxFAQTM: Vinyl Chloride
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — TaxFAQTM: Xylene
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Formaldehyde
