Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. The term “organic” indicates that the compounds contain carbon. VOC exposures are often associated with an odor while other times there is no odor. Both can be harmful. There are thousands of different VOCs produced and used in our daily lives.

Many products emit or “off –gas” VOCs, including but not limited to:

Benzene	Ethylene glycol	Chloride
Methylene	1,3-butadiene	Xylene
Formaldehyde	Toluene	Texanol

Emission Sources:

Paints	Cooking	Sealing caulks
Varnishes	Cleaning chemicals	Cosmetics
Moth balls	Vinyl floors	Air fresheners
Solvents	Carpets	Fuel oil
Solvents	Photocopying	Vehicle exhaust
Gasoline	Upholstery fabrics	Pressed wood furniture
Newspaper	Adhesives	Secondhand smoke

What levels of VOC are typical in the home?
Currently there are no state or federal government standards for VOC levels in non-occupational settings. However, many studies have shown VOC levels are higher in indoor air than outdoor air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies have found indoor VOC levels that were 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.

Levels of VOC Exposure in indoor air vary widely depending on:

  the volume of air in the room/building
  the rate at which the VOC is off-gassed
  the building ventilation rate
  outdoor concentrations
  time spent in the effected environment

What are the health effects of VOC exposure?

ACUTE	CHRONIC
Eyeirritation/watering	Cancer
Throat irritation	Liver damage
Headaches	Kidney damage
Nausea/vomiting	Central Nervous System damage
Dizziness
Asthma exacerbation

Most studies to date have been conducted on single chemicals. Less is know about the health effects of combined chemical exposure. The best health protection measure is to limit your exposure to products and materials that contain VOCs when possible. If you think you may be having health problems caused by VOC exposure consult an occupational/environmental health physician who specializes in this area.

Are some people at greater risk from VOC exposure than others?
Persons with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, elderly, and persons with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to illness from VOC exposure.

How can I tell what levels of VOC are in my home?
Some home screening kits are available to measure total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels, and some individual VOCs. However, these home sampling kits are not reliable because they do not accurately measure the amounts of all VOCs in the indoor air. Conditions such as ventilation, temperature and humidity can cause VOC concentrations to fluctuate daily.

Proper testing by a qualified professional can reveal more precise VOC volumes and help you determine the probable source of VOCs, as well as steps that can be taken to reduce your exposure.


How do I reduce the levels of VOCs in my home?
Most products containing VOCs will off gas within a short period of time although some will continue to give off trace amounts of VOCs for a long period of time. The best means of reducing VOC exposure is to eliminate products containing VOCs or use low emitting VOC products.

For more information on professional VOC assessment of your home or office, call the number at the top of this page today.

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