What are VOCs?

The term ‘VOCs’ stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These chemicals have low boiling points and a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature, meaning they readily evaporate into the air. Many VOCs are relatively benign and humans have evolved to coexist with them. The citrus scent of lemons and orange peel is emitted by limonene, for example, which is used to create essential oils and fragrances. The smell of eucalyptus and oak trees is caused by isoprene, another VOC, as is the sharp aroma of pine needles.

Within the built environment, VOCs can also be emitted by a wide range of indoor sources, such as products used in construction, decoration, and restoration as well as in paints, waxes, cleaning products, solvents, coating materials, varnishes and glues. The manufacturing processes of these products often involve the inclusion of harmful VOCs, leading to a significantly higher concentration indoors as opposed to in the natural world. Because people spend around 90 percent of their time indoors, human exposure to air pollutants largely occurs inside and VOCs are an important part of this pollution.

How are we exposed to VOCs?

Exposure to VOCs occurs when people come into contact with an array of sources within the home or other indoor spaces. Typically, VOCs are emitted by a vast range of common consumer products, from cosmetics to cooking appliances. Butanol is emitted by candles, gas stoves and barbecues, while formaldehyde is found in engineered wood and molded plastics. VOCs are often present in our household water supply, should there be a source of contamination, and they are the reason behind those ‘new car’ or ‘fresh paint’ smells.

The flame retardants in our soft furnishings frequently contain phthalates, considered semi-volatile organic compounds, while vinyl flooring and the sealants in our bathrooms are also common VOC sources.

What are the health concerns?

VOC emissions can lead to a range of both short and long term health complaints. The most common symptoms include headaches, eye irritation and respiratory issues. Dizziness is also a frequent side effect, as is nausea and vomiting.

More concerning health outcomes include neurotoxic effects, such as diminished cognitive function, liver and kidney impairments and cancer. VOCs have also been associated with reduced fertility, fetal abnormalities and premature birth rates.

Who is most vulnerable to VOC exposure?

Different groups are more affected by VOCs in the home than others. The high respiratory rate of children relative to their body size makes them particularly vulnerable. Immunocompromised individuals are also at higher risk, as are those with chronic autoimmune or respiratory issues such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis.

Within a professional setting, people who are exposed to high levels of VOCs at their jobs include workers in the cleaning and housekeeping industry as well as in construction and nail salons. The factory workers who help to manufacture the products that end up in our homes are also in an at-risk category.

What guidelines are in place?

Regulations regarding VOC levels are currently changing on a state by state basis. There are no enforced guidelines in the USA, however, that serve to limit VOC exposure at home. This situation will hopefully change in the future but in the meantime it’s important for each person to take steps themselves.

What steps can you take to reduce exposure in the home?

Informed product choices:

The best way to reduce exposure within the home is to choose low-VOC or non-VOC products. Mineral paints, for example, emit far fewer VOCs into the air than many alternatives on the market.

Ventilation:

Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans, especially during and after activities that may release VOCs, such as painting, cleaning or using household chemicals. Proper ventilation helps to dilute indoor air pollutants and improve air circulation.

Air purifiers:

Consider using air purifiers with activated carbon or HEPA filters to help remove VOCs and other airborne contaminants from indoor air.

Give materials time to off-gas:

Allow new furniture, carpets, mattresses and other VOC-emitting products to off-gas in a well ventilated area before bringing them into your home. This can help reduce initial VOC emissions and minimize exposure.

Alternative cleaning product options:

Opt for natural cleaning alternatives, such as vinegar, baking soda or lemon juice, instead of harsh chemical cleaners that contain VOCs. Many natural cleaning products are effective, eco-friendly and safer for indoor air quality.

Bring nature in:

Cultivating certain indoor plants, such as spider plants, peace lilies and snake plants, can help absorb VOCs and other indoor air pollutants.

Photography: Sandra Weingort, Clayworks, Helen Cathcart, Armadillo, Ori Harpaz, Color Atelier Paint, de Le Cuona