The body of this article is drawn from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s public guidance on volatile organic compounds. EPA materials are in the public domain. Source: EPA — Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s “Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study” (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.
Household products, including:
paints, paint strippers and other solvents
moth repellents and air fresheners
stored fuels and automotive products
building materials and furnishings
office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.
Eye, nose and throat irritation
Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system
Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include:
declines in serum cholinesterase levels
The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect.
As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics include:
Eye and respiratory tract irritation
visual disorders and memory impairment
At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes.
EPA’s Office of Drinking Water Regulations
List of Contaminants and their MCLs: Organic Chemicals
U.S. Geology Survey’s National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program
Information on VOCs in Water Sources
Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.
Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs.
Meet or exceed any label precautions.
Do not store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials within the school.
Formaldehyde, one of the best known VOCs, is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured.
Identify, and if possible, remove the source.
If not possible to remove, reduce exposure by using a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other furnishings.
Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides.
Use household products according to manufacturer’s directions.
Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using these products.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.
Follow label instructions carefully.
Potentially hazardous products often have warnings aimed at reducing exposure of the user. For example, if a label says to use the product in a well-ventilated area, go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it. Otherwise, open up windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air possible.
Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely.
Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. (Be sure that materials you decide to keep are stored not only in a well-ventilated area but are also safely out of reach of children.) Do not simply toss these unwanted products in the garbage can. Find out if your local government or any organization in your community sponsors special days for the collection of toxic household wastes. If such days are available, use them to dispose of the unwanted containers safely. If no such collection days are available, think about organizing one.
If you use products only occasionally or seasonally, such as paints, paint strippers and kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as much as you will use right away.
Keep exposure to emissions from products containing methylene chloride to a minimum.
Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this chemical are:
automobile emissions in attached garages
Actions that will reduce benzene exposure include:
eliminating smoking within the home
providing for maximum ventilation during painting
discarding paint supplies and special fuels that will not be used immediately
Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum.
Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause cancer in animals. Recent studies indicate that people breathe low levels of this chemical both in homes where dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they wear dry-cleaned clothing. Dry cleaners recapture the perchloroethylene during the dry-cleaning process so they can save money by re-using it, and they remove more of the chemical during the pressing and finishing processes. Some dry cleaners, however, do not remove as much perchloroethylene as possible all of the time.
Taking steps to minimize your exposure to this chemical is prudent.
If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until they have been properly dried.
If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry cleaner.
No federally enforceable standards have been set for VOCs in non-industrial settings. To learn more about VOC’s, including current guidelines or recommendations set by various organizations for formaldehyde concentrations, visit
