IAQ • VOC • SBS
the alphabet soup of air quality and your health
V
olatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels
symptoms associated with exposure to
are emitted as gases from certain
of about a dozen common organic pol-
VOCs include conjunctival irritation,
solids or liquids. VOCs include a
lutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside
nose and throat discomfort, headache,
variety of chemicals, some of which may
homes than outside, regardless of wheth-
allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines
have short- and long-term adverse health
er the homes were located in rural or
in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea,
effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are
highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM
emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.
consistently higher indoors (up to ten
studies indicate that while people are
The ability of organic chemicals to
times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are
using products containing organic chem-
cause health effects varies greatly from
emitted by a wide array of products num-
icals, they can expose themselves and
those that are highly toxic, to those with
bering in the thousands. Examples in-
others to very high pollutant levels, and
no known health effect. As with other
clude: paints and lacquers, paint strip-
elevated concentrations can persist in the
pollutants, the extent and nature of the
pers, cleaning supplies, pesticides,
air long after the activity is completed.
health effect will depend on many factors
building materials and furnishings, office
including level of exposure and length of
equipment such as copiers and printers,
Sources
time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract
correction fluids and carbonless copy
Household products including:
irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual
paper, graphics and craft materials includ-
paints, paint strippers, and other solvents;
disorders, and memory impairment are
ing glues and adhesives, permanent
wood preservatives; aerosol sprays;
among the immediate symptoms that
markers, and photographic solutions.
cleansers and disinfectants; moth repel-
some people have experienced soon after
Organic chemicals are widely used
lents and air fresheners; stored fuels and
exposure to some organics. Many or-
as ingredients in household products.
automotive products; hobby supplies;
ganic compounds are known to cause
Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain
dry-cleaned clothing.
cancer in animals; some are suspected of
organic solvents, as do many cleaning,
causing, or are known to cause, cancer
disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and
Health Effects
in humans.
hobby products. Fuels are made up of
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; head-
organic chemicals. All of these products
aches, loss of coordination, nausea; dam-
Levels in Homes
can release organic compounds while
age to liver, kidney, and central nervous
Studies have found that levels of
you are using them, and, to some degree,
system. Some organics can cause cancer
several organics average 2 to 5 times
when they are stored.
in animals; some are suspected or known
higher indoors than outdoors. During and
EPA's Total Exposure Assessment
to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or
for several hours immediately after cer-
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