Household Chemicals & Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)

Certain household chemicals emit gases known as Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs). VOCs include a wide range of chemicals stemming from an even wider array of household products. Products that emit VOCs may include paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, office equipment such as copiers and printers, craft materials, glues and permanent markers. Due to their wide variety, poor indoor air quality caused by VOCs has a wide range of both short-term and long-term health effects.

Health effects from exposure to volatile organic chemicals range from mild to severe. The more severe health effects include damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. In addition certain organic chemicals are known to cause cancer in animals and either suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. More common symptoms of exposure to VOCs include eye, nose and throat irritation; headache; allergic reactions; nausea; fatigue and dizziness.

Concentrations of these organic chemicals have been found to be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. VOCs can be emitted from household products both during use and while in storage. During and several hours after such activities as painting or paint stripping, concentration levels may be as high as 1,000 times the normal background levels. Your home's indoor air quality can be greatly affected if household chemicals are not used or stored properly.

Several steps can be taken to reduce exposure to VOCs and improve your indoor air quality. Always follow the manufacturers instructions and warnings and make sure there is an ample supply of fresh air while using.

Safely dispose of any partially full containers or old unneeded chemicals; even closed containers can emit can leak gas. If containers must be kept, store them in a well-ventilated area. Also buy limited quantities of chemicals that will be used occasionally or seasonally such as paints.

Minimize your exposure to products containing methylene chloride. Methylene chloride can be found in paint strippers, adhesive removers and aerosol spray paints. It is known to cause cancer in animals and is readily converted to Carbon Monoxide in the body.

Minimize exposure to benzene. Benzene is a known human carcinogen found in Environmental Tobacco Smoke, stored fuels, paint supplies and automobile emissions.

One of the most well known VOCs is Formaldehyde. Removing or sealing its sources can reduce exposure to Formaldehyde. For more information, see our article on Formaldehyde and Indoor Air Quality.

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