Volatile Organic Compounds: What Are They and Why Should You Care?

Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN

Volatile Organic Compounds: If you have ever purchased a new piece of furniture and noticed a strong odor after opening the package, then you have likely come into contact with a volatile organic compound (VOC). When present in certain concentrations, VOCs can make the air inside our house or workplace unsafe to breathe.

This article examines VOCs, how you may be exposed, and why they are dangerous to our health.

What are volatile organic compounds?

Introduced in the 1940s, VOCs are chemical compounds that are naturally released as gas from their solid or liquid forms and into the air where we can breathe them in.  They can also dissolve in water and enter into drinking water supplies^[1].  There are thousands of VOCs found in an abundance of household products, including paint, carpet, cosmetics, and insulation.  As a result, studies examining the impact of VOCs on indoor air quality have found increased levels of up to ten times higher than outdoor air^[2].  After working with products with VOCs such as paint stripping, VOC levels can rise dramatically at up to 1000 times the outdoor levels^[3]. Formaldehyde, benzene, and methylene chloride are all common VOCs^[4].  Some of these VOCs have significant health concerns (discussed in more detail below), including classification as probable human carcinogens by the EPA^[5].

Volatile Organic Compounds: Where are VOCs found?

Exposure to VOCs can occur through breathing, skin contact, or contaminated water. VOCs are ubiquitous in the environment, but certain types are more common and associated with health concerns.  The term “off-gassing” refers to the process when new products, such as those used to build a new house, emit VOCs into the air.

Some of the most common household products that contain VOCs include^[6]:

• Cleansers and disinfectants
• Air fresheners
• Dry cleaning
• Aerosol sprays
• Automotive products
• Pesticides
• Paints and related painting products
• Carpets
• Furniture
• Office equipment (copiers, printers, etc.)
• Craft and hobby supplies such as glues and permanent pens
• Personal care products including deodorants, perfumes, hair spray and lotion

VOCs are also present in gasoline, so you are exposed anytime you pump gas.  Benzene, as mentioned above, is found in exhaled cigarette smoke. An analysis of groundwater samples from 1985-2001 found multiple VOCs in the water, including chloroform, solvents from paint removers and cleaning products, and gasoline compounds^[7].

The time of year may also influence your exposure to VOCs.  The level of VOCs inside your home is three to four times higher in winter as compared to summer due to reduced air exchange and lack of fresh air when we close up our doors and windows^[8].

What are the health risks of VOCs?

The health risks to VOC exposure are divided into acute and longer-term health concerns, likely depending on the amount and time of exposure.  Immediate symptoms of VOC exposure can present as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, eye, lung, and skin irritation, and shortness of breath^[9]. Long-term effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, fatigue, organ damage (liver and kidneys), central nervous system damage, and cancer^[10]. If certain symptoms worsen when an individual is in a specific building, such as a work environment, but symptoms improve when they are no longer in that building, it is known as sick building syndrome^[11].

While all consumers are at risk for exposure, those who smoke cigarettes and those with respiratory issues such as asthma are at higher risk of health concerns related to VOCs.  Children and the elderly may also be more affected^[12].  A study conducted on preschool-age children and the effect of VOC exposure in bedroom air suggested that indoor air worsened and/or caused symptoms of allergies, asthma, rhinitis, and eczema^[13].

As mentioned, formaldehyde is a commonly found VOC in furniture, building materials, and particleboard. Airborne formaldehyde is a significant health concern, especially for those with conditions like asthma that make them more sensitive^[14].  In research, formaldehyde exposure has been shown to cause cancer in animals. It is linked to cancer in humans with workplace exposure as well^[15].  As a result, multiple health agencies, including the National Toxicology Program, the EPA, and the National Cancer Institute, have all concluded that exposure to formaldehyde is a probable carcinogen in humans^[16].

Methylene chloride is another VOC found in products such as paint strippers and aerosol spray paints.

Methylene chloride has also been listed as a human carcinogen. It can damage the central nervous system if inhaled in large amounts^[17].  Methylene chloride is also dangerous because the body will convert it to carbon monoxide, potentially leading to symptoms usually seen with carbon monoxide poisoning^[18].

As mentioned, benzene is found in cigarette smoke, but also gasoline, paint, and other household items.  Benzene is one of the top 20 chemicals used in the United States^[19].  As with the other VOCs listed above, benzene is a known carcinogen based on human and animal studies^[20].  Acute exposure affects the nervous system if inhaled in high amounts, causing headaches, confusion, and more.  Food can be contaminated with benzene via water or by processing, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. However, this contributes to a smaller exposure^[21].   Long-term exposure affects the bone marrow and can cause anemia, low white blood cell counts, and low platelet counts^[22].

Perchloroethylene (PCE), a chemical found in dry cleaning, is another VOC that is linked to cancer in animals and has been labeled as likely carcinogenic to humans^[23].   In addition to dry cleaning, PCE has been found in drinking water, indoor air, groundwater, and soil^[24].  PCE is also a known neurotoxin, as seen in both human and animal studies that cause visual changes and cognitive impairments^[25].

Volatile Organic Compounds: Who regulates the use of VOCs?

Nationally, the EPA regulates the levels of VOCs in air, water, and the environment.  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also oversees levels of VOCs in the workplace.  The FDA oversees levels of VOCs in food, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires special labeling for products that exceed acceptable standards.

Several guidelines have also been developed beyond national government standards to reduce exposure to VOCs. In California, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) published a health-based standard for testing building materials as well to help support a reduction in VOCs^[26]. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) also helps to regulate formaldehyde emissions from wood products^[27].

Several other states have joined what is known as the Ozone Transport Commission that created stricter limits on VOCs in paints^[28].  And while there is a standard maximum allowable amount of VOC in paint, some paint companies have chosen to follow more rigorous limits based on California’s restrictions^[29].

However, VOCs can quickly add up in the home and workplace, so to reduce exposure, it may be up to you to self-monitor to protect yourself.

How to reduce your exposure to VOCs?

There are several steps you can take to reduce exposure to VOCs.

• Ensure you have adequate circulation in your home. Air circulation helps protect you from VOCs in addition to other air pollutants.
• Avoid storing opened containers of paint in your home or garage. Purchase smaller containers when able.  VOCs can leak from even closed containers, so it’s best to buy only as much product as you need to use for each project^[30].   If you must store excess product, keep the container in a shed or detached garage.
• Avoid pesticide use.
• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke exposure.
• If you are using products with VOCs, make sure you do so with adequate fresh air.
• Always follow label instructions and never mix products.
• Avoid products with benzene and methylene chloride.
• Avoid dry cleaning or look for organic dry cleaners who do not use perchloroethylene.
• Look for VOC free furniture options, including mattresses.
• Choose low VOC painting products for home building or improvement.
• Avoid particleboard style furniture and choose solid wood or low VOC labeled wood products.

Additionally, you can look for third-party verified testing options.  Individual industries have various options from carpets, to paints, to floor covering.  Unfortunately, there have been issues with companies misleading consumers with false labeling, including several paint companies. These companies claimed to be VOC free when they were not^[31].

The takeaway

VOCs are common in our home and work environments, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.  Choosing to support companies that are good for you as well as the environment is a meaningful way you can demand change by voting with your wallet.

References:

[1] Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects.

[2] “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Nov. 2017, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality.

[3] IBID

[4] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHLB/IAQ/Pages/VOC.aspx

[5] Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals. www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-01/documents/indoor_air_pollution.pdf .

[6] “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Nov. 2017, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality.

[7] Groundwater Quality in Principal Aquifers of the Nation, 1991–2010, www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/groundwater-quality-principal-aquifers-nation-1991-2010?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects.

[8]Barro R, Regueiro J, Llompart M, Garcia-Jares C. Analysis of industrial contaminants in indoor air: part 1. Volatile organic compounds, carbonyl compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. Journal of chromatography. A. 2009 Jan;1216(3):540-566. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.10.117.

[9] “Volatile Organic Compuounds (VOCs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs.

[10] IBID

[11] “Volatile Organic Compounds.” Volatile Organic Compounds | Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Scientific Findings Resource Bank (IAQ-SFRB), iaqscience.lbl.gov/voc-summary.

[12] IBID

[13] Choi, Hyunok, et al. “Common Household Chemicals and the Allergy Risks in Pre-School Age Children.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0013423.

[14] Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals. www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-01/documents/indoor_air_pollution.pdf .

[15] “Formaldehyde.” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/formaldehyde.html.

[16] IBID

[17] “Toxic Substances Portal – Methylene Chloride.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=233&tid=42.

[18] Banjoko, Sunny O et al. “Methylene chloride exposure and carboxyhemoglobin levels in cabinetmakers.” Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine vol. 11,2 (2007): 56-60. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.34529

[19] “Glossary of Volatile Organic Compounds.” CDC, www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/fallon/glossary-voc.pdf.

[20] “Benzene.” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/benzene.html.

[21] “Toxic Substances Portal – Benzene.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=37&tid=14.

[22] IBID

[23] IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans. “TETRACHLOROETHYLENE.” Trichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene, and Some Other Chlorinated Agents., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK294284/.

[24] Guyton, Kathryn Z, et al. “Human Health Effects of Tetrachloroethylene: Key Findings and Scientific Issues.” Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Apr. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3984230/.

[25] Guyton, Kathryn Z et al. “Human health effects of tetrachloroethylene: key findings and scientific issues.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 122,4 (2014): 325-34. doi:10.1289/ehp.1307359

[26] California, State of. Section 01350, www.calrecycle.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/Specs/Section01350/.

[27] “California Air Resources Board.” Composite Wood Products Airborne Toxic Control Measure, ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/composite-wood-products-program.

[28] “OTC Home Page – Ozone Transport Commission – OTCAir.org.” OTC Home Page – Ozone Transport Commission – OTCAir.org, otcair.org/.

[29] “What Are VOCs in Paint, and Is More or Less of Them Better?” Product Reviews and Ratings – Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2008/04/what-are-vocs-in-paint-and-is-more-or-less-of-them-better/index.htm.

[30] “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Nov. 2017, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality.

[31] “Paint Companies Settle FTC Charges That They Misled Consumers; Claimed Products Are Emission- and VOC-Free and Safe for Babies and Other Sensitive Populations.” Federal Trade Commission, 26 Apr. 2018, www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2017/07/paint-companies-settle-ftc-charges-they-misled-consumers-claimed.