What are Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOC’s?

Volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s may be found in products such as gasoline, refrigerants, adhesives, and solvents. Many organic compounds are used during construction, but others may be used daily in cleaning fluids, cosmetics, and more. These include the solvents in paints, caulk, and adhesives, as well as the ingredients in hair sprays, carpet cleaners, floor polishes, and pesticides.

Symptoms & Effects of VOC’s?

The health effects of high concentrations of VOC’s vary from being highly toxic and carcinogenic to having no known effect. The impact of long-term exposure at the levels found in households, however, is less well understood. High levels of VOC concentration have been linked to respiratory conditions, asthma, and other illnesses. This is particularly a problem for children or people with compromised immune systems.

Some symptoms of short-term (acute) exposures to VOC’s include increased risk of eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea / vomiting, dizziness and worsening of asthma symptoms. Symptoms of long-term exposures to VOC’s include increased risk of cancer, liver damage, kidney damage and central nervous system damage.