What Are Volatile Organic Compounds? Types of VOCs & Solutions for Avoiding Them

Have you ever walked into a freshly painted room and been hit with that distinct, sharp smell?

That's the scent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in action. These widespread chemicals are found in countless household items, from paints and cleaning products to furniture and carpets. While they may seem harmless, VOCs can pose serious health risks, including an increased chance of developing cancer [1]. In fact, some VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde are known carcinogens linked to leukemia and throat cancer, respectively. Take a deep breath! There are steps you can take to reduce exposure to VOCs. Understanding VOCs and their common causes is key to protecting yourself and your family. Here’s everything you need to know about VOCs!

What Is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)?

VOCs are carbon-containing compounds that easily go from a solid to a gaseous form at normal temperatures [2]. They are chemicals with high vapor pressure, causing them to evaporate readily into the environment by being released from liquids and solids. 

VOCs come from both artificial and natural sources. Artificial sources include things such as paints and cleaners. Natural sources include plants, animals, humans, and forest fires.

Where Do VOCs Come From?

VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They come from many different sources, both natural and human-made. Understanding where VOCs come from helps explain why they are so common in our environment.

In Nature

VOCs react with other compounds in the environment, particularly in the presence of sunlight. For example, they react with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone and smog. These reactions can create new compounds and contribute to air pollution.

In addition, millions of natural sources emit different types of VOCs. For instance, trees like oak and eucalyptus produce isoprene as a natural sunscreen, helping them stay cool and keep their leaves working well even when it's very hot outside.

Citrus fruits release limonene, which gives them their characteristic scent and keeps pests at bay. Cattle produce methane as they digest food, which can contribute to global warming but can also be used as fertilizer. So, as you can see, not all VOCs are necessarily “bad.” We should just limit our exposure to protect our well-being. 

These natural VOCs have been part of our environment for millions of years, and most are not harmful in normal concentrations. However, sometimes, we are exposed to VOCs at higher levels than we realize. Therefore, being mindful of VOC exposures can help limit them, which could be beneficial for your overall wellness. 

In Human-Made Sources

While VOCs are naturally occurring, human activities have introduced new sources of VOCs in the home and outdoors. Some of the most common sources of VOCs in the home include cleaning products, building materials, and furniture. 

Outdoors, we can become exposed to different types of VOCs. Common outdoor sources of VOCs include vehicle exhaust, pesticides used in agriculture, burning trash, industrial emissions, and so much more. 

Many of these artificial VOCs can be harmful to human health, especially when they accumulate in enclosed spaces like homes and offices. Consider getting an air purifier with carbon filters for rooms you frequent often. 

What Are the Symptoms of High VOC Exposure?

Understanding the symptoms of high VOC exposure is crucial for protecting your health and recognizing potential hazards in your environment. By being aware of these signs, you can take prompt action to reduce exposure and seek medical attention if necessary.

Symptoms of high VOC exposure can include:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Headaches, nauseous
• Fatigue
• Asthma symptoms 
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms can resolve once exposure is removed. However, long-term exposure can cause other more serious health concerns, including infertility and cancer. 

VOCs in the Home

Even though they can be found both indoors and outdoors, VOC concentrations are up to ten times higher indoors [3]. These findings are alarming as, on average, people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. This time translates to about 22 hours a day when considering activities at home, work, and in vehicles [4].

Some common sources of indoor VOCs include:

• Paint, paint strippers
• Varnishes and finishes
• Caulks and sealants
• Adhesives
• Flooring, carpet, pressed wood products
• Cleaners and disinfectants
• Furniture
• Pesticides
• Air fresheners
• Cosmetics and deodorants
• Tobacco smoke
• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Gas and wood-burning stoves
• Fuel Oil

Being aware of these VOC sources is crucial for making educated decisions about your home purchases. Many products are developed to emit low levels of VOCs. Be sure to research brands for paint, furniture, and building materials to determine if they have low-VOC options. 

VOCs and Indoor Air Pollution

Poor indoor air quality due to high VOC levels can lead to both short-term and long-term health effects. These range from minor irritations like headaches and eye irritation to more serious conditions like respiratory diseases, liver and kidney damage, and even cancer in some cases [5][6].

VOCs have a huge impact on indoor air quality because they mainly build up indoors. This is because they off gas from a variety of household products, including furniture, paint, and even stoves. 

Airflow and ventilation are lower indoors compared to outside. Therefore, these gaseous chemicals have the ability to accumulate within these tighter spaces. 

Dust your house and wet mop the floors regularly to help eliminate VOCs in dust. When weather permits, open your windows for at least 15 minutes per day. 

Also, consider getting air purifiers with carbon filters for various rooms in your home, especially bedrooms and other rooms your family spends a lot of time in. 

What Are the Common VOCs in Indoor Air?

There are hundreds of VOCs. Some you may have heard of before are formaldehyde and ethanol. Others have long chemical names. Some VOCs are even released when you breathe and are perfectly normal, like acetone and isoprene. Let’s take a closer look at common household VOCs that pollute your indoor air. 

Common VOCs that are found with products around your home include:

• Formaldehyde - Found in pressed wood products, floor lacquers, and certain molded plastics.
• Benzene - Present in paints, glues, carpeting, and emissions from gasoline combustion.
• Toluene - Found in paints, inks, dyes, and perfumes.
• Xylene - Comes from traffic emissions and idling cars.
• Acetone - Present in nail polish remover, furniture polish, and wallpaper.
• Ethanol - Found in glass cleaners, dishwasher tablets, and laundry detergents.
• Naphthalene - Often found in mothballs and deodorizers.
• Dichlorobenzene - Used in mothballs and deodorizers.
• Terpenes - Present in fragrant products like soaps and laundry detergents.
• Carbon disulfide - Can be found in chlorinated water.
• Acrolein - Used in the production of plastics and in pesticides.
• 1,3-butadiene - Made in the processing of petroleum products.
• Tetrachloroethylene- Used in dry cleaning.
• Styrene -Used to make plastics and rubbers. 
• Methylene chloride - Used in paint removal processes. 

There may be a lot of VOCs to keep track of, however, all VOCs follow similar rules with how they are released and are easy to reduce by following some simple steps within your home. 

How Do You Test Indoor Air for VOCs?

If you are concerned about the levels of VOCs in your home, you can purchase an air quality monitor. These monitors typically use sensors that can detect a wide range of VOCs, providing real-time measurements of their concentrations in the air. 

By using such an air quality monitor for VOCs, you can gain valuable insights into potential pollutants in your home. These at-home VOC tests are useful for identifying when VOC levels spike throughout the day. Using one of these air quality monitors could potentially help you pinpoint the sources of these VOC emissions. 

VOCs in the Environment

VOCs are present in outdoor environments and originate from both natural and human-made sources. Natural sources include plants, trees, and volcanic eruptions, while human-made sources encompass vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and agricultural activities. 

Although outdoor VOCs can pose health risks, their concentration is generally lower compared to indoor environments due to better air circulation and dispersion in open spaces [1].

However, prolonged exposure to outdoor VOCs can still be problematic, especially for people who work outdoors or live in areas with high pollution levels. These compounds can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, and some may have long-term health effects. 

While the immediate danger from outdoor VOCs is typically less severe than from indoor sources, their presence in the environment remains a concern for air quality and public health.

Tips for Avoiding Harmful VOCs

Taking proactive steps to minimize your exposure to VOCs can significantly enhance the air quality in your home and promote a healthier living environment. By making informed choices about the products you use and how you manage your indoor space, you can create a sanctuary that supports your well-being and reduces harmful pollutants. 

Here are some strategies to help you reduce VOC exposure:

• Choose Low-VOC Products: Opt for items that are labeled as low-VOC or free from harmful chemicals.
• Select Natural Fibers: When purchasing furniture, look for natural materials like bamboo or cotton, which emit fewer VOCs.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Always ventilate your home, especially during activities that may release high levels of VOCs, such as cooking on a gas stove; opening windows can improve airflow.
• Invest in Air Purifiers: Consider purchasing air purifiers designed to filter out VOCs and improve indoor air quality.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean and dust your home to reduce the accumulation of VOCs and other pollutants.
• Off-Gas New Products: Allow new items to off-gas by placing them outside before bringing them indoors, reducing the concentration of VOCs in your living space.
• Protect Yourself at Work: If you work in environments with high levels of industrial products, wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling harmful VOCs.
• Pregnant? Avoid VOCs by having someone else paint the nursery, using low VOC paint, and letting any freshly painted rooms air out. Avoid the pump–ask friends or family to fill your gas tank up.

By implementing these strategies, you empower yourself to take charge of your indoor air quality and overall health. Small changes can lead to significant improvements, creating a safer and more comfortable home for you and your loved ones. Embrace these practices and make a positive impact on your living space today!

Low-VOC Living

While VOCs may sound concerning, it's important to remember that even humans naturally produce hundreds of VOCs through breathing and skin excretion. Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce exposure to harmful VOCs. The most important steps include ensuring proper ventilation and maintaining clean air in your home.

The EPA monitors and regulates VOCs through the National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer and Commercial Products. If you're concerned about these chemicals, stay informed and consider getting involved to support ongoing monitoring, research, and improvement of safety standards.

FAQS

Why Are VOCs Worse At Night?

VOCs are higher at night for several reasons. First, there is typically low ventilation in the bedroom, which allows these compounds to accumulate [7]. Additionally, bodily functions, such as farting and breathing, can contribute to VOC build-up during the night. Finally, VOCs can also be released from mattresses and various personal care products used before bedtime [8].

How Do You Speed Up VOC Off-gassing?

Off-gassing can help reduce VOCs in your home by allowing products to air out before being brought into your home and used. The three best ways to off-gas is with air, ventilation, and heat. The sun can be your best resource to off gas items. Consider putting things outside in the sun before bringing them into your home. Just be cautious, as some materials can actually break down in the sun, like latex and foam.[9]

Does Vacuuming Remove VOCs?

Dust can collect harmful particles, including VOCs. Regularly cleaning your house can help minimize levels of these harmful chemicals in your home. Regular dusting and vacuuming are effective ways to clear the air of VOCs [10].

Vacuums with activated carbon filters are great for keeping your home healthy. These special filters are designed to capture harmful chemicals, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that regular vacuums might miss. Activated carbon filters work by adsorbing these gasses, helping to improve the air quality in your home.

Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of VOCs?

Clean air and proper ventilation are the main ways to eliminate VOC exposure. Getting the right air filter with an activated carbon layer can eliminate VOCs in the air in your home. If you are unsure about which air filter to purchase, Million Marker has done the research for you. Just visit the Million Marker Amazon Store to find approved air filters for your home.

Resources

[1] https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8700805/ 
[3] https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0160412022005384 
[4] https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality 
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7914726/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181143/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11080066/ 
[8] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190710103211.htm
[9] https://branchbasics.com/blogs/home/outgassing-and-offgassing
[10] https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds
[11] https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/toxins/voc.htm