VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds 

Some household products including paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organic chemicals can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors, including the level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.
In chemical terms, organics refers to carbon-based compounds. Life is based on organic molecules that contain carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The physical and chemical properties of the chemical are determined by how these molecules are arranged. Volatile means that a compound tends to easily turn to a vapor or gas at normal indoor conditions. There are hundreds of VOCs in indoor air, many of which have adverse effects on our health. Many VOCs are known carcinogens. Benzene is a carcinogen, and Xylene may damage the heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system at high concentrations.

Common sources of VOCs include paint, strippers, thinners, and various solvents. Aerosol sprays, cleaners, and disinfectants, moth repellents, air fresheners are also sources of VOCs. Stored fuels, automotive products, hobby supplies, and dry cleaned clothing are also a source of VOCs.
Formaldehyde is a VOC with a strong odor. Formaldehyde is used extensively in many household products because of its useful properties. Pressed wood products such as particleboard, paneling, cabinets, countertops, and veneered furniture produce a large amount of formaldehyde. Carpeting also contains a large amount of formaldehyde, which continues to emit for months after installation. It is emitted from various construction materials, including plywood paneling, particleboard, glues and adhesives, furniture, and cabinets. Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in some paints and finished products to add permanent-press quality to fabrics and is a product of combustion, fuel-burning appliances, and second-hand smoke.

Removing the source of VOCs is the most effective way of improving air quality at home. Some advanced air purifiers with HEPA filters are capable of removing these gaseous contaminants from the air. For example, the VOC unit, a member of the IQAir GC Series, is specifically manufactured as an advanced air cleaning device for volatile organic compounds, odors, and particulates.

In addition, bringing in some fresh air when the weather allows it is useful to wash down any existing chemicals. The use of products that contain low levels of VOCs and formaldehyde is highly recommended for people with chemical sensitivities. Household products that emit VOCs are all over the house; carpets, furnishings, building material, perfumes, hair sprays, cleaning products, and pesticides.

Many people are sensitive to low levels that cannot be detected by the human nose. There are inexpensive and reliable methods for the accurate detection of formaldehyde levels in the air. To minimize exposure to formaldehyde, buy low emission products, and seal particleboard with special sealants. Also, as previously mentioned, use air cleaners with activated charcoal filters that can remove formaldehyde or VOCs out of the air. For highly sensitive people, solid hardwood or metal furnishings are recommended.