Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
The sources, effects, solutions, and importance of professional testing and monitoring for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home.
Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that are emitted as gases from various products, including building materials, cleaning products, and furniture. VOCs are produced by a variety of sources, including natural processes such as the emissions from trees and other plants, as well as human activities such as painting, cooking, and smoking.
The effects of VOCs on human health can vary depending on the type and concentration of the chemical, as well as the duration and frequency of exposure. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure to lower levels of VOCs can cause more serious health effects, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, as well as an increased risk of cancer.
There are several solutions to reduce VOC levels in homes, including proper ventilation, avoiding the use of products that contain high levels of VOCs, and installing air purifiers. It is important to refer to a professional to accurately measure VOC levels in your home, as they have the necessary equipment and expertise to obtain accurate and reliable measurements.
Professional readings of VOC levels are obtained using specialized equipment that is calibrated to provide accurate and reliable measurements. Consumer readings, on the other hand, are typically obtained using inexpensive, do-it-yourself test kits that may not provide as accurate or reliable results as professional readings.
Monitoring and testing for VOCs is important, especially when moving into a new home, particularly one that has undergone recent renovations or is located in an area with known high levels of VOCs. It is important to have a professional inspection performed to accurately measure and mitigate VOC levels in your home to protect your health and the health of your family.
In summary, VOCs are a group of chemicals that are emitted as gases from various products and can have harmful effects on human health. It is important to refer to a professional to accurately measure VOC levels in your home, and to take steps to reduce exposure to VOCs to protect your health.
Most common found VOCs
VOCs could be lurking in your home.
- Formaldehyde – found in building materials, furniture, and consumer products like adhesives and cleaning agents
- Benzene – found in gasoline, tobacco smoke, and industrial emissions
- Toluene – found in paints, paint thinners, and adhesives
- Xylene – found in paints, varnishes, and adhesives
- Acetone – found in cleaning agents, nail polish remover, and consumer products like paints and adhesives
- Ethanol – found in alcoholic beverages, fuels, and cleaning agents
- Styrene – found in plastics, synthetic rubber, and insulation materials
- Perchloroethylene – found in dry cleaning agents
- Trichloroethylene – found in industrial solvents and degreasers
- 1,1,1 Trichloroethane – found in cleaning agents and degreasers
- Chloroform – found in disinfectants, pesticides, & water treatment chemicals
12. Vinyl chloride – found in plastics, synthetic rubber, and PVC pipes
13. Carbon tetrachloride – found in industrial solvents and cleaning agents
14.Methylene chloride – found in paint strippers, cleaning agents, and aerosol sprays
15. Ethylene glycol – found in antifreeze, deicing agents, and hydraulic fluids
16. Butadiene – found in industrial emissions and tobacco smoke
17. Ethylene oxide – found in sterilization agents and fumigants
18. Acrolein – found in tobacco smoke, cooking smoke, and industrial emissions
19. Methane – found in natural gas and sewage
20. Naphthalene – found in mothballs and industrial emissions.
It’s important to note that the prevalence of these VOCs can vary depending on the specific location and industry, and this is not an exhaustive list of all possible sources of these VOCs.