Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

[Lisa B]

Kathie: you asked about VOC's

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. The term “organic” indicates that the compounds contain carbon. VOC exposures are often associated with an odor while other times there is no odor. Both can be harmful. There are thousands of different VOCs produced and used in our daily lives.

Many products emit or “off –gas” VOCs. Some examples of VOC emission sources are:

Benzene
Toluene
Methylene
Chloride
Formaldehyde
Xylene
Ethylene glycol
Texanol
1,3-butadiene
Emission Sources
Paints
Varnishes
Moth balls
Solvents
Gasoline
Newspaper
Cooking
Cleaning Chemicals
Vinyl floors
Carpets
Photocopying
Upholstery Fabrics
Adhesives
Sealing Caulks
Cosmetics
Air Fresheners
Fuel Oil
Vehicle Exhaust
Pressed wood furniture
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand smoke)



What levels of VOC are typical in the home?
As of July, 2003 neither Minnesota nor the federal government have set standards for VOC levels in non-occupational settings. However, some guidelines are available. MDH has established Health Risk Values (HRVs) for some contaminants in air for several different exposure situations. For more information on these HRVs go to MDH Health Risk Values Website.

Many studies have shown VOC levels are higher in indoor air than outdoor air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies have found indoor VOC levels that were 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.

Levels of VOC Exposure in indoor air vary widely depending on:

the volume of air in the room/building
the rate at which the VOC is off-gassed
the building ventilation rate
outdoor concentrations
time spent in the effected environment
What are the health effects of VOC exposure?
Acute

Eye irritation / watering
Nose irritation
Throat irritation
Headaches
Nausea / Vomitting
Dizziness
Asthma exacerbation
Chronic

Cancer
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Central Nervous System damage


Most studies to date have been conducted on single chemicals. Less is know about the health effects of combined chemical exposure. The best health protection measure is to limit your exposure to products and materials that contain VOCs when possible. If you think you may be having health problems caused by VOC exposure consult an occupational/environmental health physician who specializes in this area

Are some people at greater risk from VOC exposure than others?
Persons with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, elderly, and persons with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to illness from VOC exposure.

How can I tell what levels of VOC are in my home?
Some home screening kits are available to measure total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels, and some individual VOCs. These home sampling kits should be viewed as providing “ballpark” amount of VOCs in the indoor air. Conditions such as ventilation, temperature and humidity can cause VOC concentrations to fluctuate daily.

Prior to testing conduct an inspection of your home for some common sources of VOCs such as:

New carpeting
New furniture
Idling automobile in attached garage
Recent painting
Chemicals stored in the home
Recently applied adhesives
New plastic or electronic devices

Once you determine the probable source of VOCs, steps can be taken to reduce your exposure. If you are unable to determine the source, a professional indoor air quality investigator / industrial hygienist can be consulted. MDH has a residential service provider list along with recommendations on selection. MDH also has a guidance document that can be used for investigating possible VOC contamination entitled
Indoor Air Sampling at VOC contaminated sites.


How do I reduce the levels of VOCs in my home?
Most products containing VOCs will off gas within a short period of time although some will continue to give off trace amounts of VOCs for a long period of time. The best means of reducing VOC exposure is to eliminate products containing VOCs or use low emitting VOC products.

Some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to VOC in the home are:

Source control
eliminate products from home that have high levels of VOCs
purchase new products that contain low or no VOCs (Environmentally Preferable Purchasing)
Ventilation – open doors and windows, use fans
Control climate – as temperature and humidity increase some chemicals will off gas more
Treat the source – airtight sealers can be used to coat over some products. However, caution is advised in choosing the coating product as this could introduce new VOCs into the air while controlling for others.
Air cleaners – look for HEPA filtration designed to remove chemicals from the air.
Purchasing environmentally responsible cleaning chemicals
Remove unused chemicals from the home. Check with city or county for household hazardous waste collection sites
For more information on VOCs and other indoor air pollutants, contact:
Minnesota Department of Health, Indoor Air Program
625 Robert Street N
PO Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050

[CALVINS MOM]

Phew! Thanks! I'll have to really study this so that, when I spout off to look for a paint with low VOC's, I can really explain it intelligently. Uh, do ya think I have a chance? 8^)

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by CALVINS MOM

when I spout off to look for a paint with low VOC's, I can really explain it intelligently. Uh, do ya think I have a chance? 8^)

i dunno...but I can always stand behind you and make faces!!!!!!

ps..Benjamin Moore Eco Spec...thats all they need to know.
Low VOC's and safe to use in a ventilated area .....
not in the same room, but in the same house with correct ventilation is fine.

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

i dunno...but I can always stand behind you and make faces!!!!!!

You wouldn't be the first!!!!

[felisdomesticus]

Organic Chemistry was my downfall in college. I'm pretty smart but I just could never get it. Way too abstract and speculative for my mind.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by felisdomesticus

Organic Chemistry was my downfall in college. I'm pretty smart but I just could never get it. Way too abstract and speculative for my mind.

my downfall was Chemistry, Period!

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

my downfall was Chemistry, Period!

Chemistry? Isn't that something between a man and a woman or a human and a fid? At least I did good with the latter part of that statement. As for men, well I guess that's for Badboard.com!

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by CALVINS MOM

Chemistry? Isn't that something between a man and a woman or a human and a fid? At least I did good with the latter part of that statement. As for men, well I guess that's for Badboard.com!