Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are dangerous for human health. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOC levels are 2x5x greater inside your home than outside.
But what are VOCs? VOCs are toxic gases that certain products emit. And these indoor air pollutants can lead to long- and short-term health problems (e.g., headaches, respiratory tract infections, and vision problems).
What else do you need to know about VOCs? And how can you prevent them from reaching high concentrations in your home? We will answer these two questions and more in this guide.
What Are VOCs?
VOC stands for “volatile organic compound.” The WHO distinguishes between SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds) and VVOCs (very volatile organic compounds). But we will only talk about VOCs today.
An organic compound is any chemical compound that contains carbon, as well as hydrogen, oxygen, and/or nitrogen. Volatility refers to a chemical’s speed of vaporization or how fast it turns into a gas at room temperature.
Examples of VOCs
The EPA gives the following compounds as examples of VOCs in products:
- Formaldehyde
- d-Limonene
- Toluene
- Acetone
- Ethanol/Ethyl Alcohol
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Hexanal
All of these compounds can cause significant health problems.
Health Hazards Associated With VOCs
VOCs have multiple related health hazards. The more of a VOC you get exposed to or the longer you are exposed, the more significant the effects can be.
Minor health effects of VOC exposure include sensory irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and balance issues. You may also experience allergic reactions, vomiting, nosebleeds, or trouble breathing.
In more serious cases, people can experience problems with cholinesterase in the central nervous system (CNS), liver or kidney damage, and even cancer.
Sources of VOCs in Household Products
By now, you may be wondering: where do VOCs come from in the first place? Some common household products are known to contain and emit VOCs, including the following:
- Paint
- Paint stripper
- Aerosol spray
- Some disinfectants
- Automotive products
- Dry-cleaned clothes
- Pesticides
- Concrete coatings
Another word of warning is to look out for sources of off-gassing. Off-gassing occurs when a product’s manufacturing results in the creation of VOCs.
How to Stay Safe from VOCs
VOCs are everywhere. But that does not mean you have to deal with the health effects of exposure. Instead, follow these tips to stay safe from volatile organic compounds in your home.
- Improve your indoor air flow while using VOC-containing products
- Follow all label instructions when handling VOC-containing products
- Do not store open containers of VOC-containing products in your home
- Dispose of VOC-containing product containers according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Never mix VOC-containing products
Finally, make sure your work with businesses that know how to protect you and your family from VOCs.
Garage Force Can Protect You from VOCs
So, what are VOCs? VOCs are toxic gases that some household products emit into the air. It is important to have good airflow to avoid breathing in these harmful chemicals.
Want to get your garage redone but stressed about VOCs? Contact us to learn how we can redo your flooring and keep you safe from volatile compounds in the process.