Table of Contents
What are VOCs in the air?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe.
Which are some of the main sources of VOCs found at household level?
Sources of VOCs
- 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.
How many VOCs are there?
Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) are volatile organic compounds that can be produced by microorganisms in their primary or secondary metabolism. In total, around 1200 MVOC have been identified and around 250 MVOC from mold have been measured in indoor environmental studies.
How can VOCs adversely affect human health and environmental health?
VOC exposure in indoor environments can irritate the eyes, throat, and nose, as well as cause headaches, dizziness, and potentially lead to memory loss or visual impairment.
What are the environmental effects of VOCs?
How do VOCs cause smog? VOCs play a significant role in the formation of ozone and fine particulates in the atmosphere. Under sunlight, VOCs react with nitrogen oxides emitted mainly from vehicles, power plants and industrial activities to form ozone, which in turn helps the formation of fine particulates.
Where are VOCs found?
VOCs are often components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry cleaning agents. VOCs are common ground-water contaminants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.
Where are VOCs likely to be found?
Where VOCs Come From. VOCs can be found in the air indoors and outdoors. Some of these sources continue to produce VOCs when they are stored or transported. Some of the more familiar VOCs include benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.
How do VOCs affect the environment?
VOCs are an important pollutant because of their contribution to the formation of ground-level ozone. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, they react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) to create ozone molecules. Ground-level ozone can have many impacts on human health, and is the key pollutant that causes smog.
Can VOCs make you sick?
Short term exposure to certain VOCs may produce headaches and a worsening of asthma symptoms and respiratory issues. Long term exposure to indoor VOCs will cause liver or kidney damage and even cancer. Health effects may include: Eye, nose & throat irritation.
Are VOCs primary pollutants?
Primary pollutants enter the air directly. They include carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. Secondary pollutants form from primary pollutants.
Why are volatile organic compounds VOCs considered an environmental hazard?
Why are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) considered an environmental hazard? They emit toxic fumes.