Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing harmful gases into the air. These compounds can be found in a variety of everyday products, such as paints, adhesives, cleaning agents and even furnishings and rugs.
When VOCs are emitted indoors, they can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. These chemicals can lead to various health issues, including headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, and exacerbate symptoms for those with asthma or allergies.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), levels of several VOCs can be two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. This is particularly alarming considering that indoor air pollution is ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health. As such, understanding the sources and potential effects of VOCs on indoor air quality is crucial for creating healthier interior spaces.
Low VOC products are designed to minimise the emission of harmful chemicals into the air. Opting for paints, flooring materials, furniture, and other household items marked as low VOC can create a safer and healthier environment for occupants.
These help reduce the presence of harmful pollutants that can negatively affect respiratory health and overall well-being. This is particularly important for individuals who spend a significant amount of time indoors, such as young children, the elderly, or those with respiratory conditions.
Exposure to high levels of volatile organic compounds over an extended period has been linked to more serious health conditions such as cancer and organ damage.
Common Sources of VOCs in the Home
Common sources of VOCs in a home include many everyday products and materials that we often overlook. One significant source are household cleaners, which are known to contain a variety of VOCs such as ammonia, chlorine and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals can easily vaporise into the air when cleaning.
Household paint and varnish are commonly high in VOCs, with many conventional paints containing high levels of VOCs such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are released into the air during application and drying. These chemicals can have both short-term effects like headaches and dizziness, as well as long-term health risks such as respiratory issues.
Furniture made from composite wood products like particleboard or plywood often contain formaldehyde-based adhesives that emit VOCs over time.
Items such as printers, copiers, and computers release small amounts of VOCs during operation due to the materials used in their manufacturing processes.
Carpeting and flooring materials can also contribute to VOC emissions due to adhesives used in installation or chemicals present in synthetic fibres.
Household insecticides or pesticides are another noteworthy contributor. These chemical formulations often contain potent volatile compounds that not only target pests but also disperse into the surrounding environment.
Certification Standards and Labels for Low VOC Materials
Certification standards and labels play a role in guiding consumers towards healthier products. When navigating the market for building materials, furniture, or household products, it can be overwhelming to discern which options truly adhere to low VOC standards. Recognised certification programs help streamline this process by providing clear guidelines and criteria for manufacturers to meet.
1. A Review on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as Environmental Pollutants: Fate and Distribution (2018) | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENT
2. Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Volatile Organic Compounds: A Perspective Review (2023) | CHEMOSPHERE
3. Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality | EPA
4. Volatile Organic Compounds: Do they present a risk to our health? (2007) | REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
5. Levels and Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds in Homes of Children with Asthma (2014) | INDOOR AIR
