If you're into a healthy lifestyle, you've probably heard the term "volatile organic compounds", or VOCs for short. Most likely you know then it's not a good term, but most people don't really know anything else about these contaminants.
VOCs are chemical contaminants that are emitted from solids and liquids. All solids and liquids that include VOCs also include a carbon chain. Any substance containing carbon is called an "organic". While some carbon-containing products are relatively stable, or "inert", as it is printed on the can or jar's label, others are highly volatile, meaning they can break down into different substances and chemicals pretty easily. VOCs also build up in indoor places, therefore concentration levels in indoor air quality can be 2 to 5 times as concentrated as compared to outdoors.
There are over 900 of VOCs, and they're present in products like
1) paints, solvents and aerosol sprays
2) air fresheners
3) household cleaners and disinfectants
4) pesticides
5) nail polish
6) vinyl shower curtains
7) moth repellants
8) fuels and auto products
9) building materials
10) glues and adhesives
11) drycleaning chemicals, and
12) furniture and carpets.
The EPA estimates that the concentrations of indoor VOCs resulting from paint stripping can reach as high as 1,000 times the concentration of the outdoor levels. And that is just one product!
While many VOCs have short-term health effects, others can do serious long-term damage. Some VOCs, such as benzene are well-known carcinogens, while others are "suspected" carcinogens.
In the short-term, common health issues include eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea and temporary loss of coordination. The long-term health effects are somewhat scary. VOCs can damage your liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Common reported symptoms of VOC exposure also include an allergic skin reaction, shortness of breath, vomiting, nosebleeds and fatigue.
Even though the "volatile organic compound" (VOC) levels in paints products sold in the United States have been reduced to help control pollution, concentrations levels may still be high enough to pose potential health threats. All organic solvents are toxic in different degrees. It is due to the useful properties of organic solvents that magnify their hazard. Because they are volatile, there is chance of inhalation, or the gases or vapors can dissolve many things, they can also be absorbed through your skin. They may cause you a minor problem such as a skin rash or, if you swallow them, they may be fatal.
Be sure to read the warning label!
In order for you to reduce the risk to your health, select the least toxic product available for the job.
Least Toxic: Water based (latex). Check that mercury is not included as an additive to prevent mildew.
Moderately Toxic: Many of these ingredients are found in spray paints, paint removers and lacquers. All are highly flammable. methyl alcohol acetone isopropyl alcohol ethyl alcohol ethyl acetate methyl ethyl ketone.
Most Toxic: The following are known as aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons. They can be absorbed through the skin and therefore enter the bloodstream more easily than through inhalation only.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of exposure to organic solvents so that you don’t become a victim of poisoning. Strong effects that might occur during or immediately after you've been exposed to the chemical might include: irritability, nervousness, depression, irregular heartbeat, weakness, skin redness, watery eyes, nausea, headaches, or itching. Residual or long-term effects from frequent or prolonged exposure to organic solvents have not been thoroughly researched. Increased risk from exposure may cause permanent damage to liver, kidneys, bone marrow, and central nervous system.
