VOC Emissions

What are VOC emissions? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of individual organic chemicals which are found in solid and liquid form in each room and area of your home. VOC emissions come from solid forms like building materials, your furniture, fixtures, fittings and finishes. Liquid form would be from activities like smoking and using heaters. Over long periods of time VOC vapours are slowly released into the air at room temperature. These vapours are not detectable by your human senses; sight, smell or taste.

Only chemicals which contain the element carbon are known as organic compounds. The molecular structure of VOCs is very small which means they pass through air filters and purifiers with ease and cannot be easily removed from the air. VOCs are hazardous to human health through inhalation – it is important to note that other indoor air pollutants that are not organic compounds can also be harmful to human health. The temperature of your room and the percentage of humidity also have an effect on the levels of VOCs in the air.

VOCs are released during manufacture, build, use and disposal. Landfill sites emit high levels of VOCs directly into the atmosphere causing exterior air pollution. Higher levels of VOCs are found during manufacture and build.

Interior materials containing VOCs

• Blown foam insulation
• Timber based: plywood, compressed timber boards, fibre board and particle board
• Paints, varnishes, stains & other liquid surface finishes
• Paint stripper, paint thinner, paint cleaners
• Sealants, glues and adhesives
• Caulking and mastic

Interior products containing VOCs

• Carpeting, underlay, backing, vinyl flooring
• Wall finishes: wallpaper, tile grout and panelling
• Household cleaning agents and air fresheners
• Toiletries: perfume and hairspray
• Plastics: shower curtain, appliance casing
• Foam furniture padding (sofa, beds, cushions)
• Electrical goods: PC, TV, DVD, scanners, photocopiers, CD players etc
• Household solvents

Associated health conditions and illnesses

• Sick building syndrome
• Building related illness
• Multiple sensitivity disorder
• Asthma
• Nausea
• Skin rashes
• Breathing & respiration problems
• Chronic fatigue
• Dizziness

Some VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene and 1,3 butadiene are known carcinogens although the connection between inhalation and VOCs to cancer is only suggested.

Types of hazardous toxins and VOCs

The following articles look at each individual VOC, what it is and the effect on your health, wellbeing and the natural environment.

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Perchloroethylene
• Ammonia
• Methane
• Organochlorines
• Phenols
• Smoke
• PBDEs
• Asbestos
• Radon
• PAHs
• PCBs
• BFRs

It is best to limit the amount of exposure to potential VOC sources through careful planning of your interior environments at home. Everything you buy for your home could contribute to poor air quality through VOC emissions. Think natural materials, certified organic and 100% synthetic free.