VOCs and Indoor Air Quality
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. This process is known as off-gassing. VOCs are sometimes referred to as TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) when there is a combination of VOCs present. Many have distinct smells, while others can be odorless. They can be found in household and industrial products, such as paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning agents, cosmetics, pressed wood products, and fuels. VOCs are also found outdoors and can come from fuel combustion, chemical manufacturing, and industrial emissions amongst others. We are regularly exposed to VOCs indoors at levels 10 times higher than what they typically are outside. When VOCs are released indoors, they can accumulate, creating toxic indoor smog. Common activities like putting on perfume, smoking, cleaning, and even cooking releases VOCs into the indoor air, where they often linger due to the confined space and reduced ventilation, leading to poor indoor air quality.
Health Effects of VOC Exposure
The health effects of exposure to VOCs can vary depending on the type of compound, the level of exposure, and individual susceptibility. VOCs can cause eye and respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, some VOCs can displace oxygen, reducing the amount available for the body to use. Prolonged exposure can affect the central nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, and confusion. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of VOCs can damage the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and the brain. Some of the more dangerous VOCs are Benzene, Formaldehyde, Chloroform, and Naphthalene, which are all known carcinogens. Chronic exposure can lead to leukemia and cancer. People with respiratory conditions, like asthma and COPD, are at greater risk of having complications from exposure due to their preexisting vulnerabilities.
Preventing Exposure to VOCs
Assessing indoor air quality by monitoring what is in the air can help prevent exposure to VOCs and other dangerous air pollutants found indoors. Addressing indoor air pollution with Erlab’s HALO H14 HEPA and activated carbon filtration can capture VOCs, in addition to removing particulates, pathogens, and allergens. Assuring adequate ventilation and minimizing exposure to VOC emitting products, by way of increased ventilation, filtration, continuous real-time monitoring, and data assessment tools, can help reduce the associated health risks, in addition to making the air indoors fresher, cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.
Creating Healthier Indoor Environments
These improvements add to our quality of life by reducing our exposure to pathogens and particulates, improving cognition, increasing productivity, and creating an overall feeling of wellbeing. By implementing Erlab’s Triple A approach to Assessing, Addressing and Assuring indoor air quality, occupants can breathe easier knowing that the air is constantly being monitored and purified.
Protecting Our Health
We are what we eat, drink, AND breathe. Our bodies must process all the things we put into it. We drink filtered water to remove the bad taste, odor, and pollutants. We eat organic food to protect us from ingesting pesticides. It should come as no surprise that we would also desire to breathe cleaner air, to protect our health. What area is more important to improve than the air in our indoor spaces, where we spend approximately 90% of each day?
Volatile organic compounds may not be visible, but their impact on indoor air quality and our health can be significant. By understanding the sources and potential health hazards of VOCs, we can take steps to limit exposure, helping to create safer indoor air and protecting our health.
Volatile Organic Compounds | American Lung Association
Advanced Air Filtration Technology | Erlab
Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality | US EPA