Volatile organic compounds are organic solids and liquids that are released as a gas or vapor at room temperature. They include other carbon-based gases, with the exception of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and are known to release their gaseous forms at temperatures as low as room temperature. They differ from those gases because they have a more complex bond with the carbon molecules they are attached to, and they pose a significant risk to indoor air quality (IAQ) in any enclosed space, mainly because VOCs are hard to detect.
VOCs include a wide range of chemical compounds, both man-made and naturally occurring. VOCs in homes are most common right after the home is built, but they can also be present at lower levels when aerosols and cleaning agents are used in household environments.
The effects of VOC exposure
Because the effects of these chemical contaminants are long-term, they have become increasingly difficult for scientists to measure. So far, however, research has shown a significant impact on both human and environmental health. In humans, the effects of VOCs mainly show up as a syndrome known as SBS symptoms. These symptoms appear over time and are usually associated with a feeling of nausea, chest pain and headaches when inside a room.
Sick building syndrome (SBS)
Over time, SBS symptoms have been attributed to VOC exposure in the form of building materials that give off these chemical contaminants. The limitations of indoor maintenance systems such as HVAC systems encourage the syndrome to develop in buildings. Fuels are also considered VOCs because they are made up of organic compounds. The syndrome appears to have a set of symptoms that are listed online.
Factors affecting indoor VOC levels
There are many factors to consider when analyzing VOC exposure in the environment. In new buildings, VOC levels can be high because of the abundance of new materials such as paint, furniture and carpet, among other items. This is why new buildings have an easily recognizable smell, just like new cars. Some office equipment can also release forms of VOCs into the environment, especially equipment that uses compounds with the potential to emit VOCs.
Humidity in the environment is another important factor to consider when measuring VOC levels in indoor spaces. Studies have shown that an increase in humidity and temperature heightens the volatile nature of VOCs and causes more gaseous emissions. The correlation between temperature and VOC emissions is known as the off-gassing effect.
Seasons are also a factor to consider when determining how prevalent volatile organic compounds are in homes. Studies suggest that winter is the season with the highest VOC emissions (3 to 4 times the concentration) in homes, because adequate ventilation is usually reduced.
Now, how do you get rid of these unpleasant chemicals?
VOC levels in homes
As mentioned earlier, these VOCs are more commonly found in indoor environments. In homes, they include items used almost every day to accomplish some task. Because of this, VOC volumes in homes tend to be somewhat higher, which makes homes the starting point for SBS unless ventilation standards are improved in that household. Several studies have in fact shown a 2- to 5-fold increase in VOC levels in homes compared with the outdoor environment. There is also the potential for levels to rise up to 1,000 times the level of the outdoor environment, depending on the activities carried out in the home.
Effects of VOCs on the environment
The prevalence of VOCs in outdoor environments is not yet at an alarming level. The effects depend heavily on their levels in a given area. The long-term effects, however, are just as devastating for the environment, since some of these gases are major causes of the greenhouse effect. Prolonged exposure to these gases can cause other disasters that have not yet been foreseen. VOCs can also contaminate water in natural resources and make it unfit for consumption.
Reducing VOC exposure at home
One way to reduce VOC emissions in homes is to control the sources of VOCs in the environment. By reducing the number of VOC compounds, families can avoid the health problems linked to them. A simple way to do this is to control humidity levels to prevent mold, which thrives in very humid environments.
Inadequate ventilation must also be avoided at all costs. In homes, the choice of ventilation system depends on factors such as the size of the house. Families in smaller homes can choose to control how often they open their windows, while those in larger homes can invest in an HVAC system.
Identifying VOCs can sometimes be difficult in homes, since many of them are invisible and odorless. It is best to seek support and advice from a local health organization or to call in a professional to monitor air quality and make sure pollutants stay at safe levels.