Table of Contents
What are VOC and why are they dangerous?
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes. Some are harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer. In addition, they can react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air.
What are the effects of VOCs?
Health effects may include: Eye, nose and throat irritation. Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea….Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include:
- conjunctival irritation.
- nose and throat discomfort.
- headache.
- allergic skin reaction.
- dyspnea.
- declines in serum cholinesterase levels.
- nausea.
- emesis.
What are the effects of VOCs on human and ecosystem health?
When inhaled or absorbed through the skin, VOCs can cause severe health issues in humans. Solvents, exhaust streams, and aerosols used in unventilated areas can generate dangerous toxins. If exposed to high quantities, humans can experience headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and visual impairment.
How are VOC harmful to the environment?
VOCs are an important pollutant because of their contribution to the formation of ground-level ozone. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, they react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) to create ozone molecules.
What are some examples of VOCs?
Common examples of VOCs that may be present in our daily lives are: benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.
Can VOCs make you sick?
Short term exposure to certain VOCs may produce headaches and a worsening of asthma symptoms and respiratory issues. Long term exposure to indoor VOCs will cause liver or kidney damage and even cancer. Health effects may include: Eye, nose & throat irritation.
Can VOCs cause chest pain?
You could experience chest discomfort, nose bleeds, and breathing difficulties. If you suffer from asthma or are prone to allergies, a long-term build-up of VOCs in your home is likely to aggravate your respiratory system and make your symptoms worse.
Why are VOCs high in my house?
Unused chemicals stored in the home can sometimes “leak” and release VOCs into the air. Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people do not spend much time. Dispose of unused chemicals that are stored in your home or garage.
What are acceptable VOC levels in the air?
– Less than 0.3 mg/m3: Low – 0.3 to 0.5 mg/m3: Acceptable – 0.5 to 1 mg/m3: Marginal – 1 to 3 mg/m3: High
What gases are VOC?
VOC (volatile organic compounds) are all compounds that appear in the gas chromatogram between and including n-hexane and n-hexadecane. Compounds appearing earlier are called VVOC (very volatile organic compounds); compounds appearing later are called SVOC (semi-volatile organic compounds).
What does “VOC compliant” mean?
VOC-compliant is an abbreviation of the term “volatile organic compound-compliant.”. This refers to a system, substance or application that adheres to governmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds.
What is a low VOC?
Low-VOC is a general term that refers to a wide range of VOC contents that are much lower than conventional products that contain VOCs. Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints typically contain VOC content of less than 5 grams per liter. In the chemical industry, low VOC is used to describe a product with VOC content at or below 150 g/L.