Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds in our surroundings
The primary VOC found in plywood and particle boards is formaldehyde or HCHO. Since new furniture contains a high amount of VOCs and as time passes, they slowly escape from the wooden furniture. This is known as off-gassing.
A vinyl floor will emit some amount of VOCs for a short period after the installation due to the materials used in vinyl production. They can contaminate the air quality where they installed and can cause various respiratory issues over time.
Various chemicals are used in the manufacturing of carpets and upholstery. VOCs in them can therefore be highly concerning. Due to this, they could pose several health issues.
VOCs in large amounts produced when tobacco products are burnt and incomplete combustion of tobacco takes place. So, these VOCs are responsible for various respiratory and heart diseases.
To print a document, the toner that used for printing is heated. They emit small amounts of VOCs that are produced by this process. Even harmful ozone can produce by laser printers.
Have you ever had a sharp pain in your head when someone wearing strong perfume walks by? This is due to the high amount of VOCs that are present in perfumes which can cause dizziness and headaches.
Exposure to VOCs present in many household cleaning products and air fresheners is known to cause serious harm to human health. These commonly include asthma, eczema, endocrine disruption, etc.
Ever wondered why a freshly painted wall smell has a strong smell and as time passes it wears off? This is because of the VOCs that are present in paints. They slowly wear off as time passes due to off-gassing.
Hobby supplies are made to dry quickly at room temperature. That is why hobby items such as markers, glue, and whiteners made with materials containing VOCs that evaporate at room temperature, making these products equally harmful.
Scented candles or incense sticks are made in such a way that they create a pleasant aroma in their immediate surroundings. However, they produce with VOC-containing components that, when burned, evaporate and disperse around the room, which can be annoying to certain people.
VOCs can significantly impact indoor air quality and human health. Stay informed and take preventive measures.
VOCs propensity to create health impacts ranges significantly, from very hazardous to those with no known health effects. The concentration and duration of chemical exposure affect how VOCs affect human health.
Short-term health effects of VOCs can last from hours to days. Some of the symptoms may include shortness of breath, allergic skin reactions, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Short-term health effects may include:
VOCs create strong odors. These can irritate your eyes, your nose and throat if you inhale them.
When VOCs are exposed to sunlight and NOx, causes a photochemical reaction that emits O3 that can cause various skin problems.
Strong smells in the presence of VOCs can cause headaches when exposed to relatively low levels in the short term.
VOCs can cause nausea and dizziness in the short term, which can lead to loss of coordination and vomiting.
Long-term exposure to VOCs can be very harmful to your health, with symptoms lasting for years. Because, VOCs such as benzene and C6H6 can have long-term effects on your health. Symptoms may include chronic headaches and loss of coordination. Long-term health impacts may include:
Exposure to VOCs at high levels can cause inflammation in the airways, which can cause lung irritation.
Inhaling VOCs for longer durations can cause various health issues including damage to the kidney and lungs.
Long-term exposures to toxins such as toluene and xylene can cause severe damage to the nervous system.
Many VOCs indoors are probable or considered carcinogens by several authorities. These include benzene and formaldehyde.
Indoor air is often up to 5x more polluted than ambient air and as we spend more than 90% of our time indoors, it is important to keep the TVOC levels in check and try to reduce them as much as possible.
Ventilation is extremely important when it comes to reducing indoor air pollutants. Keep your doors and windows open so that these chemicals can reduce via ventilation.
VOCs evaporate and disperse at room temperature and above. Temperature and humidity should be as low as possible to avoid evaporation and dispersion of VOCs.
Clear out or dispose of any unwanted and unused chemicals. Disposal of unused chemicals and bury paints or varnishes whenever you need them.
Chemical leakage can cause damage to the property and harm to human health as well. If you have stored chemicals, always keep a check for any chemical leakages.
When renovating, humans should not expose to emissions. Hence, renovations must be done when no people are present in that indoor setting.
Burning of fuels such as fuel is not allowed indoors. Sources such as fuel burning and indoor smoking should reduce to keep VOC levels in check.
Implement these preventive measures to maintain healthy indoor air quality
