How to Reduce Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds
*Originally published in March 2021, updated since
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are different types of chemicals compounds that evaporate easily at room temperature by polluting indoor air and forming ground level ozone. VOC exposure can cause short term and long term health effects. Some VOCs cause cancer in animals, and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Other adverse health effects include the following:
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea
Damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system
Overview of Volatile Organic Compounds
The World Health Organization categorizes VOCs as either very volatile, volatile, and semi-volatile. While very volatile organic compounds are the most dangerous, all should be avoided or limited as much as possible.
Very Volatile Organic Compounds (VVOCs) include propane and butane which are found in gas grills, heaters, torches, refrigerators, and freezers.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) include formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, benzene, terpene, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl methacrylate (MMA). VOCs can be found in cleaners, cosmetics, nail products, feminine hygiene product, and more.
Semi Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) include pesticides, phthalates, and flame retardants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polybrominated biphenyl (PBB). It is important to note these are different from VVOCs and VOCS because SVOCs are absorbed into indoor surfaces and dust where they can remain for long periods of time. For example, although PCB and PBB have been banned, they are still found in homes and buildings.
Sources of VOCs in The Home
Because VOCs indoors can be up to 10x more concentrated compared to outdoors, it is important to take a look at the sources of VOCs in our homes.
Common sources of VOCs indoors include the following:
Household cleaners
Disinfectants
Cosmetics
Aerosol sprays
Nail polish and nail polish remover
Feminine hygiene products
Mothballs
Air fresheners
Pesticides
Dry-cleaned clothing
*Other sources to be aware of are stored fuels and automotive products, hobby supplies, graphics and craft materials such as glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions, dry-cleaned clothing, building materials and furnishings, paints, paint strippers and other solvents, wood preservatives, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper.
Reducing VOCs in The Home
Cleaning Products
In the US, VOCs in household products are not regulated. In fact, household products in general are not regulated because no federal agency has the authority to collect information on their chemical content.
A 2020 study investigated VOC emissions from commonly used pandemic products (all fragranced) such as hand sanitizer, air disinfectant, multipurpose cleaner, and hand soap. The products analyzed emitted 399 VOCs of which 127 are classified as potentially hazardous. Only 4 percent of the VOCs found were disclosed on the product label. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the amount of VOCs in “green” marketed products versus conventional products.
Switching to non-toxic cleaning products improves air quality, and can reduce chemical-induced headaches and respiratory reactions by reducing VOCs in the home. Learn more about switching to non-toxic soaps, detergent, cleaners, and disinfectants at this post about non-toxic cleaning.
Fragrance and Fragranced Products
Fragrances are considered a trade secret in the US and the ingredients do not have to be disclosed. Fragrances are a large source of VOCs and are added to many everyday products. For example, terpene is a VOC prevalent in fragranced products but not found in fragrance-free products.
A 2018 study on fragranced baby products measured VOCs in shampoo, body wash, lotion, ointment, oils, and other baby products. Over 684 VOCs were found, with 207 of those being classified as hazardous. Only 5% of the VOCs found were listed on product labels and 88% of the hazardous VOCs were undisclosed. Like the 2020 study, the 2018 study included products marketed as green, natural, or organic and found no significant difference in the amount of VOCs in these versus conventional products.
Avoiding products with added fragrance will reduce VOC exposure in the home. It is important to check the full ingredient label for “fragrance” as some unscented products contains fragrances to mask other odors.
Learn more about why you should avoid fragranced products here.
Nail Polish
One study used organic vapor monitors to measure exposure to three types of VOCs found in nail polish: acetone, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and toluene. Exposure to these VOCs was associated with headaches, lightheadedness, and irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and skin. This is in line with health-effects reported from salon workers.
Safer nail polishes are polish removers are now available without acetone, toluene, MMA, and other harmful ingredients. Learn more at these posts about safer nail polish and nail polish remover.
Feminine Hygiene Products
The disclosure of ingredients is not required in feminine hygiene products with the exception in New York State. Feminine hygiene products have been found to contain many VOCs which is particularly concerning because vaginal tissues are highly permeable and sensitive to chemicals and irritants.
A study tested feminine hygiene products such as tampons, menstrual pads, washes, sprays, powders, and wipes for VOCs. They were found to have VOCs including chloroform, benzene, terpene, and phthalates from added fragrance, adhesives, moisture barriers, binders, and even raw materials from packaging. Benzene was found in all of the washes, sprays, and moisturizers, and terpene was found in all products tested.
Consider avoiding washes, sprays, powders and wipes. Additionally, using all organic cotton and unscented tampons and menstrual pads will reduce exposure to VOCs in feminine hygiene products.
Dry Cleaning
Tetrachloroethylene is a VOC that is used as a cleaning agent in dry cleaning and in other consumer products. It is considered probably carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Tetrachoroethylene is neurotoxic at low exposures and is toxic to the kidney, liver, immune and hematologic systems, and development and reproduction.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to VOCs
Remove or avoid products that emit VOCs (as described above).
Allow fresh air to circulate in your home frequently.
Allow any new items that smell to off gas outside before bringing them in.
Dispose of unused chemicals, paint, or solvents.
Have clothes laundered or steam them instead of dry cleaned.
Seek out low VOC paint options and ventilate well during and after painting.
Avoid pesticides and mothballs.
Use permanent markers, glue & hobby supplies judiciously and in well ventilated areas.
Avoid flame retardant furniture and clothing (especially in kids’ pajamas).
References & Resources
[1] https://foobot.io/guides/us-epa-list-of-volatile-organic-compounds.php
[2] Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality | Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) | US EPA
[3] https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/technical-overview-volatile-organic-compounds
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913878/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7452613/
[6] https://iaqscience.lbl.gov/voc-svocs
[7] https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/does-epa-regulate-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs-household-products
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941978/
