Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs) + Pollutants and Sources of In

[Guest guest]

Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs)

_http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids

or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short-

and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are

consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are

emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples

include:

paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building

materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers,

correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials

including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products.

Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning,

disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of

organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while

you

are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of

about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes

than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or

highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people

are

using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and

others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist

in the air long after the activity is completed.

Contents

* _Sources_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Sources)

* _Health Effects_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Health Effects)

* _Levels in Homes_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Levels in Homes)

* _Steps to Reduce Exposure_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Steps to

Reduce Exposure)

* _Standards or Guidelines_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Standards

or Guidelines)

* _Additional Resources_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Additional

Resources)

Sources

Household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents;

wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth

repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby

supplies;

dry-cleaned clothing.

Health Effects

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea;

damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause

cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. 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, epistaxis,

fatigue, dizziness.

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from

those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with

other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on

many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and

respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and

memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have

experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known

about

what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes.

Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are

suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.

* Search EPA's _Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)_

(http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris/index.cfm) (a compilation of electronic

reports on

specific substances found in the environment and their potential to cause human

health effects)

* Drinking Water regulations - Contaminant Specific Fact Sheets:

_Volatile Organic Chemicals_ (http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/dwh/t-voc.html)

* Review information on VOCs in water sources developed by the U.S.

Geology Survey's _National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program_

(http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/vocs/) and their Toxic Substances Hydrology

Program:

_Toxic Program Research on VOCs_ (http://toxics.usgs.gov/definitions/vocs.html)

 

Levels in Homes

Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times

higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after

certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times

background

outdoor levels.

Steps to Reduce Exposure

Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. Meet or exceed any

label precautions. Do not store opened containers of unused paints and

similar materials within the school. Formaldehyde, one of the best known VOCs,

is

one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured. Identify,

and if possible, remove the source. If not possible to remove, reduce exposure

by using a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other

furnishings. Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for

pesticides.

* Use household products according to manufacturer's directions.

* Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using these products.

 

* Throw away unused or little-used containers safely; buy in

quantities that you will use soon.

* Keep out of reach of children and pets.

* Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.

 

 

Follow label instructions carefully.

Potentially hazardous products often have warnings aimed at reducing

exposure of the user. For example, if a label says to use the product in a

well-ventilated area, go outdoors or in areas equipped with an exhaust fan to

use it.

Otherwise, open up windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air

possible.

Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely.

Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could

help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. (Be sure that

materials you decide to keep are stored not only in a well-ventilated area but

are also safely out of reach of children.) Do not simply toss these unwanted

products in the garbage can. Find out if your local government or any

organization in your community sponsors special days for the collection of

toxic

household wastes. If such days are available, use them to dispose of the

unwanted

containers safely. If no such collection days are available, think about

organizing one.

Buy limited quantities.

If you use products only occasionally or seasonally, such as paints, paint

strippers, and kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers, buy

only as much as you will use right away.

Keep exposure to emissions from products containing methylene chloride to a

minimum.

Consumer products that contain methylene chloride include paint strippers,

adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints. Methylene chloride is known to

cause cancer in animals. Also, methylene chloride is converted to carbon

monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with exposure to carbon

monoxide. Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information and

cautions on the proper use of these products. Use products that contain

methylene

chloride outdoors when possible; use indoors only if the area is well

ventilated.

Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of this

chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and

automobile emissions in attached garages. Actions that will reduce benzene

exposure include eliminating smoking within the home, providing for maximum

ventilation during painting, and discarding paint supplies and special fuels

that

will not be used immediately.

Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned

materials to a minimum.

Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning. In

laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause cancer in animals. Recent

studies

indicate that people breathe low levels of this chemical both in homes where

dry-cleaned goods are stored and as they wear dry-cleaned clothing. Dry

cleaners recapture the perchloroethylene during the dry-cleaning process so

they

can save money by re-using it, and they remove more of the chemical during the

pressing and finishing processes. Some dry cleaners, however, do not remove

as much perchloroethylene as possible all of the time. Taking steps to

minimize your exposure to this chemical is prudent. If dry-cleaned goods have a

strong chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until they have

been properly dried. If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on

subsequent visits, try a different dry cleaner.

 

Standards or Guidelines

No standards have been set for VOCs in non industrial settings. OSHA

regulates formaldehyde, a specific VOC, as a carcinogen. OSHA has adopted a

Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of .75 ppm, and an action level of 0.5 ppm.

HUD has

established a level of .4 ppm for mobile homes. Based upon current

information, it is advisable to mitigate formaldehyde that is present at levels

higher

than 0.1 ppm.

Additional Resources

Indoor Air Fact Sheet No. 4 (revised) - Sick Building Syndrome

Explains the term " sick building syndrome " (SBS) and " building related

illness " (BRI). Discusses causes of sick building syndrome, describes building

investigation procedures, and provides general solutions for resolving the

syndrome.

* _HTML Version_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html)

* [EPA 402-F-94-004, April 1991]

 

Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals

Assists health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in

diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution

problem. Addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants

encountered daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant or

pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological

pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and

symptoms from

exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick

reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action. Also includes

references for information contained in each section. This booklet was

coauthored with the American Lung Association, the American Medical

Association, and

the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

* _HTML Version_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html)

* [EPA 402-R-94-007, 1994]

 

Pollutants and Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

* _Asbestos_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asbestos.html)

* _Biological Pollutants_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/biologic.html)

* _Carbon Monoxide_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html)

* _Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products_

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html)

* _Household Cleaning and Maintenance, Personal Care, or Hobbies_

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html)

* _Lead_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/lead.html)

* _Nitrogen Dioxide_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/no2.html)

* _Pesticides_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pesticid.html)

* _Radon_ (http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html)

* _Respirable Particles_ (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/rpart.html)

* _Secondhand Smoke/Environmental Tobacco Smoke_

(http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/index.html)

* _Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys_

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/combust.html)

 

__

Read _ " The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality " _

(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html)