VOC’s
Review of Signs and Symptoms
 People with allergies have hyperactive immune systems
that think harmless things, such as pet dander, are
dangerous. Their bodies react to try to fight off the danger.
 Allergies -itchy, stuffy nose, red eyes, coughing, wheezing,
shortness of breath, rash
 Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation and narrows
the airways, making it difficult to breathe
 Asthma- coughing , wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of
breath
What are VOC’s?
 VOC’s are volatile organic compounds
 In short term exposure they can aggravate asthma and
allergy symptoms
 Those with asthma may be even more susceptible to
VOC’s
 Long term exposure can lead to an increased risk for
cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, or nervous
system damage
Review Question 1
 Which of these is not a risk from exposure to VOC’s?
 A) cancer
 B)liver damage
 C)kidney damage
 D) cystic fibrosis
Where are they found in the
home?
Flooring
 Carpet
Carpets can emit VOC’s when installed. The latex
backing on carpet can also emit them.
 Vinyl flooring
Made with PVC resin mixed with plasticizers and
fungicides
 Wood flooring
Stain on wood flooring contains VOC’s
Where are they found in the
home?
Household Items
 Paint/Stain-Paints have heptane in them, which is like
gasoline.
 Air fresheners- Contain naphthalene which can cause
cancer or negative reproductive effects.
 Cosmetics-Acetone, alcohol, isopropyl alcohol can
cause respiratory problems.
 Printers- Inks in printers can cause respiratory issues.
Where are they found in the
home?
Chemicals and Fumes
 Space heaters
 Cleaning chemicals
 Wood burning stoves
 Fuel oil/gasoline-benzene, toluene
 Vehicle exhaust in an attached garage
How can I tell if I have too much
exposure?
 Frequent headaches or nausea
 Eye, nose, or throat irritation
 Skin reactions
 Difficulty breathing
 Vomiting
 Nose bleeds
 Dizziness
Review Question 2
 Which of these are signs of too much VOC exposure?
 A) headaches
 B) nose bleeds
 C)difficulty breathing
 D) all of the above
How can I protect my family?
 Install new carpet only when necessary
 If you need new carpets, make sure installers use tack
strips instead of adhesives
 Use water filters on faucets to reduce chances of VOC’s
getting through to drinking water
 Do not dry clean clothes unless absolutely necessary
How can I reduce exposure to
VOC’s?
 Make sure your house is vented properly
 Keep humidity as low as possible. High humidity can
increase VOC emissions.
 Perform renovations when your home is unoccupied or
in summer months when ventilation is easier.
What is a bake out?
 A bake out is used after construction or renovation.
 You should heat the house to a temperature around
100 F, then open all the windows , repeating the
process for two or three days
 The idea is to emit all the VOC’s in a short period of
time and get them out of the house rather than a small
amount over a long period of time
 If you choose this option, you should not go back into
the house for at least a week.
Review Question 3
 How long should you wait before going back into a
house after a bake out?
 A)3 days
 B) One week
 C) One month
 D) 5 days
What are low VOC alternatives?
 Cleaning products- Use BioKleen, Seventh Generation,
or Earth Choice
 Switch to fabric shower curtains
 Paint with low VOC’s
 If possible use wool or cotton rugs instead of installing
new carpeting
Review Question 4
 TRUE or FALSE
Zero VOC paints are non-toxic.
References
 Aerias. (2011). IAQ problems associated with different types
of flooring. Retrieved from
http://www.aerias.org/DesktopModules/ArticleDetail.aspx
?articleId=107
 Cernasky, R. (2010). Low-VOC alternatives for the products
that expose you to the greatest risk. Retrieved from
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/low-vocalternatives-products-that-expose-greatest-risk.html#
 Clement, C. (2005) What’s on your floor? Retrieved from
http://www.alive.com/3131a6a2.php?subject_bread_cramb
=110
References
 Minnesota department of health. (2011). Volitile
organic compounds in your home. Retrieved from
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/
 New York department of health. (2011). VOC’s in
commonly used products. Retrieved from
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/indoors/
voc.htm
 Propex. (2005). VOC’s in the home. Retrieved from
http://www.propex.com/C_f_env_voc.htm
 United States environmental protection agency. (2011).
An introduction to indoor air quality. Retrieved from
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
Quiz Answers
 1) D
 2)D
 3)B
 4)False