VOC's are chemicals emitted as gases from certain solids and liquids. VOC's  are present in many household products including paints, wax, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building supplies, furnishings, copiers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency exposure to these chemicals may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. Per the EPA not much is currently known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes.

VOC's in Paints

Many paints contain VOC's. Green Seal, an independent non-profit organization, is currently revising paint standards which are more stringent than the EPA. The new standards should be in effect by the end of 2007. The proposed VOC limits noted on page 7 are flat topcoats 50 g/L, non-flat topcoats 100 g/L, primers/undercoats 50g/L, floor and reflective coating 100 g/L, rust preventative coatings 250 g/L. Read product label to determine VOC content. Look for paints with no VOC's. For further info read Healthy Home Plans and Union of Concerned Scientists GreenTips.

Specific chemicals

• Methylene chloride - paint strippers, adhesive removers, aerosol spray paints. Known carcinogen in animals. Methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid these products when possible. If you must use the products follow the directions on the label. 

• Formaldehyde -  Identify, and if possible, remove the source.  If this is not possible, then reduce exposure by using a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other furnishings.

• Benzene - environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies,  automobile emissions in attached garages. Known human carcinogen.

• Perchloroethylene - dry cleaning. Known carcinogen in animals.  Look for dry cleaners that no longer use this chemical.

• Use Integrated Pest Management techniques to limit exposure to pesticides.

For further information read EPA's An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.