Volatile
Organic Compounds
Key Signs/Symptoms
Diagnostic
Leads
-
Does
the individual reside in mobile home or new conventional
home containing large amounts of pressed wood products?
-
Has
individual recently acquired new pressed wood furniture?
-
Does
the individual's job or avocational pursuit include
clerical, craft, graphics, or photographic materials?
-
Are
chemical cleaners used extensively in the home, school, or
workplace?
-
Has
remodeling recently been done in home, school or workplace?
-
Has
individual recently used pesticides, paints, or solvents?
Remedial
Action
Increase
ventilation when using products that emit volatile organic
compounds, and meet or exceed any label precautions. Do not
store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials
within home or office. See special note on
pesticides.
Formaldehyde
is one of the best known volatile organic compound (VOC)
pollutants, and is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can
be readily measured. Identify, and if possible, remove the
source if formaldehyde is the potential cause of the problem. If
not possible, reduce exposure: use polyurethane or other
sealants on cabinets, paneling and other furnishings. To be
effective, any such coating must cover all surfaces and edges
and remain intact. Formaldehyde is also used in permanent press
fabric and mattress ticking. Sensitive individuals may choose to
avoid these products.
Comment
At
room temperature, volatile organic compounds are emitted as
gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of
chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, perchloroethylene), some
of which may have short- and long-term effects. Concentrations
of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors. A
study by the EPA, covering six communities in various parts of
the United States, found indoor levels up to ten times higher
than those outdoors -- even in locations with significant
outdoor air pollution sources, such as petrochemical plants.
A
wide array of volatile organics are emitted by products used in
home, office, school, and arts/crafts and hobby activities.
These products, which number in the thousands, include:
-
personal
items such as scents and hair sprays
-
household
products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints
and lacquers (and their thinners), paint strippers,
pesticides
(see below);
-
dry-cleaning
fluids;
-
building
materials and home furnishings;
-
office
equipment such as some copiers and printers;
-
office
products such as correction fluids and carbonless 43, 44
copy paper
-
graphics
and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent
markers,
and photographic solutions.
Many
of these items carry precautionary labels specifying risks and
procedures for safe use; some do not. Signs and symptoms of VOC
exposure may include eye and upper respiratory irritation,
rhinitis, nasal congestion, rash, pruritus, headache, nausea,
vomiting, dyspnea and, in the case of formaldehyde vapor,
epistaxis.
Formaldehyde
has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA.
Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), one source of
formaldehyde used in home construction until the early 1980s, is
now seldom installed, but formaldehyde-based resins are
components of finishes, plywood, paneling, fiberboard, and
particleboard, all widely employed in mobile and conventional
home construction as building materials (sub-flooring, paneling)
and as components of furniture and cabinets, permanent press
fabric, draperies, and mattress ticking.
Airborne
formaldehyde acts as an irritant to the conjunctiva and upper
and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms are temporary and, depends
upon the level and length of exposure, may range from burning or
tingling sensations in eyes, nose, and throat to chest tightness
and wheezing. Acute, severe reactions to formaldehyde vapor --
which has a distinctive, pungent odor -- may be associated with
hypersensitivity. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of the
U.S. population, including asthmatics, may have hyper-reactive
airways which may make them more susceptible to formaldehyde's
effects.
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Pesticides
sold for household use, notably impregnated strips, and foggers
or "bombs", which are technically classed as
semi-volatile organic compounds, include a variety of chemicals
in various forms. Exposure to pesticides may cause harm if they
are used improperly. However, exposure to pesticides via
inhalation of spray mists may occur during normal use. Exposure
can also occur via inhalation of vapors and contaminated dusts
after use (particularly to children who may be in close contact
with contaminated surfaces). Symptoms may include headache,
dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. In addition, some
pesticide active ingredients and inert components are considered
possible human carcinogens. Label directions must be explicitly
followed.
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