VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has only recently been taken seriously as a household health risk. They are emitted 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.

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 Office of Research and Development's "Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study" (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) 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. TEAM studies indicated 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.

Sources of VOCs

Household products, including:

• Paints, paint strippers and other solvents

• Wood preservatives

• Aerosol sprays

• Air fresheners

• Cleansers and disinfectants

• Moth repellents and fabric fresheners

• Stored fuels and automotive products

• hobby supplies

• Dry-cleaned clothing

• Pesticide

Other products, including:

• Building materials and furnishings

• Synthetic flooring

• 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.

Health Effects

Health effects may include:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation

• Headaches, loss of coordination and 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. Among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics include:

• Eye and respiratory tract irritation

• headaches

• dizziness

• visual disorders and memory impairment

At present, more information is coming to light about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes.

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A question I am always getting asked.  What is stale air?

Stale air is badly infected air and will have an unpleasant smell. When indoor air starts to smell stale, it is usually due to a buildup of certain chemicals as well as humidity in the air. The ratio of airborne contaminants to oxygen starts to increase because of a lack of fresh air. . These contaminants are mostly biological byproducts, such as exhaled carbon dioxide, and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs).

MVOCs are carbon-based molecules with a very low odour threshold, meaning even the smallest microbial colonies can start to cause a room to smell. These MVOCs are caused by the growth of bacteria and fungi and are responsible for the strong, distinct musty odours that we associate with certain rooms, such as locker rooms. Bacteria and fungi can create ammonia, sulphurous compounds, and a broad range of other VOC metabolic waste products that can affect the smell of a room. These metabolic waste products are present in any part of a building with consistent moisture (such as toilets and drains) and, without proper ventilation, they can start to cause the air in a room to feel stale.

As far as biological byproducts, if you start to notice a stale, musty smell be sure to get the air quality checked as soon as possible before development and infestation take place.