Volatile Organic Compounds
About This Health Driver
Volatile organic compounds are carbon-based chemical compounds that evaporate at room temperature, entering indoor air from building materials, furnishings, personal care products, cleaning products, and stored chemicals. The category encompasses hundreds of specific compounds with varying toxicity profiles, including formaldehyde (from pressed wood products), benzene (from paints and adhesives), toluene (from solvents), paradichlorobenzene (from moth repellents and deodorizers), and numerous others.
How It Affects Bodies
VOCs enter the body through inhalation and dermal absorption. Short-chain aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde) are respiratory irritants and sensitizers. Aromatic solvents (benzene, toluene, xylene) are neurotoxic, affecting CNS function at both acute and chronic exposure levels. Halogenated compounds (paradichlorobenzene, chloroform) are hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. Chronic low-level exposure to the mixed-VOC profile typical of indoor air produces cumulative effects on immune regulation, oxidative stress, and neurological function.
Where It Comes From
- Pressed wood products - formaldehyde from particleboard, MDF, plywood adhesives
- Paints and finishes - solvents, glycol ethers, and co-solvents in conventional coatings
- Adhesives and sealants - toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde in construction adhesives
- Vinyl and PVC products - phthalate plasticizers off-gassing from vinyl flooring, wallpaper, shower curtains
- Moth repellents - paradichlorobenzene from mothballs and para-crystals
- Cleaning products - solvents, fragrances, and aerosol propellants
- Air fresheners - synthetic fragrances and dispersal chemicals
- New furnishings - polyurethane foam, synthetic fabrics, and composite materials
How to Address It
- Zero-VOC paints and finishes - verified low-emission coatings for all interior surfacesInteriors
- Formaldehyde-free pressed wood - no-added-formaldehyde plywood, MDF; solid wood preferredInteriors
- PVC-free material specification - no vinyl flooring, vinyl wallpaper, or PVC trimInteriors
- Continuous mechanical ventilation - ERV/HRV sized to dilute chronic emissionsMechanical
- Activated carbon filtration - VOC-specific filtration in the air handling systemMechanical
- Low-tox cleaning protocol - operating manual specifying approved cleaning productsOperations
- Off-gassing protocol for new materials - ventilate new materials before occupancyOperations
- Chemical storage outside the envelope - paints, solvents, and chemicals in detached storage onlySite