What Are Some Common Sources Of VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds represent some of the most ubiquitous air pollutant problems faced by many Americans. VOCs can form from a wide array of common environmental elements, including furniture, paint, cleaning products, and pesticides, to sunscreen, adhesives, paints, and dyes. Many people are concerned that exposure to these chemicals can cause a variety of health problems. Here we will look at what are VOCs, the potential health risks associated with exposure, and the benefits of using an air purifier for VOC reduction.
A VOC - Volatile Organic Compounds - can be defined, or better understood, as an odor that is emitted during combustion. When organic compounds such as alcohol are burned, they produce high levels of VOCs. The substances “VOCs” are emitted from a great number of sources, but are often times lower than those that are emitted by organic compounds during cooking. Some examples of VOCs that are commonly emitted in outdoor air are carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and sulfur dioxide. There are many more compounds that can be considered, but the ones discussed in this article are the most commonly emitted.
The symptoms of exposure to high levels of VOCs include headache, nausea, nasal and sinus congestion, lethargy, difficulty breathing, coughing, dizziness, and nasal irritations. These symptoms are often caused by irritation to the olfactory epithelium, which is the layer of tissue located between the olfactory bulb and the nose. When VOC levels increase, it causes irritation to the olfactory epithelium, thus causing headaches, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. One of the more common ways that VOCs are released into the environment is through the burning of fossil fuels in automobiles, trucking equipment, and other sources.
As you can see, VOCs are found throughout the environment, although the highest levels of exposure are found indoors. In fact, VOCs are present in every building that exists, as well as every product that is made and sold. In order to be sure that you are not exposed to too many VOCs, you should take all precautions possible to ensure that your home or office has a well-ventilated area. For example, you should install non-porous materials and make sure that the materials are sealed tightly.
Because VOCs occur naturally, they tend to be present in lower levels when using products that are natural, such as creams and gels, rather than with household cleaners. However, VOCs do not just linger in the air. Studies have shown that VOCs are absorbed by the skin, often causing rashes, redness, itching, and stinging. As well, VOCs deplete oxygen from the air, which can lead to respiratory illnesses. In addition, VOCs may contribute to cancer formation.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to VOCs at work or in your home, you should make an appointment with your health care provider. Your provider will be able to take a sample of your hair, blood, or urine for testing. In most cases, VOC testing is not covered by your health insurance. In order to protect your health and your finances, it is strongly recommended that you purchase an air purifier that can help remove VOCs. Air purifiers are the most effective method of removing VOCs from the air, thus protecting you and your family from the serious health problems associated with these chemicals.