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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon and hydrogen bonded compounds that have atomic masses between 40 and 500 amu, can easily evaporate at room Temperature and enter the atmosphere under normal conditions as a gas. Generally, VOCs are chemicals that have boiling ranges from 50 to 260° Celsius, with a few exceptions. There is no common chemical structure for VOCs, they can range from short carbon chains to more complex aromatic rings.

Paints, paint strippers, air fresheners, inks, stores fuel or other solvents, cleaning supplies, new carpets, cosmetics, dry-cleaned clothing, vehicle exhaust, and lawn mowers all contribute to indoor VOC emissions. Health effects can range from dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, eye and throat irritation to cancer and even death. Health effects are directly related to levels and duration of exposure. The most common route of exposure to VOCs is through inhalation.