What Are VOCs and at What Level Are They Dangerous?

If you’ve ever used an aerosol spray, gotten your clothes dry-cleaned, or printed something at work, we have bad news: You might have been exposed to volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are dangerous air contaminants lurking in sometimes very random places. In this blog, learn what VOCs are, the most common sources, at what levels they become risky to your health, and how you can improve your air quality to better protect your well-being.


What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?


VOCs have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. They typically come from solids or liquids but are emitted as gases. Like many air pollutants, they usually exist in higher quantities indoors than outdoors since indoor air doesn’t experience as much circulation and ventilation.


What Are Common Sources of VOCs?


As we mentioned earlier, some of your everyday household products might be emitting volatile organic compounds in your home. These include:


  • Cleaning products, especially sprays.

  • Air fresheners.

  • Pesticides. 

  • Cooking, especially frying. 

  • Car parts.

  • Paint. 

  • Building materials, like carpeting. 

  • Furniture and wood floors.

  • Printers and copiers.

  • Glues and adhesives.


So, even something that smells nice (room spray), you spray (bug repellant), or sit on (your couch) every single day, could be negatively affecting your health. But how?



How Can Volatile Organic Compounds Hurt Your Health?


The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says that symptoms of VOC exposure include:


  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

  • Headaches.

  • Loss of coordination.

  • Nausea.

  • Difficulty breathing.

  • Kidney, liver, and central nervous system (CNS) damage.


Some VOCs are even suggested or proven carcinogens, which means that they can cause cancer.


There’s an environmental impact, too. When volatile organic compounds are released into the air, they react with nitrogen oxides, ultimately contributing to the creation of ground-level ozone, which is a component of smog.


Wait, Aren’t There Regulations for VOCs?


With how much VOCs can threaten the environment and our health, there must be guidelines dictating how we minimize exposure, right? Well, unfortunately, not quite.


Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does regulate VOCs in certain household products. However, these regulations are based on wanting to minimize the production of ozone, rather than protecting our health. In fact, when it comes to indoor air quality, some chemicals that produce VOCs are actually eliminated from these regulations because they don’t contribute to ozone. So, the CAA might refer to those products as “no VOC” or “low VOC,” when that’s not technically true. Those products can contain VOCs, even at high levels. Even if you do use products with a lower total VOC, it doesn’t necessarily mean much because the individual VOCs might vary (quite drastically) in their toxicity. 


What this means is that, ultimately, the EPA has no authority under the CAA when it comes to regulating VOCs in regard to indoor air quality.


At What Levels Are Volatile Organic Compounds Dangerous?


Let’s be clear about one thing: In a perfect world, you’re exposed to no VOCs. There is no level of exposure that’s safe.


However, the Government of Canada has created guidelines for some of the more common VOCs:


  • Acetaldehyde

    • Long-term (24 hours) exposure limit: 280 µg/m3 (157 ppb)

    • Short-term (one hour) exposure limit: 1420 µg/m3 (795 ppb)

  • Acrolein

    • Long-term (24 hours) exposure limit: 0.44 µg/m3

    • Short-term (one hour) exposure limit: 38 µg/m3

  • Formaldehyde

    • Long-term (eight hours) exposure limit: 50 µg/m3 (40 ppb)

    • Short-term (one hour) exposure limit: 123 µg/m3 (100 ppb)

  • Naphthalene

    • Long-term (24 hours) exposure limit: 10 µg/m3 (1.9 ppb)

  • Toluene

    • Long-term (24 hours) exposure limit: 2.3 mg/m3 (0.6 ppm)

    • Short-term (eight hours) exposure limit: 15 mg/m3 (4.0 ppm)


If your exposure to VOCs stays under these limits, then you’re less likely to experience negative health consequences.


How Else Can You Protect Yourself Against VOCs?


Having these guidelines is a good start, but… how do you know the levels of exposure you’re experiencing at home? How are you supposed to measure them? Even if you did, what could you do to improve them?


It’s clear that the guidelines aren’t enough.


The first thing to do is go straight to the source: Avoid using products that you know will release VOCs into the air. For example, look for non-toxic air fresheners (or skip them completely). Try DIY bug repellent using lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, and witch hazel. Opt for natural cleaning products or make your own using white vinegar, dish soap, and essential oils.


If you do need to bring a VOC-emitting product into your home—like furniture or carpeting—aim to let it air out in the outdoors or garage for about a week before doing so.



Expecting to completely eliminate VOCs from your home probably isn’t realistic. But this is an excellent start! You should also use an air purifier built with a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter, which captures 99.95% of particles 0.1 microns in diameter. The Sans air technology also contains a whole pound of activated carbon (3x other purifiers) to protect you from harmful chemicals, VOCs, and nasty odors. (Ever unroll a new rug and get a whiff of something foul?)


In addition, Sans air technology is designed with a built-in monitor that gives you real-time air quality updates. The latest screen upgrade includes two new sensors, displaying PM2.5, PM10, and VOC. Most competing brands don’t have a single sensor, and if they do, they only display PM2.5.


Finally, proper ventilation is key. On days when the outdoor air quality is good, consider cracking open your doors/windows. Regularly change your HVAC and air purifier filters so that they continue running optimally. Sans will automatically alert you when it’s time to change the filter. If you don’t know when to swap your HVAC filters, consult with a professional in your area.


The Fight Against VOCs


We all have the power to ignite change. If we refuse to buy products that contain harmful chemicals, manufacturers will have no choice but to change how they create those products. Shop wisely, protect your home, and breathe easy.


Learn more about the Sans air purifier.

 

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