InspectAPedia ^®

Indoor VOC's - a Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality InspectAPedia®  -     Indoor air quality & health effects of exposure to common indoor Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs Common sources of VOCs indoors, benzene, methylene chloride, and Perchlorethylene as indoor air contaminants Guide to reducing the level of exposure to VOCs in indoor air

Here we discuss steps to improve indoor air quality in homes, focused on the volatile organic compounds or VOCs often found indoors. These include MVOCs from mold, benzene, methylene chloride, and perchloroethylene among others. This article includes excerpts or adaptations from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Our page top photo shows a gas detector tube test for Perchlorethylene.

At Toxic Gas Exposure Effects we discuss the exposure effects for various toxic gases. Also see ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY for our full list of environmental hazard identification and remedy related to buildings. At MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS we discuss the source and effects of mold related odors and MVOCs in buildings; also see MOLD ODORS, Musty Smells in Buildings and see MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS of MOLD EXPOSURE.

© Copyright 2009 Daniel Friedman, Steve Bliss, Wiley & Sons, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

Guide to Sources & Remedies for Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs as Indoor Air Contaminants

As reported in Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction:

Many organic compounds are used during construction. Others are used daily in cleaning fluids, cosmetics, and hobby materials. These include the solvents in paints, caulk, and adhesives, as well as the ingredients in hair sprays, carpet and oven cleaners, floor and furniture polishes, and pesticides.

In its TEAM study, the Environmental Protection Agency found that the average level of 12 common organic pollutants was two to five times higher in houses than outdoors, although still 1,000 times less than short-term occupational limits. The health effects of high concentrations of VOCs vary from the highly toxic and carcinogenic to no known effect. The impact of long-term exposure at the levels found in households, however, is less well understood.

Health Effects. As with most pollutants, the health effect depends on individual sensitivities as well as the level and duration of the exposure.

Common acute symptoms from moderate levels of exposure to VOCs indoors include eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment.

Effects on the nervous system from exposure to VOCs are similar to those from alcohol consumption.

Common chemicals that should be avoided include:

• Benzene in indoor air. Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources are tobacco smoke, stored gasoline, and auto emissions from attached garages. It is also found in some adhesives, paints, furniture waxes, and detergents. Acute inhalation exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and, at high levels, unconsciousness. We discuss testing for benzene indoors at Toxic Gas Test Procedures.
• Methylene chloride in indoor air. This chemical has a mild sweet odor. In consumer products it is found in paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints, methylene chloride is known to cause cancer in animals and is considered by the EPA to be a probable human carcinogen.
  
  Also, methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body and can cause symptoms associated with CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning including decreased visual, auditory, and motor functions. Avoid use if possible or use outdoors.
  
  "Exposure to methylene chloride occurs mostly from breathing contaminated air, but may also occur through skin contact or by drinking contaminated water. Breathing in large amounts of methylene chloride can damage the central nervous system. Contact of eyes or skin with methylene chloride can result in burns. Methylene chloride has been found in at least 882 of 1,569 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)." -- ATSDR.
  
  More about methylene chloride is available in the CPSC Indoor Air Pollution Book Online Copy
  
• Perchloroethylene in indoor air. This is the most widely used dry- cleaning chemical. The most common effects of moderate overexposure to perchloroethylene are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin, and nervous system effects, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
  
  If dry-cleaned clothes have a strong odor, do not accept them until they have been properly dried. At Gas Toxicity Levels we discuss the human exposure limits for perchloroethylene.
• Mold related volatile organic compounds - MVOCs in indoor air. Because indoor mold contamination can in some cases be a source of VOCs (Mold-VOCs or MVOCs), see MOLD ODORS, Musty Smells in Buildings and see ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD. At MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS we discuss the source and effects of mold related odors and MVOCs in buildings; also see MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS of MOLD EXPOSURE. A list of mold-related health complaints is at MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE and mold related symptoms are listed at MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS.

At Toxic Gas Exposure Effects we discuss the exposure effects for various toxic gases.

Guide to Reducing Exposure to Indoor VOCs

Paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, and a variety of other building products and materials produce high concentrations of VOCs when they are first applied or installed.

At these levels, even nonsensitive individuals might experience symptoms such as eye and respiratory irritation. To avoid problems, new homes should be allowed to air out for at least a couple of weeks before being occupied, particularly if the weather is too cold to leave windows open. In cold weather, the home should be heated with ventilation systems run at full speed to help drive off the volatile compounds.

To limit exposure to household VOCs, the best strategy is to find alternative products. When that is not possible, carefully follow directions, use in well-ventilated areas, and do not store partially used containers in living spaces.

-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.

Share this Article      

...

Technical Reviewers & References

Search InspectAPedia

• Daniel Friedman - principal author/editor of the InspectAPedia^® Website
• Steven Bliss served as editorial director and co-publisher of The Journal of Light Construction for 16 years and previously as building technology editor for Progressive Builder and Solar Age magazines. He worked in the building trades as a carpenter and design/build contractor for more than ten years and holds a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Excerpts from his recent book, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, appear throughout this website, with permission and courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Best Practices Guide is available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com.
• InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
• Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
• Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS GUIDE
AIR POLLUTANTS, COMMON INDOOR
ALLERGEN TESTS for BUILDINGS
ALLERGENS in BUILDINGS, RECOGNIZING
ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE
ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY
FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-priorities
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOLD
ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT INDOOR MOLD
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
  Health Effects of Air Pollutants
  Common Indoor Air Pollutants
  Key Strategies for Improving Indoor Air Quality
  Whole House Ventilation Strategies
  Exhaust-Only Ventilation
  Supply-Only Ventilation
  Balanced Ventilation
  Air Filtering Strategies
  Particles in Indoor Air - Chart
  Quick Guide to Gases
  Air-Cleaner Types
  Air Filter Effectiveness
  Real-World Effectiveness of Air Cleaners
  Finding & Reducing Air Pollutants
  Radon Hazards
  Formaldehyde Hazards
  Biological Pollutants
  Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs
  Pesticide Exposure Hazards
  Lead Exposure Hazards
  Asbestos Exposure Hazards
  Carpeting and Indoor Air Quality
  Combustion Appliance Contaminants
  Backdrafting Appliances
  Fireplace & Woodstove Contaminants
  INDOOR AIR HAZARDS TABLE
  INDOOR COMBUSTION PRODUCTS & IAQ
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED
LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD
MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX
MOLD BY MICROSCOPE
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE
ODORS, Smells, Gases in Buildings-Diagnosis & Cure
RENTERS & TENANTS GUIDE TO MOLD
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
STAIN DIAGNOSIS
TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES
THERMAL TRACKING

• The Journal of Light Construction has generously given reprint permission to InspectAPedia.com for this article. All rights and contents are ©Journal of Light Construction and may not be reproduced in any form.
• Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Steve Bliss, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com. . See our book review of this publication.
• ATSDR - the US CDC information on methylene chloride: see atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts14.html

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
• ...

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

...

InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map - Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice: In-depth research & advice on diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest.

The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

Building Inspection, Problem Diagnosis, Forensic Investigation & Testing, Repair Consulting

Contact Daniel Friedman for website content suggestions or for fee-paid consulting