Volatile Organic Chemicals

Abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include benzene, dichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, perchloroethylene, toluene, and xylene. Because of their volatility and widespread use in both domestic and industrial applications, VOCs are pervasive contaminants in both indoor and outdoor air. Exposure is widespread. The most common indoor sources of VOCs include tobacco smoke, use of solvents and paints, non-sealed gasoline and paint containers, off-gassing from carpets and upholstery, and use of aerosolized products. Outdoor VOC exposures can result from industrial emissions, automobile exhaust, and other combustion processes. Health effects include both acute and chronic effects: inflammation of respiratory pathways, hepatoxicity, wheeze, exacerbation of asthma, neurotoxicity, and hematolymphopoietic cancers such as leukemia. Prevention of VOC toxicity is best achieved by reducing exposures. Indoor exposures can be reduced by eliminating smoking, limiting use of VOC-containing products, and proper ventilation. Outdoor exposures can be reduced by strict regulation of emission sources