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What Level of VOC is Dangerous? All You Need to Know
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals found in various household products and industrial processes. They evaporate easily at room temperature, and are therefore used as a drying agent in paints, cleaning supplies, and building materials.
Due to their common use, exposure to VOCs occurs frequently through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, leading to potential health risks.
Generally speaking, 800 ppb (varies for indoor vs industrial settings, and the type of chemical) is the contact limit for VOCs. Long term exposure beyond that level is deemed as not healthy, and can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and even chronic health problems.
Understanding safe limits for commonly used chemicals like VOCs is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. In this article, we will discuss the dangers posed by high VOC levels, as well as methods to monitor and regulate VOC concentrations in your home.
What is VOC?
Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are chemicals with high vapor pressure that enables them to readily evaporate at room temperature. They are prevalent in everyday items such as paints, paint thinners, fabric dyes, cleaning supplies, pesticides, glues and various building materials (vinyl paneling and floors, treated wood etc).
The widespread use of VOCs is due to their effectiveness in various applications, such as solvents in paints and adhesives, and ingredients in cleaning agents and pesticides.
However, a major downside to their frequent use is that they can be released into the air during the use and storage of these products, resulting in higher indoor concentrations.
What are the Harmful Effects of VOC?
Before we discuss what levels of VOCs are dangerous, let's learn about the different hazards associated with the chemical.
Here are some of the major harmful effects of VOCs:
Skin, Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation
Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause significant irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
When VOCs are inhaled or come into direct contact with the skin, they can trigger symptoms such as redness, itching, and a burning sensation. Eyes may become watery, itchy, and red, while the nose and throat can feel dry, sore, and irritated.
These symptoms are typically more pronounced in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to certain chemicals. Prolonged or repeated exposure can exacerbate these symptoms, leading to discomfort and potential complications, such as dermatitis or respiratory issues.
Headaches
People working in environments with high VOC levels, such as painting or cleaning often complain of headaches.
Inhaling the chemical irritates the nervous system, leading to tension (band-like) headaches or migraines. Affected individuals may feel throbbing pain, pressure around the temples, as well as exaggerated sensitivity to light and sound.
Note that the severity and duration of headaches can depend on the concentration of VOCs and individual susceptibility, and reducing VOC exposure can help alleviate and prevent the problem.
Liver Damage
Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to liver damage.
The liver is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the body. VOCs can cause liver dysfunction leading to symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Over time, this can progress to more serious and irreversible conditions like liver fibrosis where the tissue becomes thickened and permanently damaged.
Renal Toxicity
Another side effect of VOC damage is kidney toxicity. Kidneys remove waste from the body, which can be adversely affected by the toxic properties of the chemical.
Symptoms may include reduced urine output, swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and high blood pressure. If VOC levels are left unchecked, or the disease is not promptly treated, the condition can progress to renal failure.
CNS Toxicity
CNS toxicity is one of the most significant health risks of VOC exposure. Consequently, people experience a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, memory impairment, and decreased concentration.
Higher levels of the chemical can also cause more serious effects like motor coordination problems, mood swings, brain fog, cognitive decline, and neurological disorders.
Cancer
Exposure to certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Different VOCs are associated with various types of cancer, depending on their chemical properties and mechanisms of action.
Environmental Risks
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose significant environmental risks, some of which are as follows:
- Air pollution and smog formation
- Climate change
- Ozone depletion
- Danger to wildlife, and disruption of the ecosystem
- Groundwater contamination
How to Regulate VOC Levels in Home?
Here’s how you can regulate VOC levels in your home:
Proper Ventilation Systems
Installing and maintaining good ventilation systems in your home can go a long way in regulating VOC levels.
Effective ventilation systems like exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as whole-house ventilation systems dilute indoor air pollutants by bringing in fresh outdoor air and exhausting stale indoor air. However, for them to perform optimally, regular upkeep via cleaning or replacing filters is crucial.
Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters
Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters are effective in reducing VOC levels indoors. Activated carbon has a porous structure that adsorbs VOC molecules, trapping them within the filter and preventing them from recirculating into the air.
Indoor Plants
Incorporating indoor plants into your home decor not only adds aesthetic appeal but also helps to naturally regulate VOC levels. Certain houseplants, such as peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants, have been found to absorb VOCs from the air through their leaves and roots.
Regular Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Regularly monitoring indoor air quality, including VOC levels, provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your efforts to regulate indoor air pollutants. Portable indoor air quality monitors are easily available on the market and can measure various parameters, including VOC concentrations.
Final Words
Understanding the dangers of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and implementing effective strategies to regulate indoor levels is paramount for safeguarding both health and well-being.
Ensuring good ventilation, utilizing air purifiers, reducing VOC-emitting sources, and monitoring indoor air quality are crucial for safety.
Reach out to us for top-notch ventilation fans, and create healthier indoor environments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous VOC?
Formaldehyde is a known air pollutant, also regarded as one of the most dangerous volatile organic compounds. Exposure to its toxic levels can cause side effects like irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as serious respiratory issues and even cancer.
According to OSHA, 0.75 ppm over 8 hours is the safe exposure limit for formaldehyde.
What are the symptoms of VOC toxicity?
Excessive contact with VOC chemicals can result in symptoms that manifest differently based on the level and duration of exposure.
Key warning signs include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Respiratory irritation like coughing, and wheezing
- Redness and watering from the eye
- Itching and redness on the skin
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Irritability and anxiety
Recognizing these signs promptly can enable you to take necessary precautions, such as increasing ventilation and minimizing exposure to VOC-emitting sources. This can go a long way in preventing potential health hazards.