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Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are found in thousands of products we use every day and can lead to serious health problems.

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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from thousands of everyday products and can have serious health impacts. VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and are mostly released into the air during the use of products containing them, a process known as off-gassing. Concentrations of VOCs indoors are up to 10 times higher than outdoors. Breathing VOCs can cause health issues such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer. They may worsen symptoms for people with asthma and COPD. VOCs come from many sources, including home cleaning products, building materials, personal care products, and outdoor sources that can enter homes. To reduce exposure, read product labels, avoid or limit the use of items with harmful ingredients, safely dispose of unwanted products, and increase ventilation when using products containing VOCs. Small steps can go a long way in protecting lung health. Learn more at Lung.org.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes. Some are harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer. In addition, some can react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air.

Sources of VOCs

VOCs can be found in the air indoors and outdoors. Some of these sources continue to produce VOCs when they are stored or transported. Some of the more familiar VOCs include benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.

Indoor Sources

Building materials:

  • Paint, paint strippers
  • Varnishes and finishes
  • Caulks and sealants
  • Adhesives
  • Flooring, carpet, pressed wood products

Home & personal care products:

  • Cleaners and disinfectants
  • Furniture
  • Pesticides
  • Air fresheners
  • Cosmetics and deodorants
  • Fuel oil, gasoline

Activities:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Dry-cleaned clothing
  • Arts and crafts products: glues, paints, permanent markers, etc.
  • Gas and wood burning stoves
  • Office printers and copiers

Outdoor Sources

  • Gasoline
  • Diesel emissions
  • Wood burning
  • Oil and gas extraction and processing
  • Industrial emissions

VOCs Can Harm Health

Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and can damage the central nervous system and other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer. 

Details on specific health effects of each specific VOC can be found in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxic Substances Portal.

Outdoors, VOCs can cause similar health effects, but also can react with nitrogen oxides to produce ozone pollution, the nation's most widespread outdoor air pollutant.

Protecting Yourself from VOCs

Avoid or limit use of products with high VOCs

  • Use products that are low in VOCs, including some sources like paints and building supplies. Look for "Low VOCs" information on the label.
  • Use a different approach that reduces the need for products that contain VOCs. For example, integrated pest management can help eliminate or greatly reduce the use of pesticides.
  • Buy only as much as you need for the project. Dispose of any leftover or unused products safely.
  • Always follow manufacturers' directions when using these products.
  • Don't smoke and keep all buildings smokefree. Tobacco smoke contains VOCs among other carcinogens.

Add ventilation when you use products with VOCs indoors

  • Open windows and add a fan to pull the indoor air outside while you're using products with high VOCs. Increasing the amount of fresh air in your home will help reduce the concentration of VOCs indoors.
  • Let new carpet or new building products air outside to release VOCs before installing them.
  • Don't store products with VOCs indoors, including in garages connected to the building.
  • Make sure your office or school ventilation systems are working effectively to reduce VOCs produced by printers or copiers.

Get more information about ventilation.

Page last updated: October 21, 2024

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