https://www.epa.

gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-
impact-indoor-air-quality ( nk tambah info pg website nih )
Introduction
What is Volatile Organic Compound ?
- organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room
temperature. Their high vapor pressure results from a low boiling point,
which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate from
the liquid or solid form of the compound and enter the surrounding air, a
trait known as volatility.

- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain

solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may
have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many
VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than
outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the
thousands.

- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that

are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. Once
these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or off-gas into the
indoor air we breathe. They may or may not be able to be smelled, and
smelling is not a good indicator of health risk.

Example of VOC :
- For example, formaldehyde, which evaporates from paint, has a boiling
point of only 19 C (2 F).

- Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products.

Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many
cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are
made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic
compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are
stored.

- Common examples of VOCs that may be present in our daily lives are:
benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride,
tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.
Source of VOC :

Home & Personal Care

Building Materials Activities
Products

Paint, varnishes, Air fresheners, Smoking

caulks, adhesives cleaning products
Dry cleaning,
Carpet, vinyl Cosmetics photocopiers
flooring
Fuel oil, gasoline Cooking, hobbies
Composite wood
Burning wood
products
Upholstery and
foam

Health effects of VOC exposure :

The risk of health effects from inhaling any chemical depends on how much is in
the air, how long and how often a person breathes it in.
Breathing in low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some
peoples risk of health problems. Several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs
may make symptoms worse for people with asthma or who are particularly
sensitive to chemicals. These are much different exposures than occupational
exposures.
It is important to remember that VOCs refer to a group of chemicals. Each
chemical has its own toxicity and potential for causing different health effects.
Common symptoms of exposure to HIGH levels of VOCs include:

Acute/short term exposures Chronic exposures

(hours to days) (years to a lifetime)

Eye, nose & throat irritation Cancer

Headaches Liver & kidney damage

Nausea/vomiting Central nervous system damage

Dizziness

Worsening of asthma symptoms

The greater risk is People with respiratory problems such as asthma, young
children, the elderly and people with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be
more susceptible to irritation and illness from VOCs.
Prevention of VOC effect :
To protect your health, it is best to limit your exposure to products and materials
that contain VOCs. If you think you may be having health problems caused by
VOCs, try reducing levels in your home. If symptoms persist, consult with your
doctor to rule out other serious health conditions that may have similar
symptoms.
Most health related studies have been conducted on single chemicals. Less is
known about the health effects of exposure to combinations of chemicals.
Because the toxicity of a VOC varies for each individual chemical, there is no
Minnesota or federal health-based standard for VOCs as a group.
#VOC cannot be measured. Kita hanya boleh menghindar nya dalam kegunaan
seharian kita. Meminimumkan penggunaan berasaskan bahan VOC ini.

How to reduce the levels of VOCs :

First, conduct an inspection of your home for the common sources of VOCs. Look
for supplies of unused chemicals, such as paints, varnishes, solvents, adhesives
and caulks. Household furnishings like carpet, upholstered furniture or items
made from composite wood tend to off-gas more VOCs when they are new.
Some steps to reduce your exposure include:
o Source Control: Remove or reduce the number of products in your
home that give off VOCs.

Only buy what you need when it comes to paints, solvents,

adhesive and caulks. Unused chemicals stored in the home
can sometimes leak and release VOCs into the air.
Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people do
not spend much time.
Dispose of unused chemicals that are stored in your home or
garage. Check with your city or county for household
hazardous waste collection sites.
Consider purchasing low-VOC options of paints and
furnishing.
When buying new items, look for floor models that have been
allowed to off-gas in the store. Solid wood items with low
emitting finishes will contain less VOCs than items made with
composite wood.
o Ventilation and Climate Control: Increasing the amount of fresh
air in your home will help reduce the concentration of VOCs indoors.
Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows. Use fans
to maximize air brought in from the outside.
 Keep both the temperature and relative humidity as low as
possible or comfortable. Chemicals off-gas more in high
temperatures and humidity.
Try to perform home renovations when the house is
unoccupied or during seasons that will allow you to open
doors and windows to increase ventilation.

How can I reduce the levels of VOCs indoors?

Find out if products used or stored in your home contain VOCs. Information
about the chemicals in many household products are listed on the front of
this fact sheet and a larger list is on the National Institute of Health's
website.
If you must store products containing VOCs, do so in tightly sealed,
original containers in a secure and wellventilated area. If possible store
products in places where people do not spend much time, such as a
garage or outdoor shed. Better yet, buy these products in amounts that
are used quickly.
Dispose of unneeded products containing VOCs. Many of these products
are considered household hazardous wastes and should be disposed of at
special facilities or during special household hazardous waste collection
programs in your area. For more information about disposing of these
products, contact your town or visit the Household Hazardous Waste
(HHW) on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's
web site.
Use products containing VOCs in well-ventilated areas or outdoors. Open
windows and doors or use an exhaust fan to increase ventilation. Repeated
or prolonged ventilation may be necessary for reducing levels from
building materials (new carpeting or furniture) that release VOCs slowly
over time.
Carefully read labels and follow directions for use.