In the context of a home’s indoor air quality, VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are a large
group of carbon-containing chemicals that easily vaporize or “off-gas” into the air at room
temperature. They are found in thousands of everyday products and materials used in and around
our homes, often contributing to what’s commonly known as “indoor air pollution.”
Sources of VOCs in Homes:
VOCs come from a wide array of sources, both human-made and, to a lesser extent, natural.
Common indoor sources include:
● Building materials and furnishings: Paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, carpets, vinyl
flooring, composite wood products (like plywood and particleboard), upholstery, and foam.
● Household products: Cleaning supplies, disinfectants, air fresheners, pesticides, cosmetics,
personal care products, and aerosol sprays.
● Office equipment: Copiers, printers, correction fluids, and carbonless copy paper.
● Hobbies and crafts: Glues, adhesives, permanent markers, photographic solutions, and craft
materials.
● Combustion processes: Tobacco smoke, burning wood, cooking with gas stoves, and
unvented heaters.
● Stored fuels: Fuel oil, gasoline, and other petroleum products.
● Dry-cleaned clothing: Chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process can off-gas.
Long-Term Health Effects of VOC Exposure:
The health effects of VOC exposure depend on several factors, including the specific type of VOC, its
concentration in the air, and the duration and frequency of exposure. While some VOCs are relatively
harmless, many can have significant long-term health consequences, particularly with chronic
exposure to elevated levels.
Here’s a summary of potential long-term health effects:
● Respiratory problems: VOCs can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with pre-existing
respiratory conditions like asthma and may contribute to the development of respiratory issues
in otherwise healthy individuals.
● Organ damage: Prolonged exposure to certain VOCs can lead to damage to the liver,
kidneys, and central nervous system.
● Neurological effects: Chronic exposure may cause symptoms such as persistent headaches,
loss of coordination, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, and chronic nausea.
● Allergies and sensitivities: VOCs can contribute to the development of allergies and
chemical sensitivities, especially in children.
● Cancer risk: Some VOCs, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are classified as known or
suspected carcinogens and have been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer
with long-term exposure.
● Sick Building Syndrome: High levels of VOCs can be a contributing factor to “sick building
syndrome,” where occupants experience a range of non-specific health issues without a clear
identifiable cause.
Important Considerations:
● Cumulative exposure: It’s important to remember that people are often exposed to a mixture
of VOCs from various sources in their homes, and the combined effects of these chemicals are
not always fully understood.
● Vulnerable populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory problems or
compromised immune systems are generally more susceptible to the adverse health effects of
VOC exposure.
● “Off-gassing”: Many products continue to release VOCs into the air over time, a process
known as “off-gassing,” which can lead to prolonged exposure in indoor environments.
An “air scrubber” can be a very effective tool for improving indoor air quality, particularly when it
comes to removing VOCs.
Air Supply is certified to install and maintain The Aerus brand Air Scrubber which uses ActivePure®
Technology that attaches directly to the HVAC system ductwork to remove air pollution, VOCs,
surface contaminants, pet dander, odors and dust, resulting in a cleaner, healthier and more efficient
home.