Where It Comes From
Paints/solvents, cleaners and air fresheners, adhesives, new furniture and building materials, dry-cleaned clothes, fuels, vehicle exhaust, industry, and tobacco smoke [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing indoor air during and after product use; inside cars or near traffic; at work with solvents/paints; sometimes via contaminated water [1][2].
Why It Matters
Can cause eye/throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and worsen asthma; long-term, some VOCs can harm liver, kidneys, or nerves, and some (e.g., benzene, formaldehyde) cause cancer [1][2][3][4]. Indoor VOC levels are often 2–5 times higher than outdoors [1].
Who Is at Risk
Children, older adults, people with asthma/COPD, pregnant people, and workers in painting, printing, dry cleaning, or auto repair [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Choose low-/no-VOC products; ventilate well; follow labels; store/dispose chemicals safely; let new items off-gas; don’t smoke or idle engines indoors; use exhaust fans and protective gear at work [1][2].
References
- [1]U.S. EPA. Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.
- [2]WHO. Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants (2010).
- [3]IARC Monographs. Benzene; Formaldehyde (Group 1 carcinogens).
- [4]NTP. Report on Carcinogens: Benzene; Formaldehyde.