WHAT ARE THEY?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCS) are gases released into the air from certain solids or liquids such as particleboards, paint, adhesives, upholstery, drapery, carpet, spray cans, construction material, and dry clean clothes. They include a variety of chemicals which can have both short and long-term health effects.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly, from those that are highly toxic to those who effects are unknown. Common effects are eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. Formaldehyde is one of these organics that cause wheezing and coughing, skin rashes, severe allergic reactions, and possibly cancer.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT THEM

1. Provide maximum ventilation when painting or using solvents or strong cleaning solutions.
2. Do not accept dry cleaned clothes that have a strong chemical odor - insist that your dry cleaner dry them properly or find another cleaner.
3. Avoid exposure to benzene, a known cause of cancer in humans. The main sources of this chemical are secondhand smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages.
4. Buy an air purifier. It will absorb and destroy both high and low molecular weight VOCS.