VOC Health Effects: Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds and Risks

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that easily become gases at room temperature and are found in many everyday products like paints, cleaners, and household furnishings. These indoor air pollutants can affect indoor air quality and pose a serious threat to human health. VOC exposure has been associated with symptoms such as throat irritation, asthma-like responses, and potential long-term effects on the central nervous system, according to some studies.

Indoor air often contains higher VOC concentrations than outdoor air, especially in non-industrial settings like homes and schools. This article explains the sources of VOCs, their health effects, and practical ways to reduce exposure, improving indoor air and overall well-being.

VOCs can come from many everyday sources found inside homes and buildings. Understanding where these chemicals come from is the first step in reducing personal exposure and improving indoor air quality.

Many common household items release volatile organic compounds into the air during use and storage. Products like paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning sprays, and air fresheners can emit harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.

These VOC emissions can build up in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, sometimes making indoor air more polluted than outdoor air. Using these products without proper ventilation may increase indoor VOC levels, which could contribute to health concerns over time, especially with prolonged exposure.

Building materials and furniture are another significant source of indoor air pollutants. New carpets, laminate flooring, and pressed wood products often contain adhesives with formaldehyde and other hazardous air pollutants.

These materials can release VOCs indoors for weeks or even months—a process known as off-gassing. Although emissions tend to decrease over time, the initial release can reach high concentrations, especially in recently renovated or newly furnished homes.

Everyday habits and personal care routines can add to indoor VOC levels. Hair sprays, nail polish, perfumes, and aerosol products all contain organic compounds that can pollute the air indoors.

Tobacco smoke, a well-known air pollutant, releases a variety of harmful VOCs and particulate matter. Cooking without proper ventilation also increases indoor VOC concentrations, especially in kitchens with limited airflow or older exhaust systems.

VOC exposure can lead to a wide range of health effects. These vary depending on the level of exposure, length of time, and individual sensitivity.

Breathing in VOCs can cause quick reactions in many people. Short-term exposure may lead to:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Eye, nose, or throat irritation

• Sneezing and runny nose

• Skin rashes or itching

Some people may also experience allergy-like symptoms when exposed to even low levels of indoor VOCs.

Long-term exposure to VOCs—especially in places with poor ventilation or continuous use of VOC-emitting products—has been linked to more serious health conditions in some populations and studies. These risks include:

• Damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system

• Increased risk of certain cancers (especially from benzene exposure or formaldehyde)

• Greater impact on vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems

• Worsening of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma

Indoor air pollution is a growing public health concern, and VOCs are considered one of the contributing indoor air pollutants.

Not everyone reacts the same way to VOCs. People with asthma, allergies, or other health conditions may notice symptoms faster and more severely than others. While some people experience only mild discomfort, others may have strong reactions even at low levels of VOCs indoors. Age, existing health problems, and personal exposure history can all influence how the body responds to these air pollutants.

Knowing when VOCs are present is essential for protecting indoor air quality and reducing health risks. Several methods can help detect elevated levels of volatile organic compounds indoors.

Simple signs in your daily environment may suggest a VOC problem. Persistent odors, throat irritation, or general discomfort when using particular products could mean high VOC concentrations. If symptoms like headaches appear after bringing in new furniture or completing a renovation, off-gassing might be the cause. Paying attention to how you feel in different rooms can guide you in taking further steps to check for indoor air pollutants.

Home testing kits make it easy to detect VOCs, including specific ones like formaldehyde or more general air quality levels. Some kits offer instant readings, while others require sending samples to a lab for a detailed report. These tools are especially helpful after painting, remodeling, or bringing in new household items. Test results can show if VOC exposure is above healthy limits and help determine what actions to take next.

If symptoms continue or there are concerns about hidden sources, professional testing may be needed. Indoor air quality experts and industrial hygienists use advanced tools to measure VOC concentrations and identify hazardous air pollutants. These assessments provide in-depth data on the types of organic compounds in your home and recommend ways to improve air indoors. This step is helpful in severe cases or for people with existing health conditions affected by air pollution.

Once VOC sources are identified, the next step is reducing exposure. Practical strategies can make a big difference in improving both indoor air and environmental health.

One of the most effective ways to lower VOC levels is by choosing low-emission products. Use zero-VOC or low-VOC paints, adhesives, and cleaning supplies whenever possible. Let new furniture or carpets off-gas outdoors or in a garage before bringing them into the main living spaces. Strong chemicals should be sealed tightly and stored outside the main areas of your home to prevent VOC emissions.

Good airflow helps remove VOCs and other pollutants from the air indoors. Open windows or use exhaust fans during and after activities like painting, cleaning, or cooking. Even short periods of ventilation can lower indoor VOC concentrations. For a long-term solution, consider mechanical ventilation systems like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which provide a constant supply of fresh air.

High heat and humidity can increase the off-gassing of VOCs. Keeping your home at a moderate temperature and humidity slows this process. Aim for:

• Temperatures between 68–75°F

• Humidity levels between 30–50%

• Dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements

• Air conditioning in hot, humid climates

These adjustments help control the release of volatile organic compounds VOCs into the air indoors.

Some air purifiers are designed to filter VOCs using activated carbon. These filters trap chemical fumes and help remove unwanted products and odors. Not all filters are equally effective, so choosing one that targets organic compounds is important. Replace filters regularly since saturated filters won’t continue to reduce air pollutants effectively.

Small lifestyle changes and smarter product choices can greatly reduce health problems caused by VOCs. Reducing exposure may help avoid discomfort or potential health concerns associated with poor indoor air quality.

Choosing safer materials is key to reducing indoor air pollutants. Look for products with certifications like Green Seal or GREENGUARD, which verify low VOC emissions. Natural or water-based cleaners with little to no fragrance are better for indoor air quality. Buying used or showroom display furniture can also help, as these items often release fewer organic compounds due to earlier off-gassing.

Safe habits during home projects or daily routines lower the risk of personal exposure. Follow these tips:

• Plan painting or renovation projects during mild weather to keep windows open

• Wear protective gloves and masks when using VOC-heavy chemicals

• Keep kids, pets, and older adults away from freshly treated areas

These steps can prevent unnecessary contact with high concentrations of VOCs indoors.

Good home maintenance can improve air quality and may help reduce potential health risks related to indoor pollutants. Fix leaks or damp areas quickly to prevent mold growth, which can release microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Don’t store partially used paint or solvent cans in living areas. Weekly dusting, vacuuming, and decluttering can also remove particles and other pollutants that may interact with VOCs to form secondary organic aerosols.

Volatile organic compounds enter homes through common sources like cleaning supplies, new furniture, and building materials. While often invisible, these indoor air pollutants can impact human health—especially with long-term or high-level exposure.

Simple actions such as choosing low-emission products, improving ventilation, and managing temperature and humidity offer practical ways to reduce VOC concentrations. Paying attention to how products affect indoor air quality helps protect your household and supports better environmental health across all age groups and income levels.