Volatile Organic Compounds in the Home: Sources, Health Effects & How to Reduce Them
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily become gases and spread through the air inside our homes. Many everyday products release VOCs, which can affect your health over time. Let’s break it down into simple parts so you can understand where VOCs come from, why they matter, and how to lower your exposure.
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
Volatile Organic Compounds are harmful gases that come from certain solids and liquids. They have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility. This means they evaporate quickly and get into the air easily. Once they are in the air, we can breathe them in.
VOCs are found in many household products and materials. Common examples include:
- Paints and varnishes
- Glues and adhesives
- Cleaning products
- Aerosol sprays
- Air fresheners
- Carpets and flooring
- MDF and particleboard furniture
- Printers and photocopiers
- Petrol and fuel storage
Even things like dry-cleaned clothes and some beauty products release Volatile Organic Compounds into your home.
Common Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Home
You may be surprised by how many items in your house give off VOCs. Here are some of the biggest sources of Volatile Organic Compounds indoors:
1. Building Materials
Plywood, MDF, particleboard, and laminate flooring often release VOCs like formaldehyde.
2. Furniture
New sofas, chairs, and cabinets, especially if made with composite wood, can release VOCs for months after purchase.
3. Paints and Finishes
Wall paint, wood varnish, and paint strippers contain high levels of VOCs unless labelled low-VOC or zero-VOC.
4. Household Cleaners
Many cleaning products, disinfectants, and air fresheners give off VOCs like benzene and toluene.
5. Office Equipment
Printers, copiers, and some types of ink can release VOCs while in use.
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Why Volatile Organic Compounds Are Worse Indoors
Indoor air often has two to ten times more VOCs than outdoor air. Homes are sealed tight for energy efficiency, but that also means VOCs can build up indoors if you don’t have good airflow and lead to poor indoor air quality.Â
Studies, like the EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM), show that even rural homes have higher VOC levels inside than the air outside.
Health Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds Exposure
Breathing in VOCs can affect your health. Some symptoms might feel like a cold or allergies. If you feel better when you leave the house, VOCs could be the cause.
Short-Term Health Effects
- Watery or burning eyes
- Runny nose and sore throat
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Irritated skin
- Wheezing or coughing
Long-Term Health Effects
- Damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system
- Asthma and allergy flare-ups
- Increased risk of certain cancers (formaldehyde is a known carcinogen)
Some people are more sensitive to Volatile Organic Compounds, such as children, elderly people, those with asthma, or people who have chemical sensitivities.
Real-Life Examples of VOC Exposure at Home
New Furniture Off-Gassing
When you buy new furniture made from MDF or particleboard, it often releases VOCs like formaldehyde. This “off-gassing” is strongest when the furniture is new and can continue for months.
Painting a Room
Using regular paint releases VOCs into the air. These fumes can cause headaches or breathing issues. Even after the paint dries, VOCs can still release slowly, especially in hot weather.
New Carpets and Flooring
Installing new carpets or vinyl flooring can release VOCs like benzene and toluene. That “new carpet smell” is often caused by these chemicals. Off-gassing can last for weeks or even months after installation, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Cleaning with Strong Chemicals
Many household cleaners, sprays, and disinfectants release VOCs such as ammonia or formaldehyde. Using them without opening windows or turning on an extractor fan can quickly fill your home with harmful fumes, leading to headaches or throat irritation.
Air Fresheners and Scented Candles
While they make your home smell nice, air fresheners, plug-ins, and some scented candles often release VOCs like limonene and formaldehyde. These can contribute to indoor air pollution, especially when used daily in small or closed spaces.
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How to Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds in Your Home
Here are some easy steps to lower VOC levels inside your home:
- Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and finishes
- Buy solid wood furniture instead of composite woods
- Increase ventilation by opening windows and using fans
- Use air purifiers with activated carbon filters
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners—switch to natural alternatives
- Store paints, varnishes, and cleaning supplies in sealed containers, away from living spaces
- Let new furniture air out in a garage or outdoors before bringing it inside
- Control temperature and humidity—higher heat and moisture can release more VOCs
top 5 tips to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from your home
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Use Indoor Plants: Certain houseplants, such as peace lilies, snake plants, and bamboo palms, are excellent at filtering out harmful chemicals, including VOCs. They help purify the air naturally by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen.
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Opt for Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Products: Choose paints, cleaning supplies, furniture, and finishes labelled “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC.” These products emit fewer harmful chemicals, improving both the air quality and your overall health.
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Ventilate Regularly: Increase airflow in your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans to help air out any VOCs. Proper ventilation helps reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants and encourages fresh air circulation.
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Use an Air Purifier: Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon, which can effectively remove VOCs and other toxins from the air. Ensure it is the right size for your space to maximize its effectiveness.
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Reduce Synthetic Materials: Minimize the use of synthetic materials like certain carpets, rugs, and upholstery that can emit VOCs. Opt for natural materials such as wool, cotton, and wood, which are less likely to release harmful chemicals into the air.
Volatile Organic Compounds: Final Thoughts
Volatile Organic Compounds are all around us, but there are simple ways to reduce their impact on your home and health. By making smart choices and improving airflow, you can breathe easier and create a healthier space for you and your family.
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List of Chemicals Found in Household Goods
Chemical |
Common Household Sources |
|---|---|
Acetone |
– Particle board (furniture, building materials) – Paint remover – Furniture wax – Furniture stains – Cleaning products |
Ammonia |
– Synthetic fibres (textiles) – Paper – Window cleaners – Floor waxes – Cleaning products |
Benzene |
– Furniture stains and varnishes – Varnish removers – Adhesives – Paints – Furniture wax – Detergents – Floor coverings – Particleboard – Wall coverings |
Ethyl Alcohol |
– Cleaning detergents – Washing-up liquid – Polishes – Perfume – Deodorant – Shampoos – Body wash – Toothpaste – Mouthwash – Hand sanitiser |
Methyl Alcohol |
– Nail varnish – Nail varnish remover – Perfume – Rubbing alcohol – Hair spray |
Alcohols |
– Carpeting – Floor covering – Paint – Particleboard – Wallcovering – Furniture stains and varnishes – Adhesives – Cosmetics |
Ethyl Acetate |
– Nail varnish – Nail varnish remover – Perfume – Hair spray |
Formaldehyde |
– Floor coverings – Fabrics – Refuse sacks – Chipboard – Plywood – Upholstered furniture – Carpets – Pressed wood products – Adhesives – Caulking compounds – Ceiling tiles – Draperies – Grocery bags – Paints – Particleboard – Permanent press clothing – Stains & varnishes – Upholstery |
Toluene |
– Cement (PVC, contact, model) – Adhesives – Bio effluents (humans/animals) – Caulking compounds – Ceiling tiles – Computer VDU screens – Electrophotographic printers – Floor coverings – Paints – Particleboard – Photocopiers – Stains and varnish – Wallcoverings |
Xylene |
– Degreasers – Bio effluents – Ceiling tiles – Computer VDU screens – Electrophotographic printers – Floor coverings – Paints – Particleboard – Photocopiers – Stains & varnish – Wallcoverings |
Chloroform |
– Chlorinated tap water |
Butanal |
– Candles – Gas stoves – Barbecues |
Furnishings |
– Synthetic carpets – Floor tiles – Laminates – Furniture – Soft furnishings – Curtains – Plastics – Polyurethane foam – Carpet underlay, carpet adhesive – Particleboard, plywood, cabinetry |
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