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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the worst toxins that we can come into contact with and they happen to surround us inside and out. A VOC is a compound containing carbon that is found in many household products.Environmental specialists hope to make “VOC” a common household acronym. The reason that these organic compounds, also called organic chemicals, are called volatile is because they do not stay in the products that contain them. They are released into the air, both when the product is used and when it is stored.

Volatile organic compounds include benzene, formaldeyhe, and acetone like that found in nail polish remover. The Environmental Protection Agency determined that roughly a dozen common VOCs are 2 to 5 times higher in the home than outside, regardless if the home is located in a rural or urban area. Research exists on the effects of VOC’s, but much remains unknown about them. They are thought to be toxic to the immune system. Some chemicals have been shown to cause cancer in animals, some in humans. Although the governments has set levels at which certain VOCs become toxic, it is not known what effect a constant exposure to low levels of chemicals will have.

You can get an idea of how prevalent VOCs are by a quick cruise through the bathroom. The mouthwash in the medicine cabinet, the disinfectants under the sink, and the air freshener on the toilet are all sources of VOCs. That new vinyl shower curtain constantly emits VOCs. Those cosmetics in the drawer may very well likely be full of VOCs including benzene, toluene, methyl & ethyl compounds. And the perfume bottles decorating the counter emit VOCs, too, when used, as do the freshly dry cleaned clothes still hanging in bags in the closet.

A carcinogenic chemical called perchlomethylene is in dry-cleaned clothes and can be absorbed into the skin when the clothing is worn. The carpeting covering the floor, the paint on the wall, the varnish or lacquer on the wood trim, the wax and polish used to clean the wood trim are in the same category – products with VOCs. And the list goes on.

The federal government does not require that products containing VOCs to reveal which organic compounds they contain. Many containers merely state that the ingredients are “inert.” What constitutes “inert” is not required to be revealed. It is confidential business information, and as such, is protected from disclosure. Unfortunately, “inert” often indicates volatile organic compounds.

In order to decrease the VOC load in your home, and thus on your immune system, choose organic products whenever possible. Also, go for the natural fibers and products, such as a cloth shower curtain instead of a vinyl one.

Tags: carpeting, environmental protection agency, nail polish remover, volatile organic compounds

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