Number 65d June 2018

Indoor Air Quality: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) What are volatile organic compounds or central nervous system. Long-term (VOCs)? exposure may also cause damage to the liver, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are kidneys or central nervous system. gases that are given off by many indoor sources. Concentrations of most volatile Some VOCs are suspected of causing cancer organic compounds are higher in indoor air and some have been shown to cause cancer than outdoor air. in humans. The health effects caused by VOCs depend on the concentration and Where do VOCs come from? length of exposure to the chemicals.

Formaldehyde, one of the most common Most people are not affected by short-term VOCs, is a colourless gas with an acrid exposure to the low levels of VOCs found (sharp and bitter) smell. It is common in in homes. Some people may be more many building materials such as plywood, sensitive, such as people with asthma. For particleboard and glues. Formaldehyde can long-term exposure to low levels of VOCs, also be found in some drapes and fabrics and research is ongoing to better understand any in certain types of foam insulation. health effects from these exposures.

Other sources of VOCs include the burning How can I avoid exposure to VOCs? of fuels such as gas, wood and kerosene and tobacco products. VOCs can also come from You can best avoid exposure to VOCs by personal care products such as perfume and controlling their source. Use materials and hair spray, cleaning agents, dry cleaning products that do not give off VOCs. fluid, paints, lacquers, varnishes, hobby Examples are listed below. supplies and from copying and printing • Some building products give off fewer machines. VOCs than others. Select paints and varnishes that are labelled as containing VOCs can be released from products during low VOCs use and even in storage. However, the • Do not allow smoking in or near your amount of VOCs emitted from products home. Second-hand smoke contains many tends to decrease as the product ages. pollutants, including VOCs What are some health concerns caused • Minimize use of scented products such as by VOCs? plug-in or aerosol deodorizers, candles and VOCs include a variety of chemicals that can incense cause eye, nose and throat irritation,  Consider storing furnishings and building shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, materials for at least a few weeks. This nausea, dizziness and skin problems. Higher will allow gases to be given off before you concentrations may cause irritation of the bring them into your home. If this is not lungs, as well as damage to the liver, kidney, possible, increase the ventilation by opening windows and doors in your home Ventilation: for a few weeks • Make sure you get enough fresh, clean air • Buy only enough paints, cleaners and into your home by opening windows solvents for immediate use so you don’t • Increase ventilation by opening windows have to store them in your home. Follow and doors after you bring new VOC instructions on the product label. Keep lids sources into your house, such as new on tightly. Store products in a separate carpets, furniture, or drapes room like an outdoor shed or in areas with proper ventilation • Follow manufacturers’ labels when using household chemicals. If the label says “use

• Remove old or unnecessary tins or bottles in a well-ventilated area” go outside or to that contain products with VOCs from the an area where an exhaust fan or open home. Do not throw unused products away window provides extra ventilation with your household garbage. Ensure you safely and properly dispose of them. For More Information Contact your local municipality or RCBC (Recycling Council of British Columbia) For more information about indoor air quality at www.rcbc.ca for more information and your health, visit: • Avoid bringing recently dry-cleaned  Health Canada - Air Quality clothing into your home if it still has a www.canada.ca/en/health- strong smell. Leave the clothing at the canada/services/air-quality.html shop, or take it out of the plastic wrapping  Health Canada – Volatile organic and hang it in a ventilated area until it is compounds www.canada.ca/en/health- dry canada/services/air-quality/indoor-air- contaminants/volatile-organic- New carpets: compounds.html

 If glues are necessary, select those suitable  The B.C. Lung Association - Air Quality for indoor use https://bc.lung.ca/protect-your-lungs/air- • Leave the area during carpet installation quality-lung-health or call toll-free 1 800 665-LUNG (5864)  Ventilate the area as much as possible during the installation using fans and opening windows and doors. Continue to ventilate for several days after installation

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