Download Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
Environmental Sources
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) are organic (carbon-containing) chemicals that have a high
vapours pressure and easily form vapours at normal temperature and pressure. VOC’s include
trichloroethylene, benzene, toluene, styrene, acetone, ethyl benzene, mixed xylenes methyl ethyl ketone,
alcohols, methacrylates, acrolein, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. VOC's are a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion and come from many sources including industrial and combustion
processes and petrol stations. The use of organic solvents, certain paint additives, aerosol spray can
propellants, fuels (such as petrol, and paraffin), petroleum distillates, dry cleaning products and many
other industrial and consumer products ranging from office supplies to building materials contribute to
VOC emissions. Most VOC's contribute to the formation of ground level ozone.
Human Health effects
When the central nervous system is primarily affected, symptoms can include diminished cognition,
memory, reaction time, and hand-eye and foot-eye coordination, and balance and gait disturbances.
Exposure can also lead to mood disorders, with depression, irritability, and fatigue being common
symptoms. Peripheral neurotoxicity usually results in paresthesias, tremors, and diminished fine and
gross motor movements. VOCs have been implicated in kidney damage. They have been associated with
immunological problems, including increased cancer rates and immunotoxicity. The typical presentation
of low-dose formaldehyde exposure includes upper respiratory irritations (rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis),
lower respiratory symptoms of wheezing, and persistent flu-like symptoms.
Exposure limits
The exposure limits to VOC’s vary from chemical to chemical. Refer to trichloroethylene, benzene,
toluene, styrene, acetone, ethyl benzene and mixed xylenes for their individual exposure limits.
Sources & Links :
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www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/frmChemicals