ecoteam, the science of smell expert group - deodorant & aromatherapy

What are Volatile Organic Compounds?
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOC's, put simply, are the compounds you smell when your nose smells something in the air. They are what give the air around you a pleasant aroma or a foul odor. The technical definition of VOC's is chemical compounds which have high enough vapor pressure to vaporize and enter the atmosphere. When atmospheric pressure is lower or temperature is higher, more VOC's enter the air. For this definition, an "organic" compound is one that contains carbon, rather than one that comes from "natural" or "organic" sources.

Problems with Volatile Organic Compounds:

In high levels, VOC's can be damaging to your health and toxic to breathe. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, VOC's are a big contributing factor to ozone at ground levels. The ozone in the upper atmosphere is beneficial, but ozone at the ground level it can affect the function of the lungs, even in healthy people. Indoor air pollution levels can actually be two to three times higher than outdoor air pollution levels—and especially clean houses are the most likely to be contaminated by chemicals!

VOC's have chemicals that can cause the following health concerns:

• Dizziness
• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Headache
• Nausea
• Skin Problems
• Higher concentration can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys or central nervous system
  

Causes for Volatile Organic Compounds in the Home:

Many common household products emit volatile organic compounds:

• Aerosols
• Burning of wood, gas or kerosene
• Ethanolamines, used in silver polish and jewelry cleaners
• Fireplaces
• Floor cleaners (ammonia, however, is not volatile—only a problem if you are in direct contact with it)
• Floor varnish
• Floor waxes, especially if applied with a buffing machine
• Formaldehyde which can be found in particle board, plywood, foam insulation, and some drapes and textiles
• Fragrances, especially in bathroom cleaners applied from a spray can
• Gasoline—never siphon gasoline by mouth
• Glues
• "Green" arsenic-treated wood, especially in children's play sets
• Household cleaners, especially those sprayed on windows and mirrors, causing direct exposure of the lungs to the chemicals
• Incense sticks and candles
• Nail polish remover
• Open toner cartridges
• Paints
• Perfumes and hairspray
• Sanding sealers
• Sink cleaners, especially if the person using the cleaner is not using gloves (skin contact, and later inhalation of chemicals from the skin of the hands)
• Solvents
• Tobacco products
• Toilet bowl cleaners, especially if the bowl is then scrubbed with a short brush
• Underarm deodorant
• Well water in areas with chemical contamination
• Window cleaners
  

The amount of VOC's given off by these products tends to decrease as the products get older and dry out, but the VOC's greatly increase if they are not used at the dilution recommended on the label. Using "straight" bleach or cleaner, for instance, releases more VOC's than bleach or cleaner diluted with water.