What is VOC?

Short-term health effects may include:-

Short-term health effects of VOCs can last up to hours to days. Some of the symptoms may include shortness of breath, allergic skin reaction, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Short-term health effects may include:

– Eye, nose, and throat irritation:

VOCs create strong odors These can irritate your eyes, and your nose and throat if you inhale them.

– Skin problems:

When VOCs are exposed to sunlight and NOx, causes a photochemical reaction that emits O3 that can cause various skin problems.

– Headaches:

Strong smells in the presence of VOCs can cause headaches when exposed to relatively low levels in short term.

– Vomiting:

VOCs can cause nausea and dizziness in the short term, which can lead to loss of coordination and vomiting.

Long-term health effects

Long-term exposure to VOCs can be very harmful to your health, with symptoms lasting for years. VOCs such as benzene, and C6H6, can have long-term effects on your health. Symptoms may include chronic headaches and loss of coordination. Long-term health impacts may include:

– Irritation in the lungs:

Exposure to VOCs at high levels can cause inflammation in the airways, which can cause lung irritation.

– Liver and kidney damages:

Inhaling VOCs for longer durations can cause various health issues including damage to the kidney and lungs.

– Central Nervous System damages:

Long-term exposures to toxins such as toluene and xylene can cause severe damage to the nervous system.

– Cancer:

Many VOCs indoors are probable or considered carcinogens by several authorities. These include benzene and formaldehyde.

1. Ventilation

Ventilation is extremely important when it comes to reducing indoor air pollutants. Keep your doors and windows open so that these chemicals are reduced via ventilation.

2. Climate Control

VOCs evaporate and disperse at room temperature and above. Temperature and humidity should be as low as possible to avoid evaporation and dispersion of VOCs.

3. Dispose of unused chemicals

Clear out or dispose of any unwanted and unused chemicals. Disposal of unused chemicals and buy paints or varnishes whenever you need them.

4. Check for chemical leakages

Chemical leakage can cause damage to the property and harm to human health as well. If you have stored chemicals, always keep a check for any chemical leakages.

5. Choose the right time for renovations

When renovating, humans should not be exposed to emissions. Renovations must be done when no people are present in that indoor setting.

6. Control Potential VOC emitters

Burning of fuels such as kerosene must be avoided indoors. Sources such as fuel burning and indoor smoking should be reduced to keep VOC levels in check.