Allergens Beware: Volatile Organic Compounds

These compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs, are one of the main home pollutants. They contain carbon, hence the term "organic", and the ease with which they evaporate at room temperature makes them "volatile".

There has been much discussion about the health effects of VOCs, which are found in many domestic products. Although many experts recommend that VOC levels should be kept low inside the home, there is still debate on precisely what are safe levels for many of these substances. VOCs are not allergens, but they may act as irritants in some people with allergies, provoking symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a "tight" chest, or wheeziness. For the vast majority VOCs cause little problem.

Sources of VOCs
Most VOCs are synthetic and are derived from petrochemicals. They are found in many home-improvement and cleaning products. A few, however, occur naturally; for example, the citrus fragrance of an orange or the eye-stinging vapour given off by an onion when you cut into it.

The evaporation of VOCs into the air (known as "out-gassing") may occur rapidly and disperse quickly, as when you cut into an orange, or it may occur slowly over many months from products such as board-based furniture. This slow leakage helps to contribute to the background level of VOCs found within the typical home.

Reducing VOC levels
The first and most crucial step is to make sure that your home is well ventilated, as this will prevent VOC levels building up in the air you breathe. If you still think that VOCs from particular products are irrtating your allergic symptoms, then try to avoid the products responsible, or look for alternatives.

Formaldehyde in the home
This substance is a common VOC. It has attracted much attention recently because of teh controversy concerning its health effects. Low concentrations in the air may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, particularly in people with rhinitis or asthma, and may cause running eyes, sneezing, and coughing.

Formaldehyde is found in minute quantities in numerous household products, but most contain too little to cause any problems for the vast majority of people with allergies. However, a few dosmetic products contain formaldehyde in high concentrations. These products out-gas for months, sometimes years, even though this may be at very low levels:

• Board-based wood products, widely used for flooring, shelving, and especially flat-packed kit furniture
• Foam-backed carpets and underlay
• Paint preservatives

Bear in mind that the amount of formaldhyde emitted from all products decreases with time, and that after a few weeks to months it should be at extremely low levels and very unlikely to cause any problems for most people with allergies.



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