Hazards of VOCs

VOCs

Among the more than 900 kinds of indoor chemicals and biological substances identified, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) account for more than 350 kinds (even at concentrations below 1ppb). Of these, more than 20 kinds are carcinogens or mutagens. Due to their low individual concentrations but high variety, they are collectively referred to as VOCs, and their total amount is expressed as TVOC (i.e., total volatile organic compounds). The combined toxic effects cannot be ignored when multiple VOCs coexist indoors.

Common types of TVOCs include alkanes/cycloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, olefins, alcohols, phenols, ketones, terpenes, and so on. The most common hazards of TVOCs to people are irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, which can cause stinging and dryness in the eyes, increased blinking frequency, and tearing; dryness and tingling sensations in the nasopharynx, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, and changes in the sense of smell; congestion and inflammation of the throat; and dry, itchy skin with red spots. High levels of TVOC can lead to neurological disorders and dementia, as well as allergic pneumonitis.