What are VOCs?

VOCs — short for Volatile Organic Compounds — are gases that are released into the air from certain solids or liquids. The “volatile” part refers to how easily they evaporate at room temperature, not that they have anger issues (though they are problematic). These compounds are found in everything from paint and cleaning supplies to cosmetics and furniture. If you’ve ever walked into a freshly painted room and caught a headache from that new-room smell — that’s VOCs at work.

Where do VOCs come from?

VOCs can be naturally occurring (think trees and wildfires), but the ones we’re most concerned with are manmade and come from everyday products. Common culprits include:

• Paints, varnishes, and finishes
  
  
• Aerosol sprays and air fresheners
  
  
• Dry-cleaned clothes
  
  
• Glues, adhesives, and solvents
  
  
• Furniture and building materials
  
  
• Cleaning products and even some personal care items
  
  

When these products are used — or even just sit around — they release VOCs into the air. Indoors, this means we’re often breathing in higher concentrations than we’d ever find outside.

Are VOCs “bad”?

Unfortunately, yes — especially indoors. Short-term exposure can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea. Long-term exposure? We’re talking liver and kidney damage, central nervous system issues, and for some VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene, even cancer.

For sensitive groups (like children, people with asthma, or anyone working in poorly ventilated spaces), VOCs can be especially harmful. They're a big reason why indoor air pollution is often worse than outdoor — by as much as 2 to 5 times, according to the EPA.

What kinds of products contain VOCs?

Too many. But here’s a quick breakdown:

• Home improvement: paints, finishes, caulks, sealants, and adhesives
  
  
• Household: cleaning products, disinfectants, air fresheners, moth repellents
  
  
• Personal care: nail polish, perfume, hairspray, deodorants
  
  
• Furnishings: carpets, pressed wood furniture, and new upholstery
  
  

The key is not just what the product is — but how much ventilation you have when using it.

Is there a certification to look for?

Yes! When trying to avoid VOCs, look for:

• Greenguard or Greenguard Gold Certification (for furniture and building materials)
  
  
• Green Seal and EPA’s Safer Choice labels (for cleaners and personal care)
  
  
• Low-VOC or Zero-VOC labeling on paints and sealants
  
  

Also, good old-fashioned fresh air helps — always ventilate when using products with potential VOCs.

Still want to learn more? Here’s where to dig deeper:

• EPA: Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality
  
  
• CDC on VOCs and Health
  
  
• GreenGuard Certification

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