Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) is a term used to describe the gasses emitted by a wide variety of both solids and liquids. Most VOC's are easily recognized as strong, chemical odors released into the air. Because of chemicals in VOC’s, indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health.
It would be too ambitious of a task to list all of the components and chemicals that release VOC's into the air. The usual suspects include paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, carpets, cosmetics, aerosols, fuels, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, craft materials including glues and adhesives, and permanent markers. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
VOC's in Paint
Formaldehyde, benzene, diethyl phthalate, and dibutyl are common VOC’s used in paint as solvents and preservatives and emit the “new paint smell.” Oil based paint has the highest level of VOC's. Additionally, pigment chemicals can include lead, cadmium, and chromium. You need to be careful as a no-VOC paint can become a VOC paint with addition of color or pigment.
Risks of VOC’s
According to the EPA, human reactions to these compounds vary, but common side effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. VOC’s can also trigger asthma attacks. Some organics can cause cancer in animals and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
Babies and children are more susceptible to these gasses as they have higher breathing rates and their lungs are still developing. Additionally, children usually spend a greater amount of time in closer proximity to the source of some VOCs, such as crawling on carpet.
Reducing the Risk
When bringing any product or chemical into your house, use products and materials with as little odor as possible. If you know that a product has a strong smell, such as plastics and paints, try to air-out the product before bringing it in the home. Choose paints without solvents, preservatives, and VOC's.
This choice is particularly important in the nursery where your child will have prolonged exposure. Open the windows in your home when painting and applying stains. Most importantly, paint and install new carpet as far in advance as possible before bringing your baby home will allow VOC’s time to off-gas. Also, ensure that the pregnant mother is not part of the painting process as the air she breaths impacts the unborn child.
