Essentially, Volatile Organic Compounds are substances that can easily turn into gases and escape into the air. They are carbon-based, usually derived from refined oils, and cannot always be smelt or detected by the human senses. VOCs are produced by synthetic chemicals, most often paints, stains, adhesives, cleaning fluids, varnishes, and some types of photocopiers and heaters. Some of the most common types of Volatile Organic Compounds are methylene chloride, found often in paints, benzene, found in refined oil products, and perchloroethylene, which is used primarily in dry-cleaning procedures.

In the case of some dangerous chemicals, companies can attempt to debate particular dangers as shown by studies, but there is no debate over VOCs: they have been proven to be highly toxic to humans, and it is not a question of what they do but of what they don’t do. Depending on the particular VOC, the substances have been known to cause short-term asthma reactions, nausea, headaches, and the irritation of sensitive areas such as nose and throat. In the long term, the toxic effects become more evident, showing up as permanent liver and kidney damage and various kinds of brain damage. All VOCs have been proven to be carcinogens, causing varying types of cancer based on their composition.

While many people recognize the innate dangers of paint fumes, VOCs pose a more subtle threat, continuing to form gases and float indoors for years until they are expelled through windows or ventilation systems. VOCs can be thought of as tiny particles of the paint or varnish itself, coming unglued and floating through the air. Breathing in the gas is the equivalent of eating a small amount of substance—and over several years, the effect can become very pronounced. No where are VOCs more evident than inside residential buildings. Government studies have found that the volatile compound rates inside houses are two to five times higher than outside across the board.

Until manufactures begin replacing oil-based substances with compounds more friendly to the environment (humans included), VOCs are here to stay, at least in certain amounts. While there are regulations for certain types of the gases, most are not prohibited or regulated by laws outside of certain workplaces. The best way to avoid VOCs is not to use them or expose yourself to them. Even products with low VOC ratings can still produce equivalent does given enough time or close proximity. The best course of action is to take warning labels very seriously, and always use spray paints or other possible sources outside where fumes will not be trapped. Since many houses already have VOCs present through existing paint or calking, it is also wise to have an highly efficient ventilation system that will remove the particles before there is a chance of inhaling them.