What are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)? Organic compounds are the basis of all living things and contain carbon as the principal element. There are several million known compounds. Those that are Volatile Organic Compounds are chemical compounds that vaporize at room temperature, exposing occupants through the air they breathe. Some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens (cancer causing) or cause other mild to severe adverse health affects.

Definitions:
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) chemical compounds which vaporize at room temperature. Some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens (cancer causing) or cause other mild to severe adverse health affects. Typical conventional building materials and furnishings that have been known to contain VOCs include, but are certainly not limited to:
1. Floorcoverings (carpeting, padding, rubber, vinyl)
2. Wood & Composite Wood (particleboard, laminates, plywood)
3. Solvents & Finishes (paints, glazing compounds, adhesives, caulks)
4. Plastics & Vinyls
5. Insulations

TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) are the accumulated sum of emissions from many VOCs such as in a material or within an interior.
mVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) are volatile compounds produced by molds and released into the air. These compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs has been linked to negative health symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Research on mVOCs is still in the early phases.
Outgas or Offgas: the process of the vaporizing (or evaporation) of VOCs released from a material. For example, that 'new carpet smell' in conventionally produced synthetic carpeting is actually the odor of chemicals offgassing from the carpeting.

It is important to specify products with low- or no-VOCs. Many are available. For example, paints, adhesives, insulation, natural fiber and synthetic carpeting and plywood. Carefully select products to avoid vinyl with offgassing dioxin, formaldehyde or 4-PC.

Want to know more? View our Sage Learning Center information on Indoor Air Quality. And take our continuing education courses on-line to gain more in-depth knowledge and earn credits!