Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Definition, formation & consequences

Volatile organic compounds, i.e. gaseous and vaporous substances, are referred to by the abbreviation VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is a group of substances consisting of a total of around 200 individual substances that have different properties. What all substances have in common, however, is that they evaporate relatively quickly - this is also reflected in their names.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Causes & formation

VOCs arise from very different sources. These are either biogenic, meaning of natural origin, or anthropogenic, man-made. Natural sources are: Metabolic products, decay and decomposition processes of natural materials, such as wood or oil.

Anthropogenic VOCs are contained in many everyday consumer goods, such as furniture and decorative materials, care and cleaning products, and hobby products. VOCs are also produced by incomplete combustion or as a by-product of industrial processes. Synthetic sources are, for example, evaporations from building materials (such as varnishes, paints, carpets, insulating materials), solvents or cleaning products, or cosmetics. Combustion processes, e.g. tobacco smoke, fireplaces or stoves, or during cooking, also contribute to the enrichment of indoor spaces with VOCs.

How do VOCs get into the air?

Even at low temperatures, volatile organic compounds turn into gas and are released into the ambient air. This happens when either solvents or liquid fuels evaporate or liquid or pasty products dry. If adhesives or varnishes have been used, the evaporation of VOCs is quickly noticed and the source is also quickly identified. More problematic are the more unobvious VOC escapes: such as material emissions that plastics constantly give off. Examples here are: Plasticizers, solubilizers, antioxidants or fragrances and flame retardants.

Health effects of VOCs

Since we Central Europeans spend most of our time indoors, elevated VOC levels take on greater health significance. Especially since indoors the distance to VOC sources is usually smaller. Particularly high VOC exposure occurs immediately after construction or extensive renovation work. 

An increased VOC concentration is manifested not only by an odor nuisance but also by altered odor and taste perception and irritation of the eyes or mucous membranes. Other noticeable effects are: Exhaustion, lack of concentration, dry skin up to eczema or even headaches.

The toxicity of the individual substances varies greatly. Scientists assume that long-term exposure will have chronic consequences: e.g. carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive effects. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible.

What helps against too high VOC levels?

• Buy used instead of new furniture, because the second-hand products hardly emit chemicals.
• When purchasing, choose low-emission products as well as materials. As a guide, you can look for seals of approval such as the "Blue Angel", as stricter controls apply here. Look especially for the seal when buying your everyday cleaning products such as detergents, air fresheners, furniture polish, and oven and carpet cleaners.
• In your construction or renovation work, use materials that have been tested according to the AgBB rating scheme.
• Measure the VOC content with an air meter such as the air-Q and ensure sufficient fresh air supply by intermittent ventilation.
• Buy wall paints with the "EU Ecolabel", this seal, similar to the Blue Angel, indicates specially tested product with a higher quality standard. Also, do not store paint buckets or cleaning agents in your living area, as the toxic gases can also escape from sealed containers.

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