Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate easily into the air at room temperature. They are found in many household and industrial products, such as paints, cleaners, adhesives, and building materials. VOCs can also be released from burning fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, wood, and coal.
Exposure to VOCs can cause various health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; dizziness; nausea; and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some VOCs can also cause cancer.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates VOCs to protect public health and the environment. The EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common VOCs, including carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.
The EPA also regulates VOCs under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. These amendments require manufacturers of certain products that contain VOCs to use the lowest possible Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content consistent with product performance. In addition, the amendments set limits on the amount of VOCs that can be emitted from certain sources, such as printing presses and dry cleaners.
The EPA encourages voluntary efforts to reduce VOC emissions through its Voluntary VOC Partnership Program. This program seeks to reduce emissions of VOCs and other air pollutants by working with companies that use, manufacture, or distribute products that contain VOCs.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many common household products. They are also released into the air when these products are used. Some VOCs can cause health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
The EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common VOCs, including carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene. These standards are designed to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution.
The Volatile Organic Compounds Reduction Program works with companies that use, manufacture, or distribute products that contain VOCs. Through this program, the EPA provides technical assistance and information on best practices for reducing emissions of VOCs and other air pollutants. The program also offers financial incentives to companies that adopt Voluntary Emission Reductions (VERs) to reduce their VOC emissions.
