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VOC's are Volatile Organic Compounds. According to the EPA, "VOC's are emitted as gases from
certain solids or liquids. VOC's include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long term adverse health
effects. Concentrations of many VOC's are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOC's are emitted
by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies,
pesticides, building materials and home furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and
carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions."
"Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes
and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are
made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using the, and, to some, degree,
when they are stored."
"EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen
common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located
in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional studies indicate that while people are using products containing organic chemicals,
they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long
after the activity is completed."
The following is a short list of dangerous toxic hazardous vapor sources generated by construction
materials degassing, which become part of Indoor Air Pollution.
Don't take our word for it . . . . . .
CAUTION: Read all warning labels to become familiar with the chemical
contents/ingredients of the products you use that can cause serious problems. They all have one thing in common; avoid breathing
the vapors. The manufacturers have done their job. They issued the warning(s).
- Pressed wood products (plywood, particle board, paneling
fiberboard, laminated plastics, shelves, and doors) read the label. They contain phenol resins or urea resins and toxic glues.
- Paneling: A real chemical mix; styrene formaldehydes urethane,
methyl ethyl ketone.
- Immitation Stone: Used for work surfaces, tubs, showers,
sinks, countertops which contain polyester resins and gamis resulting from the catalytic actions. Very
toxic.
- Floor Coverings: Chemical colorants, glues, toluene a
real work of art. The vapors can cause birth defects, miscarriages or reproductive harm.
- Wood Stains:
Contains toluene and xylene. WARNING May be fatal if inhaled.
- Xylene: Can affect brain and nervous systems causing headaches,
dizziness, nausea. Methyl methacylate, ethyl, benzine, methylene and naphthalene Methyl ethyl katone
(M.E.K.) used for cleaning resins, epoxies, vinyl lacquers. Adhesives loctite stick and seal adhesives; contain toluene and
hexane. Avoid breathing vapors.
- Lacquer Thinner: Special Warning: Exposure to toluene
vapors is known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm. Talk about a cocktail! Contains petroleum distillate, methanol,
toluene, ecetone, methyl ethyl ketone, propylene glycol, monomethyl ether acetate, ethyl acetate and rylene. Very
harmful vapors. May affect the brain or nervous system causing dizziness, headache or nausea. Causes eyes, nose, throat
and skin irritation.
- Clear Silicone: Contains mineral spirits and Xylene. Exposure
can cause dizziness and is anesthetic.
- Plastic Pipe Glues: Danger vapors
harmful: May be absorbed through skin. Acetone-Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Cycloheranone and tetrahydrofuron. A real combination
of baddies.
- Epoxy Promer Catalyst: Contains amine, alcohols, glycol
ethers, ketones, xylene, toluene, esters, resins. Photochemically reactive. Harmful if inhaled. Keep out of reach of children.
Contains dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides. Precautional statements: Hazards to human and domestic animals. If inhaled may
cause eye irritation. (Keep in mind (pets) the Ed McMann lawsuit, the Dog Settlement.)
- Spray Adhesive Aerosol Adhesive: (Used in drywall taping)
Contains cyclohexane, methylpentane, demethylether, isobutene, propane, 3 methylpentane, 3 dimethylbutane, 2 dimethylbutane,
and N-hexane. Very dangerous if inhaled; an understatement.
- Paints: Contains avetone, toluene, xylene, ketones, ethylene
glycol, and polyvinyl acetate polymer.
- Sub Floor Adhesive: Contains petroleum distillates, toluene,
calcium carbonate, clay, synthetic rubber, toluene and ethyl alcohol. Vapors are irritating to eyes and respiratory tract
and cause headaches, dizziness and are anesthetic.WARNING: this product
contains a chemical (toluene) known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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