Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature; in other words they become gaseous or vaporise at much lower temperatures compared to, for instance, water. This means, when released from a source, these compounds mix with the air in our environment, possibly leading to concentrations that can have negative health impacts. VOCs usually have a strong and distinctive odour and, when present in food, result in a taste of bitterness.

Sources of VOCs, both natural (biogenic) and man-made (anthropogenic) include;

plants
animals (including humans)
microorganisms
fossil fuels
solvents (used in paints, paint strippers, varnishes and other products)
vegetable cooking oils
domestic and commercial cleaning products
personal care products
air fresheners
building materials
photocopiers and printers
glues and adhesives

The negative health impacts of some VOCs can include;

dyspnea (shortness of breath)
liver & kidney damage
cancer
eye irritation
nose and throat discomfort
headache
nausea & vomiting
nose bleeding
fatigue
dizziness

Indoor concentrations are typically far higher than those found outdoors.

Reducing Your Exposure

Air your house daily.

Air your new-build house as much as possible for the first few days.

Air purifiers are not effective as they are designed to remove solid particles from the air, not gases.

References

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Created: 2026-04-13

Last Updated: 2026-05-11