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Do ever you get headaches or feel sick at
home or at work for no apparent reason? Do
you feel fine after you leave an environment
that you feel sick in, and then feel sick
again when you return to that environment?
If so, it is entirely possible that the
building you feel sick in contains one or
more toxic chemicals called volatile organic
compounds (VOC). VOC's are to cause a
number of adverse reactions in humans, such
as eye, nose and throat irritation,
headaches, nausea & vomiting, dizziness, and
worsening of asthma symptoms. Long-Term
(chronic) symptoms of exposure to high
levels of VOCs are an increased risk of
cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, and
central nervous system damage. Some doctors
believe that VOC exposure can cause Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCS) while
other doctors disagree. But when you are
afflicted with MCS, you don't want differing
opinions, you want relief.
Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome
is a disorder that seems to be triggered by
exposure to low levels of multiple
identifiable or unidentifiable chemical
substances commonly present in the
environment. 1 MCS is more common among
women than men. In addition, 40% of people
with chronic fatigue syndrome and 16% of
people with fibromyalgia have multiple
chemical sensitivity syndrome as well.
Some people start having symptoms after a
single exposure to high levels of various
toxic substances. Symptoms may include a
rapid heart rate, chest pain, sweating,
shortness of breath, fatigue, flushing,
dizziness, nausea, choking, trembling,
numbness, coughing, hoarseness, and
difficulty concentrating.
Your doctor can perform testing to
diagnose allergic disorders, including blood
and skin-prick tests. AMI can perform VOC
testing on your home or any other indoor
environment to determine what chemicals are
present.
For more specific information regarding
your personal concerns about toxic chemicals
in your building, call AMI to speak to a
Certified Professional 1-800-369-8532
General
Information on Volatile Organic Compounds
How Are VOC's Sampled?
The best way to sample the widest range of
compounds with the greatest of ease is
TO-15, a sophisticated canister technology
capable of seeing parts per trillion of
certain volatile organic compounds. The
GC/MS instrument also makes it possible to
look at ‘unknown compounds’ and make
tentative identifications. It is this
versatility that makes TO-15 one of the most
powerful tools used for investigation and
for any initial evaluation.
The TO-15 analysis as written by the EPA
refers to a specific 63 compound list of
regulated compounds. The list was developed
to support the Clean Air Act. AMI will also
perform a non-target compound library
search. This will provide a listing of up to
10-20 extra compounds that are not targets.
These compounds are referred to tentatively
identified compounds (TICs).
Where Do VOC's Come From?
Many products we have in our homes release
or “off-gas” VOCs. Some examples of sources
of VOCs are:
1. Building Materials: Carpets and
adhesives, Composite wood products, Paints,
Sealing caulks, Solvents, Upholstery
fabrics, Varnishes, Vinyl Flooring
2. Home and Personal Care Products: Air
fresheners, Air cleaners that produce ozone,
Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals,
Cosmetics, Moth balls, Aerosol spray
products
3. Professional Shop Products: Hair sprays
and dyes, Nail polish and removers, Printing
supplies, Fuel oil, Gasoline, Vehicle
exhaust, Freon
4. Common Every Day Behaviors: Cooking,
Dry-cleaning
5. Other: Hobbies, Newspapers, Non-electric
space heaters, Smoking, Photocopiers, Stored
paints and chemicals, Wood burning stoves
What Are the Health Effects of VOC
Exposure?
Each VOC chemical has its own toxicity and
potential for causing different health
effects. The possible risk of health effects
from inhaling any chemical depends on how
much is in the air, how long and how often a
person breathes it in. Scientists look at
short-term (acute) exposures as hours to
days or long-term (chronic) exposures as
years to even lifetime.
Common symptoms
of exposure to VOCs include:
Short-Term (Acute) to high levels of VOCs
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Worsening of asthma symptoms
Long-Term (Chronic) to high levels of
VOCs Increased risk of:
- Cancer
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Central Nervous System damage
The best health protection measure is to
limit your exposure to products and
materials that contain VOCs when possible.
If you think you may be having health
problems caused by VOCs, call AMI to discuss
VOC testing in your home or work place.
1-800-369-8532
REFERENCES:
1. Merck Online Medical Library |
Advanced Mold Inspections and Environmental Testing
