Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many
household products; examples of VOCs include acetone,
formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Exposure to volatile organic
compounds may cause symptoms such as headaches; nausea; and eye,
nose, and throat Products that may contain volatile organic
compounds include: Volatile organic compounds may cause serious
symptoms, such as loss of coordination, liver damage, and damage
to the central nervous system. Some volatile organic compounds
are suspected to cause cancer in humans and are known to cause
cancer in animals. The level and length of exposure to volatile
organic compounds determine the health effects. Controlling
exposure or only using household products with adequate fresh-
air ventilation may prevent serious health effects. September
23, 2011 Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Peter
Rabinowitz, MD, MPH - Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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