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Harmful effects of Volatile Organic Compounds (V.O.C)

Volatile organic compounds are chemicals with high vapor pressure at a normal environment temperature. These means they have a low boiling point and they can evaporate very quickly. This kind of chemical can be formed naturally or man-made. Some VOC is dangerous to human health, and under supervision by authorities. Harmful volatile organic compounds are regulated by the law. Toxic VOC has long term effect on a person's health. The development of symptoms are slow that is why research about the effect of VOC on human health is difficult. Here are some harmful effects of volatile organic compounds.

Where do VOC’s originated?

Volatile organic compounds can be released in burning fuels like wood, coal, and gasoline and other natural gas. They are also emitted from vehicles exhaust especially on diesel engines. The most common place where we can find volatile organic compound are in paints, glues, and solvents.

What are the effects of harmful VAC?

The effect of dangerous VOC will depend on the level of exposure and its length. Allergic reactions are the most common effect occurring especially to persons with weak respiratory system. Effects of long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds are more severe than those who exposed to it on short terms. Industrial workers, especially those who work with crude oil based product are the most vulnerable on the harmful effects brought by volatile organic compounds. For those who are exposed in it, chances of having cancer increases.

Volatile organic products first attack your immune system, then to your respiratory and so on. On short terms, the effects are skin allergy reactions, eye and respiratory tract irritation, visual disorders, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of coordination, and memory impairment. These are for the people who inhaled excessive amount of volatile organic compound in enclosed areas with no proper ventilation. Indoor remodeling and repainting is one of the instances that this may occur.

On long terms there will be extensive damage to the liver, kidney, and lungs with a probable shot down of the central nervous system. In addition of the previous illnesses brought by the short term exposure, the people who suffer these long term effects are those who work in oil platform, industrial paint manufacturers and in any factories that produce toxic VOC. This lethal effect can occur in long term without any warning. Industrial paints have the most dangerous VOC in the market. It exceeds the emission of other industrial materials. Volatile organic compounds from industrial paints and epoxies have a big contribution in greenhouse gasses. Even plants and animals suffer from harmful VOC. There are reports that animals suffered cancer after a long term exposure on harmful volatile organic compound.

Infants can also be victims of dangerous volatile organic compounds, so a pregnant woman must avoid VOC at all cost. If you can't avoid being exposed to volatile organic compounds, you can minimize it by eliminating stockpiles of these harmful chemicals especially indoors or hire a professional contractor to repaint your room that uses less VOC . If VOC is used indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated.


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