The Importance of VOC Monitoring in Australia

VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) are are gases that are emitted by certain liquids and solids and are detrimental to your health and the environment.

Some VOC’s have short term effect while others will have a long lasting effect on health. VOC concentration is 10 times higher indoors than outdoors and several products that are readily available actually emit this harmful compound.

Ingredients and chemicals required to make regular household and workplace items like paints, waxes and varnishes will contain VOC’s. Futhermore, cosmetic products, disinfectants and cleaning products also contain VOC’s. All of these will emit harmful gases whether using or storing them.

These organic pollutants can actually remain present in the air long after they have been used or disposed of.

What are the primary sources of VOC’s?

• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Wood preservatives
• Hobby supplies
• Aerosol sprays
• Pesticides
• Paints
• Solvents
• Automotive products
• Cleansers
• Fuels
• Disinfectants
• Glues
• Adhesives
• Building materials
• Printers
• Permanent markers

How do VOC’s impact health?

VOC’s can cause several conditions that are detrimental to our health;

• Cancer in humans
• Severe headaches
• Nausea
• Injury of the central nervous system, liver and kidneys
• Nose, eyes and throat irritation
• Allergic skin reaction
• Epistaxis
• Dyspnea
• Fatigue
• Memory impairment
• Visual impairment

As VOC’s are as common as the products that emit them, monitoring is essential for any workplace environment in order to maintain the health of yourself and your employees.