Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical compounds that contain carbon. At high temperatures, these tend to be liquid or solid, with high vapour pressure. However, in recent years, VOCs are considered pollutants that have negative health effects. So what are the effects of VOCs on health and the environment?
The health effects of VOCs
The health effects of VOCs are of several kinds and depend on the toxic hazards of each compound.
The provocation of acute diseases
As you can understand, the impacts that VOCs can have on health will depend on the type of pollutant, and on the other hand the time of exposure. Most VOCs cause headaches and inflammation of the eyes during long-term exposure. Volatile organic compounds can also cause cardiovascular, gastrointestinal or neurological disorders. These can go as far as liver and kidney damage in the presence of high concentrations.
Chronic health impacts
The same is true for aromatic hydrocarbons such as formaldehyde, styrene and benzene, which are known carcinogens. These can cause nervous system disorders, irritation of the respiratory organs and heart and digestive disorders. A causal link between VOC emissions and the development of certain cancers (breast, blood) can also be detected.
The effects of VOCs on the environment
In addition to the dangers and explosions it is capable of causing, the emission of VOCs into the atmosphere has irreversible consequences for the environment.
Ozone formation in the troposphere
One of the environmental impacts of VOCs is the formation of ground-level ozone, which leads to smog. Indeed, during the summer period, VOCs can intervene in the composition of tropospheric ozone and thus indirectly influence global warming. According to studies, this can have toxic effects on the environment.
The emanation of bad smell
Apart from the formation of ground-level ozone, some VOCs can cause odour problems, because of their high olfactory intensity. Practices such as waste incineration, food processing and wastewater treatment emit a lot of smelly gases. The latter are for most cases the subject of complaints of odour nuisance on the part of the inhabitants. Malodorous gases, namely H2S, NH3 and VOCs, represent a significant hazard for several industries, especially pharmaceutical, food and beverage, textile and tannery.
