Volatile organic chemicals in homes


Case scenario:

"Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored." (taken from https://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html )

Make a survey of the household cleaning products that you use at home. How many of these chemicals do you believe emit VOCs? Are there any chemicals that you have stored for years that you never use? After reading this information, discuss whether would you consider altering any of the following:

* type and/or quantity of chemicals that you use

* how or where you store chemicals

* how long you store chemicals

Solution Preview :

Prepared by a verified Expert
Other Subject: Volatile organic chemicals in homes
Reference No:- TGS01447322

Now Priced at $25 (50% Discount)

Recommended (90%)

Rated (4.3/5)