How can VOCs affect childrens health?
The ability of VOCs to cause health effects varies greatly depending on the chemical. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect also depends on other factors, including the level of exposure and the length of time exposed. Some symptoms associated with high VOC exposures are eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and impaired memory. These symptoms usually pass a short time after the exposure has ended and have no long-term effects. Long-term exposures to high levels of some VOCs, such as benzene, have been shown to cause cancer. Other effects from long-term exposures to high levels of VOCs include damage to the nervous system, the kidney, and the liver. Health effects from low-level exposures to VOCs are generally unknown.
