Encyclopedia of Science

[gullyfourmyle]

You have all heard of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's). Have you stopped to consider what will happen if solvents are allowed to keep accumulating in the atmosphere?

Where else are solvents accumulating?

How is that solvents can accumulate without being neutralized by environmental factors.

What has happened to the environmental factors?

[CynthiaA]

Hi Gullyfourmyle! Welcome to ScienceClarified!

VOCs are 10 times more potent indoors than outdoors. In some circumstances even more potent, such as after painting VOCs can reach up to 1000 times more potent indoors than outdoors.

Sources of VOCs include (but not limited too): Asbestos, Biological Pollutants (i.e. bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses, animal dander, cat saliva, houshold dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen), carbon monoxide, formaldehyde/pressed wood products, household cleaners, some cosmetics and personal care items, lead, nitrogen dioxide, pesticides, radon, respirable particles, second hand smoke, stoves, heaters, fireplaces, and chimneys.

Health concerns include: eye, nose, throat irritation; headaches, nausea, loss of coordination; damge to liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system. They are also known to cause cancer.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is a good source for further information pertaining to indoor VOCs.

We already are familiar with one result of an accumulation of VOCs in the atmosphere. It is the depletion of the ozone layer.

One of the very best sources of information about the ozone layer is a site called "The Ozone Hole." www theozonehole com (We have to list links in this manner in order for them to be allowed on Science Clarified.) The Ozone Hole is one of the few sites to receives awards by the EPA because of their level of excellence in educating the public about the ozone layer. It is one of my very favorite sites. It is well worth visiting for information pertaining to the ozone.

Some VOCs dissipate more rapidly while others remain for truly longer periods of time within the atmosphere. The longer remaining VOCs are disrupting the natural processes of the ozone layer resulting in its depletion.

Another area VOCs are a hazard is city smog, which is hazard to health and can affect atmospheric temperatures. Scientists also believe pollutants in the air can affect the amount of rain an area receives.