Fears and concerns about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have become more prominent in recent years—although they have been around for decades. For example, many types of pressed wood contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that releases chemical fumes into the air for many years. In addition, in the 1970s, it was common for homeowners to install urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) to save energy. A substantial number of these homes had high levels of formaldehyde in the indoor air soon after installation, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Statistics show that “off-gassed” VOCs can result in a plethora of both short- and long-term adverse health effects, while also posing a number of environmental concerns—from indoor air quality to ground-level ozone formation. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the toxicity and health risk of VOCs depends on each specific chemical, how much out-gassed chemical is in the air, and how long and how often a person breathes it in.