Newly constructed office buildings may pose short-term health risks to new occupants due to high VOC starting concentrations. That’s the conclusion of a new study by a research team at Leicester University who investigated how concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evolve over time, and their associated health risks within a newly constructed office building environment.

VOCs are airborne chemicals that can be emitted from building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and office equipment. They can often be detected by their strong smell.

The researchers found that immediately after the new building opened, total VOC (TVOC) concentrations were found to be high and fluctuating. Six months after opening, TVOC concentrations reduced by 60–76% as levels stabilized, with all sampled rooms recording much lower concentrations.

The significant reduction in VOCs corresponds to what’s known as the “off-gassing” period, where new building materials and furnishings emit most of their VOCs soon after installation. VOC levels drop rapidly within the first six months, leading to improved indoor air quality and a reduction in associated health risks as time progresses.

The authors of the study recommend changes to reduce any effects of exposure to VOCs when developing new office buildings such as improved ventilation to accelerate VOC off-gassing, and low-emission building materials and furnishings when possible. For the people occupying the building, there might be potential possible mild symptoms and promote reporting, because of poorer initial indoor air quality issues.

What are the health risk implications of exposure to VOCs?

Exposure to high VOC concentrations can lead to acute health symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and exacerbation of respiratory conditions.

In this study, the health risks decrease significantly as the VOC concentrations stabilise within 6 months. However, chronic exposure to some VOCs, even at lower concentrations, can be associated with heightened risks for conditions such as asthma, respiratory tract irritation, and certain cancers, for example benzene exposure is linked to leukemia.

How are we exposed to VOCs in daily life?

VOCs are widely used in paints, aerosols, solvents, petrol, cleaning products, dry cleaning, and air fresheners. Furnishings and floor coverings release VOCs (unless stated as VOC free). They are also released when cooking at high temperatures, and burning such as log burners, candles, and cigarette smoke.

VOCs are released from solids or liquids when they are used or stored. They contribute to poor indoor air quality. They also occur naturally in the environment. Examples of VOCs include benzene, styrene, and acrylonitrile (used to make acrylics). Some give off an odour, but not all, so exposure is possible even if you can’t smell them. Inhalation is the most common form of exposure to VOCs.

But it’s not only building and house renovation materials that emit VOCs. A Canadian study discovered that infant mattresses release 21 different types of chemicals into indoor air. It measured levels of a class of chemicals known as semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).

How to avoid exposure to VOCs

There are some simple steps you can follow to lower your exposure to VOCs such as choosing VOC free paints and household cleaning items, but they are quite difficult to avoid completely. For example, many types of new carpet and furniture release VOCs.

There are plenty of VOC-free products to choose from, but the easiest way to reduce inhalation of VOCs at home is to ventilate rooms with any products such as new carpet or fresh paint – it will enable chemicals to off-gas more efficiently.

Can you check if you’ve been exposed to VOCs?

Yes. The new lastinghealth Everyday Chemicals Test can measure exposure to 7 types of VOCs from a single urine sample.

Read the full office based study

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