Health Effects
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of
coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central
nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some
are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or
symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival
irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin
reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels,
nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.
The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects
varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with
no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and
nature of the health effect will depend on many factors
including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and
respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual
disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate
symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure
to some organics. At present, not much is known about what
health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found
in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in
animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause,
cancer in humans.
Levels in Homes
Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2
to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several
hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint
stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.
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