Ask ACI: About VOCs

Q. Do cleaning products contribute to indoor VOCs?

A. Yes, they can, but that does not mean there's cause for concern. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. They originate from human-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds. They can come from many everyday sources, including paints, furnishings and cooking. 

One common source of VOCs is bacon. One of our favorite smells is, of course, is fabulous breakfast treat. An aroma chemistry study of smoked bacon discovered 150 different VOCs present. These included hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones and aldehydes, as well as nitrogen containing compounds exclusive to bacon, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. The combination of all of these compounds is likely what makes it smell so darned good!

In cleaning products, VOCs may be present in small amounts as solvents, fragrances or other ingredients. Consumers should know that cleaning products are carefully formulated and regulated to be safe when used as directed. The VOCs released by cleaning products tend to be short-term and small compared to other sources, but if you are sensitive to odors or have indoor air concerns, you may want to choose fragrance-free products and ensure good ventilation when cleaning.