Comet GroupVOC — Volatile Organic Compound
The source defines VOCs as organic compounds that evaporate at room temperature and says ordinary indoor environments contain more than 100 types, including formaldehyde.
Listed sources include building materials, wooden furniture, cosmetics, detergents, pesticides, second-hand smoke and residual chemicals in dry-cleaned clothing. The source describes possible acute or chronic effects from prolonged exposure, including dependency, eye/nose/throat discomfort and central nervous system suppression.
Main VOC sources
Construction materials: ammonia in concrete additives; formaldehyde, benzene and total VOCs in adhesives, waterproofing materials and paints.
Decoration and renovation: formaldehyde from manufactured boards.
Indoor furniture: excessive total VOC emissions from non-compliant furniture.
Historical health claims
The source cites mainland environmental surveys alleging 110,000 deaths annually (about 300 per day) associated directly or indirectly with indoor pollution, and a claim that 90% of homes of children with leukaemia had been renovated within six months. No independently verifiable citations are supplied in the source.
It says children’s rooms combine sleeping, studying and play in a small space with more materials and furniture, resulting in proportionately greater emissions, and emphasizes risks to children under six and unborn babies.
Immediate reactions listed for high VOC concentrations: eye, nose and throat discomfort; vomiting/nausea; headache/dizziness; allergic symptoms.
Diseases listed for long-term high exposure: cancer, kidney damage and liver damage. These are historical source statements, not individual medical advice.