PCEE

Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education

Question of the Week

Common household materials can cause indoor air to be more polluted than the air outside. Materials like paints, carpeting, countertops and particleboard all emit harmful chemicals through the evaporation of materials used in their manufacture, a process known as off-gassing. Everyday home items like beds, couches, and even pillows can off-gas!

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Off-gassing can occur for many years after these materials are initially purchased, used or installed. Unfortunately, many people inhale chemical fumes on a daily basis, and for prolonged periods of time.

The Environmental Protection Agency warns consumers about these gasses, known as Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. Below are some statements about VOCs. Select True (T) or False (F) for each statement.

Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, blurred vision and nausea.

Increasing ventilation and providing fresh air in the home can help to offset the dangers of VOCs.

Many products used for preserving wood do not off-gas.

VOCs are not known to cause very serious health problems, like cancer and disorders of the central nervous system.

Purchasing low- or no-VOC paints and finishes can help reduce health risks associated with offgassing.

On average, chemical levels indoors are one thousand times higher than those found outside.

Congratulations for submitting the correct answer!
Name	County
Phil Dupont	Delaware
Fred Fagan	Delaware
Shayna Fiorina	Westmoreland
Alan Gray	Westmoreland
Troy Kealey	Delaware
Cara Krinock	Westmoreland
Jordan Kromel	Westmoreland
Breana Liberoni	Westmoreland
Doreen Lu
John Lukon	Westmoreland
Krystalyn Martin	Westmoreland
Michael Mastrorocco	Westmoreland
Emily McKenna	Delaware
Matt Murphy	Delaware
Kristen Renna	Delaware
Luke Schmucker	Westmoreland
Raven Turnage	Westmoreland

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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Pennsylvania Environment and Ecology Standard

4.8 Humans and the Environment

Activity:

ToxMystery

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