It can be assumed that several million workers in the EU are occupationally exposed to the group of chemicals frequently found in solvents known as volatile organic substances (VOCs). This heterogenous group includes substances like benzene and formaldehyde, which are among the most common work-related carcinogenic exposures in the EU.
Exposure typically occurs via inhalation, or in the case of skin-absorbable substances, via the skin.
Some VOCs are classified as clearly carcinogenic (e.g. benzene – Carc. Cat 1A, or formaldehyde – Carc. Cat 1B) or as toxic to reproduction (e.g. toluene – Repr. Cat 2). As VOCs constitute a heterogenous group of substances, multiple exposures in the form of a mixture of substances are possible. Exposure to such a mixture of harmful substances can significantly increase the associated cancer risk.
Where risks occur
VOCs include a wide range of commonly used substances, such as those found in solvents, (fossil) fuels, cleaning products, paints and varnishes, pesticides or adhesives.
In the workplace, they are primarily found wherever organic solvents are used, processed or released as by-products. High or peak exposures occur when spray painting, cleaning or degreasing with solvents, tank cleaning in confined spaces and maintenance or during construction renovation. Further, medium-intensity exposure occurs in chemical and plastic manufacturing, in production of adhesives, coatings and inks and during rubber and plastic processing.
Other exposure typically occurs during painting and coating, during vehicle repair and maintenance, in the printing and publishing industry, the cleaning and the healthcare sector.
More about the substance
Generally speaking, VOCs – depending on the definition – are organic compounds that have a vapour pressure of 0.01 kPa or more at 293.15 K, or organic compounds with a boiling point up to 250°C at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa. Consequently, significant quantities of these substances enter the gas phase even at room temperature, posing a risk of exposure primarily through inhalation. At the same time, many of these substances are lipophilic and can thus potentially be absorbed through the skin, such as the organic solvents benzene, toluene and xylene.
There is no EU-wide binding occupational exposure limit value but binding values exist for benzene (0.66mg/m³), formaldehyde (0.37mg/m³) and vinyl chloride (2.6mg/m³).
Hazards that may occur
Depending on the composition, acute exposure to VOCs can cause various symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, or irritation of the eyes, nose and respiratory tract.
In the long term, exposure can lead to cancers such as leukaemia (benzene), cancers of the nasopharyngeal region (formaldehyde) or liver cancer (vinyl chloride).
Some VOCs are also classified as toxic to reproduction (such as toluene – Cat. 2).
What you can do
Ideally, exposure risks from VOCs should be controlled through substitution or elimination. Choosing substances with lower vapour pressures helps to reduce the release of the substance into the ambient air. Check whether water-based systems can be used to reduce the use of solvents. Replace disinfectants with those that are free from aldehydes.
Use the substances in closed systems to prevent exposure and capture emissions at source using local exhaust ventilation. Carry out exposure measurements in the workplace, including to assess exposure to mixtures of substances, and bear in mind the higher risk of multiple exposures. Minimise exposure time and avoid skin contact. Change work clothes regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.
Finally, personal protective equipment may also be used once all other preventive measures have been exhausted to further minimise any residual exposure: for example by using suitable protective gloves, safety goggles and respiratory masks. In this context the size, nature and effectiveness of the protective equipment must be adapted to the hazards in the workplace and to individual circumstances.
References: Federal Environment Agency, European Environment Agency, European Commission, EUR-Lex, EU-OSHA (WES), German Society for Toxicology, GESTIS, WHO
