Benzene

What: A sweet-smelling, colorless liquid that is highly flammable.

Where: Cigarette smoke, incense, stored gasoline, auto exhaust, paint, glues.

Dangers: Cancer, most notably leukemia.

Formaldehyde

What: A strong-smelling liquid often used as a disinfectant, fixative, and preservative.

Where: Fuel-burning appliances, new furniture, pressed-wood products, particleboard, paneling.

Dangers: Cancers and allergic reactions.

Methylene Chloride (dichloromethane)

What: Clear liquid with a sweet smell once found in hairsprays. Its high volatility makes it useful as an aerosol propellant.

Where: Paint and varnish removers, degreasers, pesticides, spray paint.

Dangers: Cancer, liver problems, central nervous system dysfunction; and eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.

Perchloroethylene

What: Principal fluid used in dry cleaning, commonly called “perc” (many cleaners now offer non-perc options).

Where: Dry-cleaned clothes, shoe polish, printer inks, adhesives.

Dangers: Cancer in animals, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, lack of coordination, and respiratory irritation.

Other common VOCs that can cause health symptoms include terpene (air fresheners, perfumes), acetone (nail polish remover, paint thinner), and styrene (rubber, insulation, carpets).

Consider any household chemical or object treated or made with chemicals—including vinyl and plastic—a potential source of VOCs. If you’re having unexplained health symptoms, take a close look at the products you use daily to determine if they are a source of VOCs.