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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.

EPA's Office of Research and Development's "Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study" (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.

PIH’s Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule was finalized on December 5, 2016, and became effective February 3, 2017. All PHAs must comply with the rule and implement smoke-free policies within 18 months of the effective date, no later than July 31, 2018. The elimination of second hand smoke that can migrate between public housing units can be an important step towards improving the health of residents as well as reducing maintenance costs for PHAs.

Our pediatric experts can tell families a lot about their child's asthma diagnosis and the treatment to come. One thing they can't always tell them: how it will feel. That's why we connected a family just diagnosed with asthma with a family who's been there — to answer questions, to ease fears and to offer hope about everything from symptoms to medications to living with asthma.