VOCs interact with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ozone and other smog. Washington's nonattainment areas for ozone are the Vancouver area of south Clark County and the Puget Sound area. Because both of these areas are now meeting the ozone standard, they are in the process of being redesignated as attainment areas. However, ozone remains a concern due to population growth and increased motor vehicle use. Health effects of volatile organic compounds As a group, VOCs are of concern because they are an ingredient of ozone.
Ozone can pose serious health problems.
People who are exposed to ozone can experience a tired feeling, shortness of breath, or pain during deep breaths. Individually, some VOCs are toxic chemicals, including irritants and neurotoxins that can cause headaches and inability to concentrate. Toluene is emitted into the outside air from businesses such as plastic wrapper printing facilities and painting operations. Trichloroethylene , a solvent commonly used to clean and degrease metal aircraft and other mechancial parts, which is a probable human carcinogen. Perchloroethylene , a cleaning agent used by dry cleaners, which is a probable human carcinogen.