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. In addition to their effects on human health, VOCs can also damage other organisms and materials through their role in producing ozone.
Ozone can reduce the size of plants and cause leaf spotting.
It can change the color of clothing dyes, cause fabrics to lose strength, and corrode some metals. Both the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service have expressed concerns about existing levels of ozone in the Cascade Mountains and its possible effects on national parks and wilderness areas. Controlling volatile organic compounds Ecology and local air pollution control agencies have been pursuing strategies to control volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. In addition, the Washington Clean Air Act adopted in 1991 includes measures for reducing the amount of ozone in the air. Reductions in traffic and the use of single-occupant vehicles.