What You Can’t See and Smell Can Harm: Protecting Others from Indoor Toxins
From: World Asthma Foundation
To: Clinicians, Nurses, Contractors, Project Managers, Painters, and DIY Home Improvers
Subject: Recognizing and Mitigating Risks of Chemical Odors and VOCs for Pregnant Women, and Individuals with Asthma
A Personal Note from Our Founder
I’m not just the founder of the World Asthma Foundation — I’m also a severe asthmatic, highly sensitive to chemicals, perfumes, and dyes. I require monthly biologic injections and have been on prednisone for 15 years.
Recently, I visited my daughter, who is six months pregnant. That same day, a painter was applying lacquered paint to a custom wood project in the entryway of her home.
She intuitively knew to stay outside for her safety but had questions and concerns regarding the fumes. I spoke with the painting contractor and asked if he could work with me on switching out the lacquer to a less offensive paint. He responded professionally, switching to a low-VOC, water-based paint product for the remainder of the project. My daughter spoke with the general contractor and he agreed as well.
I stayed outside the remainder of the day to supervise and returned over the next two days to help ventilate the home along with her husband. A day later, we cleaned all counter surfaces and vacuumed and wiped off the shutters, taking every possible precaution to eliminate the VOCs.
What Are VOCs and How Do They Work?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Many are found in paints, varnishes, cleaning products, adhesives, and building materials. Once airborne, they can enter the lungs, irritate the respiratory tract, and affect the nervous system, immune response, and more.
VOCs off-gas over time, meaning even after the initial odor fades, chemical residues may remain active — which is why sensitive individuals like pregnant women and asthmatics may still experience symptoms.
Despite all cleaning efforts, while I could no longer detect any chemical odor, my daughter still could — and she was right to be concerned. The odor triggered discomfort and unease. This isn’t just about sensitivity — it’s about biology.
I’ll be honest — I didn’t think it was that bad. I spent the afternoon wiping down counters, vacuuming floors, and washing bedding. But when my daughter told me she still found the smell strong, I took pause. That moment made me dig into the science — and what I found was eye-opening.
I learned something too. Pregnant women, children, and people with asthma often sense what others don’t. It’s science, and now we know. Knowledge is power.
If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Vacate if feasible. It’s the smarter thing to do.
For those who are pregnant: trust your instincts. Your body is often the best guide.
For doctors: listen to your patients. They often know when something is wrong.
The same goes for everyone else — just because you can’t smell it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
The Science: Vulnerable Populations Are at Greater Risk
Pregnant Women: During pregnancy, hormonal changes — especially elevated estrogen and hCG — can increase olfactory sensitivity. Pregnant women may detect chemical odors at levels undetectable to others.
This is not just anecdotal: exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes, including low birth weight and developmental delays in children.
Reference: Olfaction in Pregnancy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Chem Senses. 2022;47:bjac035. [PMCID: PMC9780746]
Exposure to VOCs and pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO?) and PM2.5 has been linked to:
- Increased risk of asthma and respiratory diseases
- Cognitive and neurodevelopmental delays, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorders
- Higher incidence of childhood leukemia linked to VOC exposure
Why Clinicians Must Listen and Act
Healthcare professionals are often the first line of defense. When patients — especially those from vulnerable populations — report symptoms related to indoor chemical exposures, it is critical to:
- Validate their concerns and symptoms
- Recommend immediate mitigation, including ventilation, product replacement, or temporary relocation
- Educate patients about the risks associated with indoor air pollutants and VOCs
For Contractors, Painters, and DIY Enthusiasts: Protect Others — and Yourself
Using chemical products in indoor environments carries serious health implications — for clients and for you. Transparent communication and safe practices are essential, not optional.
Recommendations:
- Inform Occupants: Share details about the products being used, possible health impacts, and how long odors/off-gassing may last
- Implement Safety Measures: Seal off work areas, ventilate thoroughly, and avoid working while vulnerable individuals are present
- Stay Informed: Learn about safer alternatives and industry best practices for indoor air quality
- Use Zero-VOC Products: Choose certified zero-VOC paints, finishes, and adhesives whenever possible
Expert Insight
“Many products, even those labeled as ‘green’ or ‘organic’, emit hazardous air pollutants, including carcinogens. Transparency and caution are paramount when introducing chemicals into indoor environments.” — Dr. Anne C. Steinemann, Environmental Engineer and Indoor Air Quality Expert
Our Commitment
The World Asthma Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about the health risks associated with indoor air pollutants. We serve healthcare professionals, policymakers, contractors, and the public with education, resources, and advocacy to protect those most at risk.
Together, we can create safer indoor environments for everyone.