Health effects associated with exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde include which of the following?

• A. Hearing loss only
• B. Respiratory and CNS effects with liver and kidney damage
• C. Skin tanning and hair color change
• D. Increased bone density

Answer: (B)

Exposure to volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, can affect multiple body systems, especially when inhaled. The most immediate and common effects are irritation of the respiratory tract—coughing, throat and eye irritation, and shortness of breath—and central nervous system symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and confusion with higher or repeated exposures. Because VOCs are processed and eliminated by the body through the liver and kidneys, prolonged or higher-dose exposure can strain these organs and potentially cause liver or kidney damage. This combination of respiratory and CNS effects with the possibility of liver and kidney injury reflects the broad toxicity profile of VOCs.

Hearing loss isn’t a typical VOC-related effect, and skin tanning or hair color changes aren’t associated with VOC exposure. Increased bone density is not related to VOC toxicity.