Which practice is most effective for reducing exposure to VOCs in office buildings?

• A. Rely solely on high-efficiency air fresheners.
• B. Using low-VOC products, improving ventilation, and rapid source removal.
• C. Increase ventilation without addressing emissions.
• D. Ignoring source control.

Answer: (B)

Minimizing VOC exposure comes from a combined approach: control emissions at the source, provide adequate dilution with ventilation, and quickly remove any ongoing sources. Using low-VOC products limits how much is released into indoor air from the start, reducing the baseline burden. Good ventilation helps dilute and carry away VOCs that are present, lowering concentrations in the breathing zone. Rapid source removal stops ongoing emissions, preventing buildup and repeated exposure. The other options fall short because relying on air fresheners can add VOCs rather than reduce them, increasing exposure; increasing ventilation without addressing emissions may dilute some contaminants but won’t stop ongoing release and can even bring in outdoor VOCs; and ignoring source control leaves emissions unchecked.