Superfund Research Program
December 2024

Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may increase blood pressure and risk of hypertension, according to an NIEHS-funded study led by Katlyn McGraw, Ph.D., former Columbia University SRP Center trainee. VOCs are commonly found in household products, vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.
“Although VOCs are everywhere in our environment, their role in cardiovascular risk among nonsmokers has been underexplored,” said McGraw, now a postdoc at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “Our study provides much-needed scientific insight, but more research into the effects of these chemicals will be critical moving forward.”
The researchers analyzed data from 4,430 non-smoking Americans, and they found that increased levels of certain VOCs in urine were associated with increased blood pressure and a greater likelihood of hypertension, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
McGraw and team believe the study has important implications for public health, as it suggests limiting exposure to specific VOCs could improve cardiovascular health. However, they also noted that limitations to the study suggest a need for further research.
To learn more, see the NIEHS Environmental Factor Newsletter.