Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) at Trade Shows

One of the most interesting things I discovered at CES 2020 had nothing to do with innovative products. It had nothing to do with a disruptive new startup. As the Health Summit was a major component, it makes sense in hindsight that my big discovery was going to be something to do with my personal health, and perhaps a lot more people's too.

While exploring everything on display in the Eureka Park pavilion on Thursday, I came across a company pitching a new indoor environment sensor that checked air quality. (I'm deliberately withholding the name of the company.) The individual in the booth starting talking to me and my coworker about their product and she noticed that I had dry lips.

She asked me if I would like to know why I had dry lips and dry skin? Of course, I did! I was told that contrary to the most commonly assumed explanation, my dry skin symptoms were not caused by Las Vegas air and a lack of humidity. I was told that a far more likely cause was the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds, such as glue, paint, and other materials used to rapidly construct virtually everything at CES.

My mind was literally blown.

I'm no expert by any means on volatile organic compounds, but in my house we definitely try to reduce the level of VOC's through the use of specialty paints, cleaners, and even furniture. Typically, when new structures are built or renovated, there is a reasonable time frame for materials to cure. This is also referred to as off-gassing. Think about refinishing a hardwood floor and then letting it dry for a week. That whole time period it is drying, VOC's are being released into the air. At a trade show like CES, so much construction comes right down to the wire, with displays being finished on Tuesday morning just before it was open to the attendees.

What this means is that the typical curing time period simply can't happen and the attendees end up walking straight into a potpourri of toxic chemicals. According to what I was told, we're not only breathing them in but also absorbing them via contact with our skin, causing it to dry out. Again, I am not an expert and have no idea about anything other than my own anecdotal experience with the short term exposure. I'm relaying information I was told (and have since done some basic research on). Of course, there was a product right on the table in front of me that, if it did what it is reported to do, accurately measured the levels of VOC in the immediate area. The device has backing from authorities in the space and as such I feel like the information was reliable.

The EPA has some more information including potential health effects of VOC exposure if you would like to learn more.

For those of us that attend a lot of trade shows, I would personally try to balance time between areas of rapid construction (exhibit halls) and pre-existing areas like theaters and conference suites which should somewhat balance VOC exposure. For exhibitors, I would recommend a discussion with the venue to ensure high quality ventilation during the event.

Or better yet, if we all use greener materials in eco-friendly exhibits, we could substantially reduce the VOC issue for everyone.