Are volatile organic compounds in new clothes dangerous?

What's actually in it

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that turn into gas at room temperature. They are commonly found in new products, including clothing, as a result of manufacturing processes and chemical treatments. When you bring new items into your home, these chemicals can release into your air through a process called off-gassing.

While we often think of VOCs coming from industrial machines or air fryers, they are pervasive in indoor environments. Once these chemicals are in the air you breathe, they can affect your body's internal systems, including your white blood cell count, as noted in a 2026 study in Toxics.

What the research says

The science shows that exposure to these chemicals is not harmless. A 2026 study in Toxicol Sci found that removing VOCs from the air significantly stopped the development of atopic dermatitis (a common skin condition) in test subjects. This suggests that the chemicals lingering in your indoor air can directly trigger inflammatory skin reactions.

Furthermore, the health risks are not limited to skin irritation. Research published in Sci Rep in 2026 highlights the need for better assessment of health risks from indoor VOC exposure in buildings. Whether they come from 3D printers or the textiles in your closet, these compounds contribute to a chemical load that your body has to manage every single day.