A study, in the British Medical Association’s journal Thorax, found that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be linked to asthma. Exposure by children to higher levels VOCs caused them to be four times more likely to suffer from asthma than children who were not exposed. The study concerned 88 children who were treated for asthma at the emergency department of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth.  VOCs are found in solvents, polishes, room fresheners, paints and cleaning products. In general, VOCs are carcinogenic. VOC concentrations are higher in homes where people smoked indoors, as well as homes that had been recently painted or had new carpets.