Virginians are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals during their daily lives. This can include chemicals in household cleaners, from old industrial sites or recent spills, air pollution from gases released from industry, smoke from structural or forest fires, vehicle exhaust, chemicals encountered in the workplace, and naturally occurring chemicals. The fact sheets on this page have information on some of the more commonly encountered chemicals or sources of chemicals.
More information can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs page. Each ToxFAQ page also includes a link to the chemical’s extensive Toxicological Profile and a shorter ToxGuide with key information.
For concerns about occupational exposure and permissible exposure limits for workers, see the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances page. If you believe your workplace is not protecting workers adequately from exposure to chemicals, you can report this to Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH).
Common Chemicals and Sources of Chemicals
Acetic acid
Ammonia
Arsenic
Asbestos
Benzene
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bleach
Carbon monoxide
Chinese drywall
Chloramines
Dibrom
Dicyclopentadiene
Ethylene oxide
Formaldehyde
Gasoline
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrogen sulfide
Kratom
Leftover medicine
Mercury
Ozone
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Radon
Smoke exposure
Smoking and tobacco
Sodium hydroxide
Styrene
Synthetic Turf
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Uranium
Vaping
Vapor intrusion
Wildfire smoke