Table of Contents

Component Description

The volatile toxicant questionnaire (VTQ) includes data about the SP’s home, activities, amount of time spent in various locations, and exposure to different chemicals over the past 48 hours. This questionnaire data can be used in conjunction with the VOC laboratory dataset in the NHANES 2011-2012 Laboratory Data section.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that have been used as solvents, degreasers, and cleaning agents in industry and consumer products. Many VOCs were found to contaminate ground water and drinking water sources, and because of human health concerns, have been banned or restricted from most uses.

Eligible Sample

Participants aged 12 years and older from a one-half sample were eligible.

Interview Setting and Mode of Administration

Volatile toxicant questions were asked in the mobile examination center (MEC), by trained interviewers, using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Volatile toxicant questionnaire (VTQ) data were systematically reviewed for consistency, data processing, and data input errors on a periodic basis during the data collection.

The CAPI system is programmed with built-in consistency checks to reduce data entry errors. CAPI also uses online help screens to assist interviewers in defining key terms used in the questionnaire. All of the data were reviewed by the NHANES field office staff for accuracy and completeness.

Data Processing and Editing

Data were edited for completeness and consistency.

Analytic Notes

Please refer to the NHANES Analytic Guidelines and the on-line NHANES Tutorial for further details on the use of sample weights and other analytic issues.

Codebook and Frequencies

SEQN - Respondent sequence number

Variable Name:
SEQN
SAS Label:
Respondent sequence number
English Text:
Respondent sequence number.
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS

WTSVOC2Y - VOC Subsample Weight

Variable Name:
WTSVOC2Y
SAS Label:
VOC Subsample Weight
English Text:
VOC Subsample Weight
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10318.116737 to 472152.19294 Range of Values 2847 2847
0 No Lab Result 447 3294 End of Section
. Missing 0 3294

VTQ210 - Attached garage?

Variable Name:
VTQ210
SAS Label:
Attached garage?
English Text:
First, I would like to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} home. Does {your/her/his} home have an attached garage?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 949 949
2 No 1642 2591
7 Refused 0 2591
9 Don't know 0 2591
. Missing 703 3294

VTQ220 - Private well?

Variable Name:
VTQ220
SAS Label:
Private well?
English Text:
Is the source of water for {your/her/his} home from a private well?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 282 282
2 No 2277 2559
7 Refused 0 2559
9 Don't know 32 2591
. Missing 703 3294

VTQ200A - Store paints or fuels inside home?

Variable Name:
VTQ200A
SAS Label:
Store paints or fuels inside home?
English Text:
{Do you/Does she/Does he} store paints or fuels inside {your/her/his} home? Include {your/her/his} basement {and attached garage}.
English Instructions:
CAPI INSTRUCTION: IF SP HAS AN ATTACHED GARAGE (CODED ' 1' IN VTQ.210), DISPLAY {and attached garage}.
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 776 776
2 No 1798 2574
7 Refused 0 2574
9 Don't know 15 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ230A - Toilet bowl deodorizers?

Variable Name:
VTQ230A
SAS Label:
Toilet bowl deodorizers?
English Text:
{Do you/Does she/Does he} use toilet bowl deodorizers inside {your/her/his} home?
English Instructions:
HELP SCREEN SHOULD READ: Some toilet bowl deodorizers clip onto the toilet rim, other, such as deodorant blocks and gels, are placed inside the tank or hang inside the wall of the tank. Brand names include Bully, 2000 Flushes, Vanish, X-14, Ty-D-Bol, Toilet Duck, Clorox, Lime-A-Way, and Sno Bol.
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1106 1106
2 No 1474 2580
7 Refused 0 2580
9 Don't know 9 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ230B - Moth balls or crystals?

Variable Name:
VTQ230B
SAS Label:
Moth balls or crystals?
English Text:
{Do you/Does she/Does he} use moth balls or crystals inside {your/her/his} home?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 247 247
2 No 2327 2574
7 Refused 0 2574
9 Don't know 15 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ240A - Pump gas into a car or motor vehicle?

Variable Name:
VTQ240A
SAS Label:
Pump gas into a car or motor vehicle?
English Text:
Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last three days. This means today, yesterday, or the day before yesterday. In the last three days, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/himself}?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 936 936
2 No 1652 2588
7 Refused 0 2588
9 Don't know 1 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ240B - How long ago did you pump gas?

Variable Name:
VTQ240B
SAS Label:
How long ago did you pump gas?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car?
English Instructions:
HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 72
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 99 Range of Values 936 936
777 Refused 0 936
999 Don't know 0 936
. Missing 2358 3294

VTQ250A - Spend time at swimming pool?

Variable Name:
VTQ250A
SAS Label:
Spend time at swimming pool?
English Text:
In the last three days, did {you/she/he} spend any time at a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 77 77
2 No 2511 2588
7 Refused 0 2588
9 Don't know 1 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ250B - How long ago at swimming pool?

Variable Name:
VTQ250B
SAS Label:
How long ago at swimming pool?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} spent time at a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?
English Instructions:
HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 72
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
3 to 72 Range of Values 77 77
777 Refused 0 77
999 Don't know 0 77
. Missing 3217 3294

VTQ260A - Visit a dry cleaning shop?

Variable Name:
VTQ260A
SAS Label:
Visit a dry cleaning shop?
English Text:
In the last three days, did {you/she/he} visit a dry cleaning shop or wear clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 146 146
2 No 2442 2588
7 Refused 0 2588
9 Don't know 1 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ260B - Spend 10 minutes near cigarette smoke?

Variable Name:
VTQ260B
SAS Label:
Spend 10 minutes near cigarette smoke?
English Text:
In the last three days, did {you/she/he} spend 10 or more minutes near a person who was smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 806 806
2 No 1782 2588
7 Refused 0 2588
9 Don't know 1 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ270A - Take a hot shower?

Variable Name:
VTQ270A
SAS Label:
Take a hot shower?
English Text:
In the last three days, did {you/she/he} take a hot shower or bath for five minutes or longer?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 2119 2119
2 No 468 2587
7 Refused 0 2587
9 Don't know 2 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ270B - How long since hot shower?

Variable Name:
VTQ270B
SAS Label:
How long since hot shower?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath?
English Instructions:
HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 72
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 99 Range of Values 2119 2119
777 Refused 0 2119
999 Don't know 0 2119
. Missing 1175 3294

VTQ280A - Breathe fumes from paints?

Variable Name:
VTQ280A
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from paints?
English Text:
In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following: Paints?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 137 137
2 No 2450 2587
7 Refused 0 2587
9 Don't know 2 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ280B - Breathe fumes from degreasing cleaners?

Variable Name:
VTQ280B
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from degreasing cleaners?
English Text:
[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Degreasing cleaners?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 191 191
2 No 2394 2585
7 Refused 0 2585
9 Don't know 4 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ280C - Breathe fumes from diesel fuel?

Variable Name:
VTQ280C
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from diesel fuel?
English Text:
[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Diesel fuel or kerosene?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 203 203
2 No 2377 2580
7 Refused 0 2580
9 Don't know 9 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ280D - Breathe fumes from paint thinner?

Variable Name:
VTQ280D
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from paint thinner?
English Text:
[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Paint thinner, brush cleaner, or furniture stripper?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 68 68
2 No 2519 2587
7 Refused 0 2587
9 Don't know 2 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ280E - Breathe fumes from drycleaning fluid?

Variable Name:
VTQ280E
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from drycleaning fluid?
English Text:
[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Dry-cleaning fluid or spot remover?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 62 62
2 No 2525 2587
7 Refused 0 2587
9 Don't know 2 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ280F - Breathe fumes from fingernail polish?

Variable Name:
VTQ280F
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from fingernail polish?
English Text:
[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Fingernail polish or fingernail polish remover?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 383 383
2 No 2205 2588
7 Refused 0 2588
9 Don't know 1 2589
. Missing 705 3294

VTQ280G - Breathe fumes from glue?

Variable Name:
VTQ280G
SAS Label:
Breathe fumes from glue?
English Text:
[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Glues or adhesives used for hobbies or crafts?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 130 130
2 No 2457 2587
7 Refused 0 2587
9 Don't know 2 2589
. Missing 705 3294

Appendix 1. VOLATILE TOXICANT QUESTIONNAIRE (VTQ) VARIABLE TABLE by CYCLE

Variable Name Questionnaire - English Text 2003-2004 2005-2006 2007-2008 2009-2010 2011-2012
VTQ210 “First, I would like to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} home. Does {your/her/his} home have an attached garage?” x x x x x
VTQ220 “Is the source of water for {your/her/his} home from a private well?” x x x x x
VTQ200A “{Do you/Does she/Does he} store paints or fuels inside {your/her/his} home? Include {your/her/his} basement {and attached garage}.” x x x
VTQ230A “{Do you/Does she/Does he} use toilet bowl deodorizers inside {your/her/his} home?” x x x x x
VTQ230B “{Do you/Does she/Does he} use moth balls or crystals inside {your/her/his} home?” x x x x x
VTQ240A “Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last three days. This means today, yesterday, or the day before yesterday. In the last three days, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself /herself/himself}?” x x x x x
VTQ240B “How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car?” x x x x x
VTQ250A “In the last three days, did {you/she/he} spend any time at a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?” x x x x x
VTQ250B “How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} spent time at a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?” x x x x x
VTQ260A “In the last three days, did {you/she/he} visit a dry cleaning shop or wear clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?” x x x x x
VTQ260B “In the last three days, did {you/she/he} spend 10 or more minutes near a person who was smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe?” x x x x x
VTQ270A “In the last three days, did {you/she/he} take a hot shower or bath for five minutes or longer?” x x x x x
VTQ270B “How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath?” x x x x x
VTQ280A “In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following: Paints?” x x x x x
VTQ280B “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Degreasing cleaners?” x x x x x
VTQ280C “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Diesel fuel or kerosene?” x x x x x
VTQ280D “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Paint thinner, brush cleaner, or furniture stripper?” x x x x x
VTQ280E “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Dry-cleaning fluid or spot remover?” x x x x x
VTQ280F “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Fingernail polish or fingernail polish remover?” x x x x x
VTQ280G “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Glues or adhesives used for hobbies or crafts?” x x x x x
VTQ280H “[In the last three days, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from any of the following:] Varnish or stain?” x x x