Table of Contents

Component Description

The volatile toxicant questionnaire (variable name prefix VTQ) includes data about the study participants 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 volatile organic compound (VOC) laboratory dataset in the NHANES 2015-2016 Laboratory Data section.

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
10596.781295 to 499733.23816 Range of Values 3176 3176
0 No Lab Result 218 3394 End of Section
. Missing 0 3394

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 1133 1133
2 No 1792 2925
7 Refused 0 2925
9 Don't know 1 2926
. Missing 468 3394

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 2593 2875
7 Refused 0 2875
9 Don't know 51 2926
. Missing 468 3394

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} currently 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 814 814
2 No 2096 2910
7 Refused 0 2910
9 Don't know 16 2926
. Missing 468 3394

VTQ231A - Use moth balls or toilet deodorizers?

Variable Name:
VTQ231A
SAS Label:
Use moth balls or toilet deodorizers?
English Text:
{Do you/Does she/Does he} currently use moth balls, moth crystals or toilet bowl deodorizers inside {your/her/his} home?
English Instructions:
HELP SCREEN SHOULD READ: Some toilet bowl deodorizers clip onto the toilet rim, others, 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 655 655
2 No 2220 2875
7 Refused 0 2875
9 Don't know 50 2925
. Missing 469 3394

VTQ233A - Past 3 days inhale smoke for 10 minutes

Variable Name:
VTQ233A
SAS Label:
Past 3 days inhale smoke for 10 minutes
English Text:
In the last three days, did {you/she/he} inhale smoke from any source for 10 or more minutes?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 440 440
2 No 2482 2922
7 Refused 0 2922
9 Don't know 3 2925
. Missing 469 3394

VTQ233B - When did you last inhale smoke for 10min

Variable Name:
VTQ233B
SAS Label:
When did you last inhale smoke for 10min
English Text:
When did {you/she/he} last spend 10 or more minutes inhaling smoke?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Today 179 179
2 Yesterday 184 363
3 More than 2 days 75 438
7 Refused 0 438
9 Don't know 1 439
. Missing 2955 3394

VTQ241A - Did you cook with natural gas?

Variable Name:
VTQ241A
SAS Label:
Did you cook with natural gas?
English Text:
Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last 48 hours. This means today or yesterday. In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 601 601
2 No 2313 2914 VTQ244A
7 Refused 0 2914 VTQ244A
9 Don't know 10 2924 VTQ244A
. Missing 470 3394

VTD241B - Long ago did you cook with natural gas?

Variable Name:
VTD241B
SAS Label:
Long ago did you cook with natural gas?
English Text:
Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last 48 hours. This means today or yesterday. How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas?
English Instructions:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 48 Range of Values 410 410
77 Refused 0 410
99 Don't know 1 411
. Missing 2983 3394

VTQ244A - Did you pump gas into your car?

Variable Name:
VTQ244A
SAS Label:
Did you pump gas into your car?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, 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 778 778
2 No 2145 2923 VTQ251A
7 Refused 0 2923 VTQ251A
9 Don't know 1 2924 VTQ251A
. Missing 470 3394

VTD244B - Long ago did you pump gas in your car?

Variable Name:
VTD244B
SAS Label:
Long ago did you pump gas in your car?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}?
English Instructions:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 48 Range of Values 528 528
77 Refused 0 528
99 Don't know 1 529
. Missing 2865 3394

VTQ251A - Spend time in pool, hot tub, steam room?

Variable Name:
VTQ251A
SAS Label:
Spend time in pool, hot tub, steam room?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, 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 68 68
2 No 2856 2924 VTQ261A
7 Refused 0 2924 VTQ261A
9 Don't know 0 2924 VTQ261A
. Missing 470 3394

VTD251B - How long ago since at pool, hot tub?

Variable Name:
VTD251B
SAS Label:
How long ago since at pool, hot tub?
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:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
4 to 48 Range of Values 57 57
77 Refused 0 57
99 Don't know 0 57
. Missing 3337 3394

VTQ261A - In last 48 hrs use dry cleaning solvent?

Variable Name:
VTQ261A
SAS Label:
In last 48 hrs use dry cleaning solvent?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} use dry cleaning solvents, 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 110 110
2 No 2807 2917 VTQ271A
7 Refused 0 2917 VTQ271A
9 Don't know 7 2924 VTQ271A
. Missing 470 3394

VTD261B - Long since use dry cleaning solvents?

Variable Name:
VTD261B
SAS Label:
Long since use dry cleaning solvents?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} used dry cleaning solvents, visited a dry cleaning shop or wore clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?
English Instructions:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 48 Range of Values 76 76
77 Refused 0 76
99 Don't know 0 76
. Missing 3318 3394

VTQ271A - In last 48 hrs, bathe for 5+ minutes?

Variable Name:
VTQ271A
SAS Label:
In last 48 hrs, bathe for 5+ minutes?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, 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 2391 2391
2 No 528 2919 VTQ281A
7 Refused 0 2919 VTQ281A
9 Don't know 4 2923 VTQ281A
. Missing 471 3394

VTD271B - How long, in hrs, since you bathed?

Variable Name:
VTD271B
SAS Label:
How long, in hrs, since you bathed?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath?
English Instructions:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 48 Range of Values 1662 1662
77 Refused 0 1662
99 Don't know 1 1663
. Missing 1731 3394

VTQ281A - In past 48 hrs breathe paint fumes?

Variable Name:
VTQ281A
SAS Label:
In past 48 hrs breathe paint fumes?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from freshly painted indoor surfaces, paints, paint thinner, or varnish?
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 2845 2922 VTQ281C
7 Refused 0 2922 VTQ281C
9 Don't know 1 2923 VTQ281C
. Missing 471 3394

VTD281B - How long, since breathed paint fumes?

Variable Name:
VTD281B
SAS Label:
How long, since breathed paint fumes?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from freshly painted indoor surfaces, paints, paint thinner, or varnish?
English Instructions:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
2 to 48 Range of Values 51 51
77 Refused 0 51
99 Don't know 0 51
. Missing 3343 3394

VTQ281C - In past 48 hrs breathe diesel fumes?

Variable Name:
VTQ281C
SAS Label:
In past 48 hrs breathe diesel fumes?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from 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 80 80
2 No 2838 2918 VTQ281E
7 Refused 0 2918 VTQ281E
9 Don't know 5 2923 VTQ281E
. Missing 471 3394

VTD281D - How long, since breathed diesel fumes?

Variable Name:
VTD281D
SAS Label:
How long, since breathed diesel fumes?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene?
English Instructions:
HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48 HOURS
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 42 Range of Values 52 52
77 Refused 0 52
99 Don't know 0 52
. Missing 3342 3394

VTQ281E - Breathe fingernail polish fumes?

Variable Name:
VTQ281E
SAS Label:
Breathe fingernail polish fumes?
English Text:
In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from fingernail polish?
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 189 189
2 No 2733 2922 End of Section
7 Refused 0 2922 End of Section
9 Don't know 1 2923 End of Section
. Missing 471 3394

VTD281F - How long, since breathed polish fumes?

Variable Name:
VTD281F
SAS Label:
How long, since breathed polish fumes?
English Text:
How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish?
English Instructions:
HOURS HARD EDIT: Range - 1 - 48
Target:
Both males and females 12 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Hard Edits:
1 to 48
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 to 48 Range of Values 114 114
77 Refused 0 114
99 Don't know 0 114
. Missing 3280 3394

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 2013-2014 2015-2016
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 x x
VTQ220 “Is the source of water for {your/her/his} home from a private well?” x x x x x x x
VTQ200A “{Do you/Does she/Does he} currently store paints or fuels inside {your/her/his} home? Include {your/her/his} basement {and attached garage}.” x x 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
VTQ231A {Do you/Does she/Does he} currently use moth balls, moth crystals or toilet bowl deodorizers inside {your/her/his} home? x x
VTQ233A In the last three days, did {you/she/he} inhale smoke from any source for 10 or more minutes? x
VTQ233B When did {you/she/he} last spend 10 or more minutes inhaling smoke? 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/herse 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
VTQ241A "Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last 48 hours. This means today or yesterday. In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas?" x x
VTQ241B "Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last 48 hours. This means today or yesterday. How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas?" x
VTD241B "Now I am going to ask you a few questions about {your/SP's} activities over the last 48 hours. This means today or yesterday. How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas?" x
VTQ244A “In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}?” x x
VTQ244B "How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}?" x
VTD244B "How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}?" 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
VTQ251A "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} spend any time at a swimming pool, in a hot tub, or in a steam room?" x x
VTQ251B "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
VTD251B "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
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
VTQ261A "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} use dry cleaning solvents, visit a dry cleaning shop or wear clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?" x x
VTQ261B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} used dry cleaning solvents, visited a dry cleaning shop or wore clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?" x
VTD261B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} used dry cleaning solvents, visited a dry cleaning shop or wore clothes that had been dry-cleaned within the last week?" x
VTQ265A "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} smoke or spend 10 or more minutes near a person who was smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe?" x
VTQ265B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} smoked or spent 10 or more minutes near a person who was smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe?" 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
VTQ271A "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} take a hot shower or bath for five minutes or longer?" x x
VTQ271B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath?" x
VTD271B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath?" 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
VTQ281A "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from freshly painted indoor surfaces, paints, paint thinner, or varnish?" x x
VTQ281B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from freshly painted indoor surfaces, paints, paint thinner, or varnish?" x
VTD281B "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from freshly painted indoor surfaces, paints, paint thinner, or varnish?" x
VTQ281C "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene?" x x
VTQ281D "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene?" x
VTD281D "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene?" x
VTQ281E "In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from fingernail polish?" x x
VTQ281F "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish?" x
VTD281F "How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish?" x