Table of Contents

Component Description

The volatile toxicant questionnaire (variable name prefix VTQ) includes data about the 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 2017-2018 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

The volatile toxicant questionnaire was asked in the mobile examination center (MEC), by trained interviewers or phlebotomists, using the computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) system.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

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
7427.533182 to 928802.19042 Range of Values 2866 2866
0 No Lab Result 306 3172 End of Section
. Missing 0 3172

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 1116 1116
2 No 1652 2768
7 Refused 0 2768
9 Don't know 1 2769
. Missing 403 3172

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 757 757
2 No 1981 2738
7 Refused 1 2739
9 Don't know 30 2769
. Missing 403 3172

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 619 619
2 No 2101 2720
7 Refused 0 2720
9 Don't know 49 2769
. Missing 403 3172

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 535 535
2 No 2231 2766
7 Refused 0 2766
9 Don't know 3 2769
. Missing 403 3172

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 238 238
2 Yesterday 182 420
3 More than 2 days 113 533
7 Refused 0 533
9 Don't know 2 535
. Missing 2637 3172

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 606 606
2 No 2156 2762 VTQ244A
7 Refused 0 2762 VTQ244A
9 Don't know 6 2768 VTQ244A
. Missing 404 3172

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 603 603
0 Less than one hour 0 603
77 Refused 0 603
99 Don't know 1 604
. Missing 2568 3172

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 694 694
2 No 2072 2766 VTQ251A
7 Refused 0 2766 VTQ251A
9 Don't know 2 2768 VTQ251A
. Missing 404 3172

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 689 689
0 Less than one hour 3 692
77 Refused 0 692
99 Don't know 0 692
. Missing 2480 3172

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 92 92
2 No 2676 2768 VTQ261A
7 Refused 0 2768 VTQ261A
9 Don't know 0 2768 VTQ261A
. Missing 404 3172

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
2 to 48 Range of Values 92 92
0 Less than one hour 0 92
77 Refused 0 92
99 Don't know 0 92
. Missing 3080 3172

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 92 92
2 No 2669 2761 VTQ271A
7 Refused 0 2761 VTQ271A
9 Don't know 7 2768 VTQ271A
. Missing 404 3172

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 89 89
0 Less than one hour 1 90
77 Refused 0 90
99 Don't know 1 91
. Missing 3081 3172

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 2094 2094
2 No 672 2766 VTQ281A
7 Refused 0 2766 VTQ281A
9 Don't know 2 2768 VTQ281A
. Missing 404 3172

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 2090 2090
0 Less than one hour 3 2093
77 Refused 0 2093
99 Don't know 0 2093
. Missing 1079 3172

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 83 83
2 No 2682 2765 VTQ281C
7 Refused 0 2765 VTQ281C
9 Don't know 3 2768 VTQ281C
. Missing 404 3172

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
1 to 46 Range of Values 81 81
0 Less than one hour 2 83
77 Refused 0 83
99 Don't know 0 83
. Missing 3089 3172

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 101 101
2 No 2660 2761 VTQ281E
7 Refused 0 2761 VTQ281E
9 Don't know 7 2768 VTQ281E
. Missing 404 3172

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 48 Range of Values 100 100
0 Less than one hour 1 101
77 Refused 0 101
99 Don't know 0 101
. Missing 3071 3172

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 160 160
2 No 2608 2768 End of Section
7 Refused 0 2768 End of Section
9 Don't know 0 2768 End of Section
. Missing 404 3172

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 159 159
0 Less than one hour 1 160
77 Refused 0 160
99 Don't know 0 160
. Missing 3012 3172

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 2017-2018
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 x
VTQ220 Is the source of water for {your/her/his} home from a private well? x x x x x x x x¹
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 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 x
VTQ233A In the last three days, did {you/she/he} inhale smoke from any source for 10 or more minutes? x x
VTQ233B When did {you/she/he} last spend 10 or more minutes inhaling smoke? 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/hersel 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 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
VTQ241bG How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas? x x
VTQ241bQ How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas? x x
VTQ241bD How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas? x x
VTQ241bT How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} cook or bake with natural gas? x 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 x
VTQ244B How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}? x
VTQ244bG How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}? x x
VTQ244bQ How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}? x x
VTQ244bD How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}? x x
VTQ244bT How long ago, in hours, did {you/she/he} pump gas into a car or other motor vehicle {yourself/herself/ himself}? 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
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 x
VTQ251B 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
VTQ251bG 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
VTQ251bQ 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
VTQ251bD 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
VTQ251bT 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
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 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
VTQ261bG 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 x
VTQ261bQ 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 x
VTQ261bD 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 x
VTQ261bT 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 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 x
VTQ271B How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath? x
VTQ271bG How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath? x x
VTQ271bQ How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath? x x
VTQ271bD How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath? x x
VTQ271bT How long ago, in hours, has it been since {your/SP's} last shower or hot bath? 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
VTQ281A In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from freshly painted indoor surfaces, paints, paint thinner, or varnish? x 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
VTQ281bG 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 x
VTQ281bQ 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 x
VTQ281bD 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 x
VTQ281bT 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 x
VTQ281C In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene? x x x
VTQ281D How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene? x
VTQ281dG How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene? x x
VTQ281dQ How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene? x x
VTQ281dD How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene? x x
VTQ281dT How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from diesel fuel or kerosene? x x
VTQ281E In the last 48 hours, did {you/she/he} breathe fumes from fingernail polish? x x x
VTQ281F How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish? x
VTQ281fG How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish? x x
VTQ281fQ How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish? x x
VTQ281fD How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish? x x
VTQ281fT How long ago, in hours, has it been since {you/she/he} breathed fumes from fingernail polish? x x

¹Access available through the NCHS Research Data Center (RDC).