Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature, potentially affecting indoor and outdoor air quality. VOCs are commonly found in a wide range of products, including paints, cleaning supplies, adhesives, building materials, and furnishings. When released into the air, VOCs can contribute to health problems such as headaches, respiratory irritation, and dizziness, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Some VOCs, like formaldehyde and benzene, are known to have more serious long-term health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and other chronic conditions. Due to their prevalence in everyday products and potential health risks, monitoring and controlling VOC levels have become a priority in environmental health and building practices.
In the context of flooring and construction materials, VOCs are often released from products such as vinyl flooring, carpeting, laminate, adhesives, and sealants. The process of off-gassing, where VOCs slowly emit from these materials over time, can lead to poor indoor air quality, particularly in newly constructed or renovated spaces. To mitigate this, manufacturers have developed low-VOC and VOC-free alternatives, providing safer options for consumers who are concerned about indoor air pollution. Low-VOC flooring options, such as certain types of hardwood, cork, bamboo, and linoleum, offer a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious choice, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
Regulations and guidelines have been established to limit VOC emissions in various products, promoting healthier indoor environments. Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provide standards and certifications for low-VOC products, helping consumers make informed decisions. Choosing materials and products with low or no VOC emissions is particularly important in spaces where people spend a lot of time, such as homes, schools, and workplaces. By opting for low-VOC materials, consumers can reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals, contributing to a healthier living and working environment.
| Related Articles Using the Term: Volatile Organic Compounds |
|---|
| Make Your Home Cleaner and Greener ...y a cleaner, greener home. Paint A fresh coat of paint is a great, low-cost way to bring new life to a room. But that new paint smell comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which derive from vapors released from toxic compounds. Use non-VOC paint to create an inviting, comfortable and be... |
| Karastan first to receive new wool certification ...taminants is a growing concern in residential as well as commercial interiors. Although many materials, including carpet, pass tests for minimum VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, wool goes a step further by removing contaminants from the air and improving the health of the indoor environme... |
| Hardwood finishes are more eco-friendly than ever ...hether purchasing factory-finished products or engaging in a do-it-yourself project; be knowledgeable. Ask questions. Read labels. The key words are "volatile organic compounds," commonly referred to as VOCs, usually listed in grams per liter. Lower VOC content products are more environmentally frie... |
| Wool: Clean Air Certified Program Launched by Wools of New Zealand ...taminants is a growing concern in residential as well as commercial interiors. Although many materials, including carpet, pass tests for minimum VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, wool goes a giant step further by removing contaminants from the air and improving the health of the indoor env... |
| USFloors commitment to environmental responsibility backed by actions ...e years and bamboo suitable for flooring is harvested every six years. But USFloors takes it a step further by ensuring the formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are minimized in the household. Both USFloors’ Natural Bamboo and Natural Cork lines carry the GreenGuard Children &... |
| TERAGREN® INTRODUCES NEW PORTFOLIO STRANDBAMBOO FLOATING FLOOR COLLECTION ...new Portfolio flooring line, which qualifies for FloorScore® certification through Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). SCS measures more than 78 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from building materials—and guarantees that certified products contribute to a healthier and safer indoor en... |
| Green Your Clean ...s before entering the house to avoid tracking in dirt, dust and pollen. -Use kitchen and exhaust fans to increase ventilation and reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that get released into the air. Doing Laundry. Some detergents and fabric softeners can contain ingredients that ... |