About Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals with a high vapor pressure that can easily form vapors at normal temperatures and pressure.
What types of products contain VOCs?
Most organic solvents are generally referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs include certain paint additives, aerosol spray propellants, fuels and petroleum distillates (such as gasoline and kerosene), dry-cleaning products as well as many other industrial and consumer products that range from building materials to office supplies. A number of plants and trees also produce VOCs naturally (in the form of Hydrocarbon emissions).
Why are VOCs hazardous?
Volatile Organic Compounds are a serious cause for concern about its effects on our health and the environment. There are several reasons for this:
- When inhaled, some VOCs can have hazardous effects on one's health. Benzene, for example, is toxic and a probable cause of cancer in humans. Formaldehyde causes irritation and sensitivity. And many VOCs are flammable.
- VOCs released from off-gassing building materials, carpets, fabrics, etc. are a major cause of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
- VOCs such as Hydrocarbon emissions from vehicle engine exhaust created by burning gasoline and other petroleum distillates majorly contribute to photo-chemical smog.
- Some VOCs such as Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) — an additive once used in gasoline to promote cleaner burning — are fairly soluble with rather high mobility in ground water, and can contaminate wells that supply drinking water.
How can exposure to VOCs be reduced?
VOCs can be removed with special filtration systems. For example, activated charcoal absorbs many organic materials, but it has a limited capacity, is not an indicating adsorbent (so you won't know when it has reached its limit) and does not adsorb all materials.
There is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for every product available. You can request suppliers (wholesale and retail) to provide this MSDS for any product that they sell. You should always review a product's MSDS to determine whether it contains any specific, harmful substances; and familiarize yourself with methods for dealing with any possibility of overexposure.
Avoid using VOCs whenever possible. If you must use a VOC, make sure you utilize some appropriate form of local exhaust ventilation such as a fume hood, if possible. Never use VOCs in small or confined spaces, or in areas that are not ventilated adequately. Always wear protective equipment such as a respirator and gloves while working with VOCs.
Remember, vapours from flammable substances can travel large distances. Most organic vapours are heavier than air. These vapours sink and can pool in low-lying areas where they can explode, ignited by a spark or flame or even static electricity. Every year there are several accident reports where individuals are seriously burned or injured in explosions when VOC vapour from painting the basement floor with sealant is ignited by the pilot light on a hot-water heater or furnace.
Healthy painting guidelines
- Try to schedule painting for fall or spring, when windows are more easily left open for ventilation.
- Choose 100 per cent non-VOC paints, or ask for assistance in selecting low-toxic, low-VOC latex paints and floor finishes from qualified retailers or contractors — like Valley Design Co.
- Keep windows wide open for at least 48 to 72 hours after painting or refinishing floors.
- Use window-mounted box fans to exhaust vapours from the work area. If fans cannot be used, make sure that rooms being painted or refinished have proper cross-ventilation.
- Provide advance notice to adjacent units that a job is to begin.
- Take frequent fresh air breaks while painting and use masks or other respiratory protection. Avoid painted rooms for at least 72 hours whenever possible. Keep pregnant women and young children from freshly-painted rooms. Leave painted areas if you experience eye-watering, headaches, or dizziness.
References for VOC information
Reading for a greener, healthier home
