Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based compounds that vaporize at room temperature, found in products such as gasoline and building materials. Outgassing releases VOCs into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental issues and poor indoor air quality, which can cause respiratory problems. The green building movement is reducing or eliminating VOCs from products, and individuals can minimize exposure by choosing VOC-free products, using smaller containers, and investing in ventilation systems.
A volatile organic compound (VOC) is any carbon-based compound that will vaporize at standard room temperatures. There are millions of organic compounds that fall into this category, with methane, formaldehyde and acetone among the most widespread and known VOCs. These compounds are produced through natural biological processes and chemical reactions in manufacturing and industry. The term VOC can be defined differently depending on the country or region, with some agencies using very broad classification systems and others focusing only on the most common VOCs.
Volatile organic compounds can be found in products such as gasoline, coolants, adhesives and solvents. When a VOC is exposed to room temperature air, it undergoes a chemical reaction that leads to a process known as outgassing. During degassing, the substances contained in the VOCs are released into the atmosphere in the form of gases. This gas can often have negative effects on the environment and has been linked to rising levels of greenhouse gases, smog and ozone depletion.
While the emission of VOCs is a concern for the environment, it can have an even greater effect on the air quality inside a building. Most common building materials including paints, stains, sealants, flooring, furniture and cabinets contain VOCs. Due to the high VOC content within a building, indoor air quality is often two to five times worse indoors than outdoors. For a newly constructed space, indoor air quality can be up to 1,000 times worse than it is outdoors. This is due to the relatively high concentrations of VOCs found in new products that are just starting the outgassing process.
High concentration levels of VOCs have been linked to respiratory conditions, asthma and other diseases. This is especially a problem for children or people with compromised immune systems. The term “sick building syndrome” is often used to describe a building with poor indoor air quality, much of which can be attributed to high levels of VOC concentrations.
As the green building movement grows, more manufacturers are reducing or eliminating VOCs from their products. Choose products labeled “VOC Free” to minimize your exposure to these compounds. When you have no choice but to buy products containing VOCs, choose smaller containers that you can dispose of after one use. VOCs in a sealed can or bottle can also release gases through the container walls. Finally, invest in a quality ventilation system to help remove unhealthy air from the house and replace it with fresh air from outside.
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