All VOC content levels fall into one of five classification bands:
- Minimal: VOC content of 0–0.29%
- Low: VOC content of 0.3–7.99%
- Medium: VOC content of 8–24.99%
- High: VOC content of 25–50%
- Very high: VOC content of more than 50%
Full Answer
What types of materials are high VOC?
plumbing, roofing, etc.), common sources of VOC exposure in building materials can be divided into:
- Solid building materials, such as building partitions.
- Liquid building products, such as adhesives. Note that exposure to methylene dichloride, one of the most common components of adhesives, is highly dangerous.
- Decoration products, such as wallpaper.
- Household products, such as solvents and cleansers.
What are acceptable VOC levels in the air?
Acceptable VOC levels in the air for human health. Low TVOC concentration levels is considered to be less than 0.3 mg/m3. Acceptable levels of TVOC ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 mg/m3 of concentration. From 0.5 mg/m3 of TVOC concentration level onwards the concern is considered to be considerable or high. TVOC can be measured in micrograms per cubic ...
What is the most volatile organic compound?
Where are Volatile Organic Compounds Found?
- Acetone. Traditionally, acetone was used in nail polish removers, and it can also be found in furniture polish and wallpaper.
- Butanal. This particular substance is found in things that smoke, e.g. ...
- Carbon Disulfide. ...
- Dichlorobenzene. ...
- Ethanol. ...
- Formaldehyde. ...
- Terpenes. ...
- Toluene. ...
- Xylene. ...
- Methylene Chloride. ...
Why are VOCs dangerous?
VOCs are potentially dangerous to humans because they can cause significant health issues in both short term and long term exposure. Biologicals (animal dander, mold, dust mites, etc.) Chemicals like formaldehyde, pesticides, solvents, paint (interior and exterior), cleaning products, and air fresheners
What is considered a high level of VOCs?
OSHA has adopted a Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of . 75 ppm, and an action level of 0.5 ppm. US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established a level of 0.4 ppm for mobile homes.
What is a high VOC level for paint?
The federal government caps the VOC content in paint at 250 grams per liter (g/l) for flat finishes and 380 g/l for other finishes (low-luster, semigloss, etc.).
What is a normal VOC range?
TVOC can be measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) of air (or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3), parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb)). The table below shows that less than 0.3 mg/m3 are considered low TVOC concentration levels. And levels between 0.3 mg/m3 to 0.5 mg/m3 are acceptable.
Is 500 VOC high?
To be specific, let's talk about volatile organic compounds commonly known as VOCs, a component used in wood stain colors from different brands. According to research by CBC marketplace, high VOC levels of above 500 ppb cause severe problems to people with various chemical sensitivities.
How long do VOCs last after painting?
VOCs emitted from paint do dissipate overtime, after the paint dries on the wall but this process can take a while with most dispelling within the first six months after application. Minimising the number of VOCs entering your home interior atmosphere is always recommended.
Is less than 50 VOC good?
Regulations and how to find VOC Information The number generally accepted for a low–VOC paint is less than 50 grams per liter and for zero-VOC paint is less than 5 grams per liter.
How can I lower my VOCs at home?
How do I reduce the levels of VOCs in my home?Only buy what you need when it comes to paints, solvents, adhesive and caulks. ... Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people do not spend much time.Dispose of unused chemicals that are stored in your home or garage.More items...
How do you remove VOCs from indoor air?
Activated carbon air purifiers and filters can remove any VOC concentration from the air in an enclosed space, such as your home, office, workplace, or an indoor public space. They work by chemically attracting organic contaminants to be absorbed by the carbon inside.
Why do VOCs go up at night?
During sleep, people likely inhale more VOCs because of poor bedroom ventilation and the close proximity of their nose and mouth to mattresses and bedding that emit the compounds.
Do air purifiers reduce VOCs?
Can electrostatic or ozone technology remove VOCs? Electrostatic air purifiers capture particulates (solid particles and liquid droplets) by using an electrically charged screen or panel. However, they cannot remove gaseous molecules like VOCs, only larger particulates such as dander, dust and mold.
How harmful are VOCs?
VOCs Can Harm Health Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and can damage the central nervous system and other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer.
What is the most common VOC?
Formaldehyde. This is far and away one of the most common VOCs out there, largely because it's present in everyday products such as molded plastics and lacquers. Avoid heating plastics, and limit plastic use in general so as to keep concentrations of formaldehyde low.
What does VOC less than 50 mean?
Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints typically contain VOC content of less than 5 grams per liter. In the chemical industry, low VOC is used to describe a product with VOC content at or below 150 g/L. Ultra-low-VOC products have VOC content that's below 50 g/L. Low-VOC products typically have little or no odor.
What is considered a low VOC paint?
Low-VOC paints have a reduced amount of volatile organic compounds. Therefore, the paint won't give off as much of that harmful gas as a traditional paint. The term “low-VOC,” however, is only in comparison to other paints. Typically, paints that use this term should contain fewer than 50 grams of VOCs per liter.
What is considered a low VOC level?
Low: VOC content of 0.3–7.99% Medium: VOC content of 8–24.99% High: VOC content of 25–50% Very high: VOC content of more than 50%
Should you sleep in a room just painted?
While the paint may feel dry 2 to 8 hours after painting, toxic chemicals could be released for up to two weeks. Ensure the room is properly ventilated – windows open, fans on – and avoid sleeping in the room for about two weeks if possible.
What Are Safe VOC Levels?
If you think you may be having health problems, VOC testing services recommend reducing the levels at home. If the symptoms persist, you are recommended to consult your doctor to rule out all other serious health conditions.
How Do I Reduce VOC Levels At Home?
The easiest way is to remove products that give off VOCs. Most VOC containing products give off all the gas in a short period of time while others continue giving off gas for a longer period. A few steps you can take to reduce VOC levels at home include:
Where Do VOCs Come From?
Some of the most common examples of VOC emitting products include paints, varnishes, air fresheners, cosmetics, fuel oil, vehicle exhausts and others.
How to get rid of VOCs in your home?
Removing the number of products in your home that gives off VOCs would be the first step. Only purchase chemicals that you know you need to use and follow directions on product labels. Store these chemicals outside as even unused, packed chemicals can release VOCs into the air.
What are the sources of VOCs?
Some of the most commonly problematic sources include household furnishings that tend to give off VOC gases when they are new. Other possible sources include carpets, paints, plastics and electronic devices.
Do VOCs have a smell?
While some VOCs come with an extremely pungent smell, others have no odor at all. There are nearly thousands of VOCs produced and constantly used in our daily lives, some of the most common examples include: Benzene. Acetone. Formaldehyde.
Is there a health based standard for VOCs?
As the levels of toxicity differ for each VOC, there are no health-based standards for VOCs as a group.
What are VOCs in industrial processes?
In industrial processes, VOCs are generated whenever there is an application of solvents, alcohols and paints. In other words, that is basically in the chemical, petrochemical, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, etc. That means that in our everyday life, we are in continuous contact with several products that contain and emit VOCs.
What are the most common VOCs in the air we breathe?
The most common VOCs present in the air we breathe are: Acetone, Arsine, Benzene, Ethylene glycol, Formaldehyde, Hydrogen sulfide, Methylene chloride, Nitric oxide, Styrene, Te trachloroethylene, Toluene, and Xylene, etc.
What is TVOC in air pollution?
TVOC: a key term in Air Pollution Control. Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC are organic chemicals that become a gas at room temperature and are the main origin of air pollution at ground level. A common term used when measuring and eliminating VOCs is “Total VOC” or TVOC. TVOC means the total concentration of multiple VOCs present simultaneously ...
What is the lowest TVOC concentration?
Low TVOC concentration levels is considered to be less than 0.3 mg/m3. Acceptable levels of TVOC ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 mg/m3 of concentration. From 0.5 mg/m3 of TVOC concentration level onwards the concern is considered to be considerable or high.
Can VOCs cause respiratory problems?
Exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as upper respiratory infections, nausea, allergic reactions and headaches, etc. It can also aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Regarding long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution, it can cause chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, ...
Is TVOC a common data?
Measuring TVOC concentrations is less expensive than measuring the concentrations of many individual VOCs, so TVOC is a common data to be taken into account when it comes to air pollution control and exhaust air treatment.
WHY ARE VOCs IMPORTANT?
VOCs can cause serious health effects in both the short and long term. Health effects vary from minor eye, nose and throat irritations all the way to liver and kidney damage, depending on the level of exposure.
Can cooking cause toxic gases?
Cooking also creates gases that can be toxic. Always use a hood fan or open a window while cooking indoors. And keep the door closed when grilling outdoors.
What are VOCs in the air?
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemical compounds that evaporate under normal indoor conditions. They are emitted from a large number of products, including petroleum fuels, pharmaceuticals, dry cleaning agents and refrigerants. Paint is a leading source of VOC emissions, second only to fossil fuels.
How much VOC is in paint?
The federal government caps the VOC content in paint at 250 grams per liter (g/l) for flat finishes and 380 g/l for other finishes (low-luster, semigloss, etc.). This is better than the amounts found in pre-Clean Air Act paints and coatings, but these levels still come with significant health risks for painters and homeowners.
Why are VOCs in paint?
Why are VOCs in paint at all? They help make paints colorfast and durable and improve coverage. Early low-VOC paints were lacking in these qualities and performed poorly. However, market demand has increased as people recognize the benefits of reducing VOCs; manufacturers have responded by producing quality low- and no-VOC products that dry quickly, cover well and last a long time.
How many g/l is low VOC paint?
Low VOC. Less than 50 g/l. No VOC. Less than 5 g/l. Although there are no federal standards for labeling a paint low or zero-VOC, there are third parties that help identify healthier options by certifying paints that meet their strict VOC regulations.
Why are painters exposed to VOCs?
Exposure to VOCs has been shown to cause both acute and chronic health problems. Professional painters are especially susceptible to these health problems because of their long-term, close-up exposure to VOCs in the products they apply, day in and day out. Levels of VOCs in Paint.
How to avoid toxic off gassing?
The only way to avoid toxic off-gassing is to use no-VOC alternatives and the industry is heading steadily in this direction. No-VOC paints now come in a wide range of colors, are readily available, and can be found at considerably lower prices than in the past.
Is paint a VOC?
Paint is a leading source of VOC emissions, second only to fossil fuels. According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), VOC levels average two to five times higher indoors than outdoors, and researchers believe that is mainly due to the VOCs in paints, which build up over time in enclosed spaces.
What are the symptoms of VOCs?
(Other products emit solvents, including adhesives, cleaning supplies, and even some home furnishings.) VOCs can cause acute symptoms, including headaches and dizziness.
What are VOCs in paint?
You can expect to see more brands touting their virtuous VOC content. VOCs are solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries.
How many grams of VOCs are in paint?
The federal government caps the VOC content in paint at 250 grams per liter (g/l) for flat finishes and 380 g/l for other finishes (low-luster, semigloss, etc.).
Does Mythic have VOCs?
But the makers of Mythic and Freshaire Choice both say that the color pigments used in their finishes contain no VOCs. Mythic and Freshaire Choice use a VOC-free color additive that is supposed to eliminate not only harmful solvents but also the telltale odor of a freshly painted room, according to their manufacturers.
What are the most common VOCs?
One of the most common VOCs is formaldehyde, an organic compound that occurs naturally in everything around us, including our own bodies. However, when fabricated into the chemical compound used in synthetic materials such as glues, sealants, paint, coatings, and plastics, it can become one of the most toxic VOCs in the home.
How to keep VOC levels low?
Start by turning off computers, printers, cell phones, and other electronics when not in use, as they can off-gas. Whenever possible, open windows and circulate fresh air and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to help pull pollutants out of the air. Using a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 45% can also help limit emissions, as off-gassing occurs at a higher rate when humidity is high.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds that exhibit high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature . This allows them to emit chemical particles into the air through vapors or gases, in what is also referred to as “off-gassing.” While we might expect garage-stored items like turpentine and varnishes to create off-gassing, the real surprise comes from the items inside the home that also release significant levels VOCs into the air. Anything comprised of synthetics or treated with coatings, glue, adhesives, sealants, and finishes (such as countertops, furniture, electronic devices, paint, mattresses, carpeting, etc.) can be big contributors to off-gassing. Even smaller items like household cleaners play a part.
Can mattresses release VOCs?
Studies have revealed that mattresses made with petroleum-based chemicals, toxic foams, synthetic fabrics, fire retardant barriers or chemicals can release VOCs, especially when their temperature is elevated through body heat. Expensive as this can be, consider switching out children’s mattresses at the very least for brands that advertise as organic and VOC-free.
Can VOCs cause cancer?
Depending on the levels, VOCs can cause everything from eye, nose and throat irritation, to nausea and even more serious illnesses and cancer. As mentioned in part 1 of this series, off-gassing also affects the environment outside the home by adding to a ground-level ozone.
How are VOCs dangerous?
VOCs are emitted into the air as soon as the product cans are opened, when each coat is applied by brush, and again when the stains are drying. The noxious fumes are harmful to the respiratory system, and can mix with other pollutants in the air and contribute to smog. VOCs may even eventually combine with nitrogen oxide and sunlight to form what’s known as ground level or “bad ozone,” which has been shown to cause a variety of health and environmental problems. Oil-based conventional stains that contain higher levels of VOCs are also poisonous to the skin and must be removed from brushes with paint stripper or other chemical agents. You’ve heard how important it is to apply wood stain in well-ventilated areas, right? Or even use a mask when staining? Now you know why.
Why VOCs at all?
The addition of VOCs is usually necessary in such products to bind the resins and water to each other to form a cohesive paste, and to allow the product to stick to its intended surface . In most cases, some amount of these compounds is unavoidable. But lately, a few companies have stepped up to create low-VOC options, investing research dollars in developing safer alternatives.
What are VOCs in wood stain?
More specifically, there’s a lot of talk these days about VOCs (volatile organic compounds ), a mixture present in a lot of wood stain brands. Before you begin your next stain, take time to better understand what exactly VOCs are, the potential risks and how you can avoid them.
What are the regulations for VOCs?
As such, there are strict regulations for product packaging, warning labels and correct use. Stain manufacturers must also follow strict rules for concentration of VOCs in consumer products.
Is PureColor a low VOC stain?
The good news is, there are low-VOC wood stains that are water-based and engineered to deliver vivid results while significantly lessening the toxicity. PureColor is one of the low-VOC pioneers in the wood stain market. We developed a proprietary Clean Chemistry™ formula that’s created with user safety and the environment in mind and used in all of our stain products. Our water-based wood stains have less than 250 grams per liter of volatile organic compounds,** significantly lower than typical the 550 g/L content of many other commercial stain brands.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature (around 72 degrees). The high vapor pressure is a direct result of the solvents’ low boiling points. Their speedy transition from liquid to vapor gives VOCs their “volatile” nature. What you smell in the air after you open the solvent canister are VOCs that have already evaporated. Common examples of VOCs include: benzene, formaldehyde, and ethylene glycol, to name just a few.
What are the symptoms of VOC exposure?
Acute, short-term exposure is known to produce symptoms that dissipate within a few hours or a few days, including: headaches, dizziness, and respiratory distress.
What is a low VOC solvent?
In general, the term “low VOC” describes a solvent whose VOC content is at or below 150 g/L.
What does it mean when you smell cleaning solvent?
If you open a canister of traditional cleaning solvent, you might notice a strong, earthy, chemical smell that emanates from the solvent within. The aroma may even make make you wince, feel as if you had a bad sinus infection, and make it harder to breathe for a few hours.
Can VOCs evaporate?
Many VO Cs evaporate so quickly that it’s impossible for those who work with the compounds not to inhale them, unless they are outfitted with Level 3 personal protective equipment (PPE) that features a respirator that removes airborne contaminants. Just how easily can VOCs vaporize? Consider formaldehyde, which has an exceptionally low boiling point of –19 °C (–2 °F). Open a canister of this VOC, and its vapor will fill the profusely in a matter of minutes.
Is it safe to use solvents with low VOCs?
A solvent that has low VOC content usually isn’t as safe as one that has no VOCs. Low VOC content can cause negative health effects — both acute and chronic — due to overexposure to the solvent that contains the hazardous compounds.
