Volatile Organic Compounds
WHAT ARE Volatile Organic Compounds? (VOCs)
The war against VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals usually made up of a combination of gases emitted into the air, discharged from everyday products or processes that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. This means that they typically evaporate rapidly into the surrounding air and are inhaled into the lungs.
The surprisingly little-known fact is that concentrations of VOCs are significantly higher indoors than outdoors. In fact, research shows that measured levels of organic pollutants are almost five times higher in indoor spaces than outdoors.
Why are VOCs bad? On top of impacting the environment negatively, the presence of VOCs can cause adverse health effects to our eyes, throat, nose, trigger nausea, headaches or migraines, and even persistent skin problems. Prolonged exposure to larger amounts of VOCs in an indoor space may cause the following: Chronic fatigue Loss of concentration Visual disorders / Conjunctival irritation Damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs Impairment to the central nervous system Autoimmune disorder Cancer
The case on reducing VOCs It is important to maintain low levels of toxins, harmful gasses and chemical levels in the air because apart from increasing productivity levels, better quality indoor air is essential for comfort, health and the wellbeing of its occupants. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) are a big part of this and that explains the surge in researching its reduction and effects in the recent years.
Where are they from? They come from an array of everyday items including cosmetics, paints, varnishes, cleaning products, fragrances, candles, children’s toys, hobby products, and even cooking. When you have an enclosed space like a home or office, these emitted gases accumulate and pollute our fresh air.
