VOC’s are actually a class of carbon based chemicals that have the capacity to rapidly evaporate. Once airborne, many VOC’s have ability to combine with each other, or with other molecules in the air to create new chemical compounds. Some are of natural origin and are relatively benign. For example, a freshly cut orange releases VOC’s.
Usually, however, when the term VOC is used in derived from manufactured products, such as the common solvents toluene, xylene and lacquer thinner. Most paint contains chemicals and compounds whose chemical concoction releases VOC during the application and drying process, excluding water.
VOC’s are measured in grams per liter. In USA, the VOC content of all paint is regulated at the Federal level of 250 grams/liter now and 100grams/liter after Jan 01, 2011. Over several years from 1975 to 2009 the levels of VOC have been regulated downward with a mount from 750 to 560 – 450 – 300 – 100 – 50 and in 2008/2009 many paint makers put a lot of effort to produce the Zero VOC paint line.
WHY IS VOC HARMFUL TO HEALTH ?
“People often assume and think that automotive vehicles and manufacturing processes should be the main cause for environmental pollution. But, the key pollutions are from houses and high - rise buildings” - This is the conclusion of a study from a journal of the Association of Home Entertainment Interior America (ASID - American Society of Interior Design). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 9% of the emission of pollutants is from the VOC in paints. All paints have four major components: Pigment, Binder, Liquid and Additives. Liquid and Additives contain normal harmful chemicals and compounds that release VOC to the air we breathe.
Alarmingly, some studies have linked the high VOC chemicals found in paint to be harmful to unborn babies, key signs or symptoms associated with even short-term exposure to VOC include irritations, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction. The American Lung Association reports that VOC can produce a number of physical problems such as: eye and skin irritation, lung and breathing problems, headaches, nausea, muscle weakness and liver and kidney damages. As public concerns and focus about health and safety in regards to paints and environmental impact grow, the trend toward “green building” has taken on new significance.
In Vietnam, we have learned that there are paints which are used to paint homes, offices and apartments, contain toxic chemicals and compounds and very high VOC such as oil-based paints, low technology solvent-based Polyurethane (PU) and Nitro Cellulose (NC) coatings. Most paint manufacturers including the very popular brands in Vietnam continue to produce oil-based and conventional paints that are harmful to the environment.
Studies have found that levels of VOC average 1 to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. During the paint application and even several hours after, VOC levels may be 1,000 times more than the outdoor levels. This is a good and important thing to keep in mind when we make decisions in what kinds of paints to buy because in addition to beauty, health and safety are becoming top concerns for people today. This is even more meaningful and important to the elderly, children and pregnant women.
