What is VOC?

VOC stands for “Volatile Organic Compound” and since there are more than one such compound, it is usually termed “VOCs” – Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs are basically vapour emissions that occur organically through the sublimation of chemicals when they evaporate into the air and the surrounding environment.

Apart from being present in the solvents of commercial paints, VOCs are also essentially present in the formulation of industrial coatings and sealants such as turpentine, epoxies, stains, varnishes, lacquers, solvents, caulks and even inks. As these paints require the solvent to evaporate fast for adhesion of the resins that help bind the protective coating to the substrate, they need volatility in their properties for quick-drying purpose. The same goes for commercial paints or primers manufactured for aesthetical finishes; as the paint dries up, the diluent or solvent dissipates into the air, leaving behind only the pigmented layer fixed on the surface. The presence of solvent in paints is necessary because it helps keep the paint components in liquid form so that the viscosity is maintained and helps make the application smooth.

Whether you like it or not, Volatile Organic Compounds are closely interwoven with our daily lifestyle. VOCs can be found in some of our household products such as cleaning agents, disinfectants, repellents and insecticides. They are also present in office supplies such as ink cartridges, white board markers and correction fluids, etc. as well as in automobile products like aerosol sprays and car petrol or fuel.

How does VOC affect health?

What are the health effects from inhalation of VOCs?

During the evanescing process, most VOCs emit smells of various concentration; although not considered toxic or poisonous in general, VOCs can have adverse health effects on those who inhaled them over a consistently long period of time. Although VOCs can be acutely reeking when the gases are initially released especially in an indoor environment, the level of concentration will slowly subside as the pollutants dissolve in the air moisture. The VOCs indoor intensity is known to be of up to five times more than outdoors. Increased ventilation in this case will help dissipate the molecules faster.

Painting contractors who carry out regular painting jobs for buildings, vessels or households are susceptible to the harmful effects VOCs can bring. The constant long term exposure to voc-emissive paint supplies and excessive inhalation of the chemical vapour can possibly lead to health hazards such as asthma, bronchial inflammation, and even lung cancer. Short term exposure to VOCs, on the other hand, has proven to have caused irritation to the nose, throat and eyes, headaches, dizziness, nauseousness, etc.

Volatile organic compounds can also trigger allergies like asthma and sinusitis, and skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and hives. For those suffering from these and similar nasal and chest ailments as well as skin disorders, it is best to avoid such exposure from any product or environment that contains allergens.