Why it is important to reduce VOC emissions

We’re very proud that a number of our products are VOC exempt and VOC compliant, but we do realize that not everybody will understand what that means, or why we’re so keen to ensure they meet and exceed these standards for VOC emissions.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) can be dangerous to health, so it’s important to understand what they are. They are organic chemicals that have a low boiling point, which means that they give out a high concentration of vapour pressure even at normal room temperature. Whilst this means that scents made of VOCs are strong and long lasting, it also means your body is potentially taking in large concentrations of whatever VOCs are present in the air. Anthropogenic VOCs (that is, VOCs made by humans) are regulated to ensure concentration levels are kept within safe levels. At Vectair, we believe that the best course of action is to remain VOC free.

Common VOCs

VOCs can be found wherever you go; they are emitted from burning wood, natural gas or coal & they are around us on the roads through burning diesel. Certain paints, glues and other solvents contain VOC emissions, as do household items such as some aerosol sprays, wood preservatives and paint thinners. If you’ve ever experienced a fume headache from paint or glue then the VOCs emitted are possibly to blame, as the concentration of vapour pressure is high; this is why it is always advised to paint outdoors if possible, or at least with good ventilation!

Potential Risks to Health

Health effects vary depending on the compound and the length of exposure, but common symptoms of extended periods of VOC exposure are:

• Headaches (sometimes leading to loss of coordination)
• Nausea/sickness
• Runny/itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Whilst we are all exposed to VOC emissions as part of our everyday lives, it is important to reduce this where we can.

Reducing VOC Exposure

• Something as simple as opening a window can instantly reduce the concentration of VOCs in your area; increasing ventilation and fresh air goes a long way to keeping your home or office low VOC.
• Try to keep the temperature as low as is comfortable, as VOCs become more concentrated the hotter the room.
• Look to buy VOC exempt or low VOC products as a replacement for high VOC products; you’ll typically know their VOC status as it is used as a selling point – in the same way we label ourselves “VOC Exempt”, other’s may write this or “Low VOC” on packaging, as well as give the product a related name (for example: Crown Breatheasy Paint, which is 99% solvent free).
• If you are using a chemical product that is giving you side effects, take a break; step away, open a window/door – go outside, take a drink of water. Don’t keep working with something that is having an adverse effect without breaks, and report it to your supervisor where possible.

VOC Exempt

• Products, such as our Vectair V-Air® SOLID, VIBE®, Vectair V-Air® SOLID Plus, VIBE® Plus & our other non-aerosol aircare solutions are categorized as ‘VOC exempt’.
• While there are some extremely low levels of VOCs contained in these product(s), the VOCs are below the classification under CARB & EPA criteria, thus considered to be VOC exempt.
• These make the products safer to use ultimately, as they are using what are considered to be much safer compounds than alternative ingredients.
• Lack of VOC exempt/low VOC products is one of the biggest issues out there both for the manufacturer and the consumer/user. Letting an employer or employees know about issues regarding VOCs and the alternative aircare solutions that exist, such as our passive and non-aerosol systems will help to reduce VOCs in the long run.