You Can Cut VOCs Just Do the
Math
Focus on reducing risks and make safe, healthy buildings a reality.
By Galen Haar
Few facilities managers truly understand the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
play in indoor air quality (IAQ). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a
VOC as any compound of carbon which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions or
the formation of smog.
VOCs also contribute to the reaction that generates ground level ozone, a
component of smog which it is particularly irritating to the human respiratory system when
it exists near the Earth's surface.
Smog is formed during a reaction driven by sunlight, VOCs, air and oxides of nitrogen
(NOx). Since sunlight, air and Nox compounds are readily available in nature, the only
part of the smog "soup" we can control is the VOCs. By doing so successfully, we
create improved outside air quality.
Since many VOCs generated inside buildings will eventually escape to the outside and
help fuel the smog engine, we try to limit their existence. However, as facility
maintenance professionals, we must also recognize a more immediate concern the impact of
VOCs on the health of building occupants. Known effects of VOCs on humans include
irritation to eyes, nose and throat; headaches, loss of coordination and nausea; damage to
the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Experience and medical case studies demonstrate that many individuals are sensitive to
even low levels of VOCs, which makes it prudent for building maintenance professionals to
take all possible steps to limit VOC releases from common sources such as cleaning
supplies, chemicals, paints, caulks, adhesives and pest control products.
Cutting VOCs
It is relatively easy to limit VOC sources by changing to environmentally preferable
products, or those which have reduced impacts on human health and the environment when
compared to other products made to perform the same task. Learn how to make sound
decisions about products and procedures which will help ensure a safe, healthy, desirable
indoor environment.
For example, if a product is advertised as emitting "low" or "no"
VOCs, does this mean it's also environmentally preferable and should be chosen above other
products which have greater VOC emissions? Several factors will influence this decision.
Chemical manufacturers typically measure total VOC emission potential based on the
total content of any components which meet the definition of a VOC in a product. In other
words, if 25 percent of the components of a given product are VOCs, then the product is
assumed to yield 25 percent by weight VOC emissions upon use. While this may be true if
the product is sprayed into the air or poured onto a surface, it is not so if the product
is poured onto a rag, used to wipe a surface, then the rag is discarded a reduced volume
of VOCs will be emitted, demonstrating how modified procedures can significantly impact
IAQ.
Do the Math
Next, if you could replace a 100 percent VOC product with one containing only 25
percent VOCs but, upon testing, you discover that the task at hand requires 10 times as
much of the low-VOC product, what is the actual impact of making the switch? Do the math
it reveals that we would increase total VOC emissions significantly by changing to the
low-VOC product.
In this case, it would be wiser to continue using the 100 percent VOC product, take the
necessary precautions (such as increased ventilation during use) and search further for an
acceptable replacement.
One additional consideration should be the total risk a product presents to human
health and the environment. Imagine a product that performs well, has a very low VOC
content and will be used in a manner which minimizes the release of VOCs into the air.
However, it contains ingredients which are extremely corrosive to human tissues, some
suspected carcinogens and a toxic heavy metal.
Should we use it? If an alternative exists which has a slightly higher VOC content but
doesn't include the other hazardous ingredients, the answer is probably no.
Use sound, logical judgment to evaluate all the hazards of products to meet the goal of
providing the best possible indoor environmental quality for our buildings' occupants.
Galen Haar has worked as a sales and marketing professional in the specialty chemical
industry since 1982. He is an indoor environmental specialist with Rochester Midland Corp.
in Rochester, NY.
