According to the EPA indoor air is considered to be one of the top five hazards to human health.
Studies found that levels of several Volatile Organic Compounds average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which have adverse health effects. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products including: paints, lacquers, cleaning supplies, paint strippers, correction fluids, carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials, glues and adhesives, permanent markers, photographic solutions, pesticides, building materials and furnishings and office equipment such as copiers and printers
During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times higher than outdoor levels. Among the leading causes are paints and finishes.
And it’s not just immediately after these activities that VOC’s are a problem. Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after the initial application.
Soon after exposure to various organics some people have experienced immediate symptoms such as eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. Other symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation; loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.
Until recently, these compounds were essential to the performance of the paint. However, new environmental regulations, along with consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Now most paint manufacturers produce one or more non-VOC paints. These new paints are less harmful to human and environmental health as well as being durable and cost-effective.
Low VOC stains, paints and varnishes use water as a carrier instead of traditional petroleum-based solvents. This causes the levels of harmful emissions to be lower. Certified coatings also contain no, or very low levels, of formaldehyde and/or heavy metals. Among different “low-VOC” products the amount of VOC’s varies, and is listed on the paint can or MSDS.
To meet EPA standards, paints and stains must not contain VOCs in excess of 200 grams/litre. Varnishes must contain no more than 300 grams of VOCs per liter. As a general rule, Low-VOC paints that are marketed by reputable paint manufacturers usually meet the 50 grams/litre VOC threshold. Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11) mark are certified to be lower than 50 grams/litre.
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