“Volatile organic compound” or VOC is the name given to a substance that contains carbon and that evaporates (becomes a vapor) or “off-gases” at room temperature. VOCs include benzene, methylene chloride, hexane, toluene, trichloroethane, styrene, heptane, and perchloroethylene.
This description is applicable to 3 filters on ChemFreeCom – Zero VOC / Low VOC and Semi VOC
Products that you use in your home and office every day emit gases that can harm your health, both right away and after extended exposure. New materials, such as those used in new homes and cars, tend to outgas more VOCs than older materials, and may decrease in VOCs as time goes by.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, concentrations of VOCs are consistently up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. Other studies have found that certain organic compounds average levels two to five times higher in indoor air than outdoor air.
The term “non-toxic” is used with VOC in its broadest sense. With paints and finishes, it’s more a matter of degree. Even Zero-VOC formulations contain some small amounts of toxins. Here are typically three general categories referred to when researching VOC information. You may find different naming conventions for these categories e.g. Natural Paints/ Zero VOC/Low VOC ……… VOC Free/Low VOC/ Semi VOC ……… Very VOC/Semi VOC/Microbial VOC etc.
