What is VOCs?
Curious C: Hey, what is “VOCs”?
Designer: “VOCs” stands for “Volatile Organic Compounds.”
Curious C: What does that even mean?
Designer: That means that kind of compound is quickly evaporated at average temperatures.
Curious C: Where can we find VOCs in our daily life?
Designer: There are five familiar sources of “Volatile Organic Compounds.” Such as:
number one- paint, caulks, adhesives.
number two- aerosol sprays or cleaners.
number three- pesticide
number four- vinyl flooring furnishing or foam.
number five- tobacco smoke.
Curious C: oh, I did not know VOCs were around me.
Designer: You can also find how much VOCs contains in the paint on the manufacturer’s label.
Curious C: Is there any portable air cleaner that can effectively remove VOCs?
Designer: Yes! Choose a portable air cleaner with an activated carbon filter or other absorbent filter designed to remove gases.
These active carbon filters come in a different forms. They could look like this, the ones for the HVAC system. Or look like that, the ones for portable air cleaners.
Curious C: Are there regulations I need to know about VOCs? So that I can ensure I have better indoor air quality.
Designer: mm… this might be boring, but here is a list of governing authorities:
- National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural Coatings.
- South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113, also known as SCAQMD
- Emission standards published by EPA. “1168 Limits the VOC content of adhesives and sealant.”
- ASTM D5116, Standard Guide for Small-scale Environmental Chamber Determinations of Organic Emissions from Indoor Material/Products
- ASTM D6670, Standard Practice for Full-scale chamber determination of Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Material Products.
Curious C: Thanks! I am curious no more.
