Chemistry 101 VOC = Volatile Organic Compound
Volatile (adj) – easily evaporated at normal temperatures
Organic (adj) – relating to or derived from living matter
Compound (noun) – a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements, a mixture
Individually, none of these sounds dangerous because they aren’t. Put them together to form VOCs and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and a host of other regulatory organizations might be getting involved.
Most odors and scents are the result of VOC’s.
For instance, the smell of freshly-cut grass is a type of natural VOC that occurs when plants suffer tissue damage. That ‘new-car smell’ and the crisp, clean scent of freshly washed laundry are other examples of common VOCs that are harmless in small doses.
Before proceeding, we need to point out that volatile is also defined as: liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse. And this is where the problem with VOCs lie.
Many VOC’s are dangerous to human beings and can harm the environment.
These VOCs are regulated by law. Materials containing harmful VOC’s are especially concerning when used indoors because the VOCs often concentrate in the air. Breathing them in won’t necessarily make you sick immediately, but they can have compounding long-term health effects. Symptoms of exposure to harmful VOCs range from eye, nose and throat irritation, to headaches and dizziness, to loss of coordination. Long-term exposure can cause kidney, liver and central nervous system damage. Some volatile organic compounds have been known to cause cancer in mice, and they are suspected of causing cancer in humans as well.
V-8 Floors are VOC Free
While many types of flooring contain VOCs, with V-8 High Performance Floors, you never need to worry about air quality. V-8 is proud to provide quality, VOC-free flooring solutions for every situation. Whether you’re a flooring contractor, a flooring installer, or a business owner in search of a VOC-free flooring option, you can depend on V-8 Floors to pass the test.
