Originally house paints used lead as a binder in the actual paint formulation. Well, we now know that lead is poisonous and of course lead was removed from house paint. However as technology evolved different substances were used in place of lead and with the introduction of water based paints more chemicals and substances were used as binders in these new paints.
Now we have come to realise that some of these chemicals are not good for our health and so regulations have been introduced to limit the use of these chemicals and also bring to our attention the side effects that these chemicals may have on our health. To find out more speak to your local painting contractors
In a comprehensible scale first glance, the consumer now knows the VOC for easy and environmentally friendly choice to decorate the walls in a healthier way!
WHAT IS VOC?
Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are volatile hydrocarbons which gives them the ability to spread more or less far from their place of issue.
The term “organic” refers to the presence of carbon, coupled with hydrogen but also other elements such as oxygen, sulphur, halogenated compounds…
They are considered greenhouse gas emissions because they contribute to photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, leading to increased ozone concentration, responsible in particular for increasing the temperature of the planet.
They also have a direct impact on human health and the environment and can have harmful effects on animals, plants, pollution of waterways.
They are known for their presence in the paintings where they are produced by solvent evaporation. All activities related to oil (including refining and processing) also emit VOCs. However, the VOCs can be natural, through some plants.
DANGERS
All VOCs have direct or indirect effects on health and the environment.
However, these effects are very different from one product to another as a function of exposure time.
Always refer to packaging and labels and always strictly follow the precautions.
The direct effects of volatile organic compounds are often difficult to determine with certainty because they depend heavily on removals and exposure times, as well as long and complex chemical reactions.
However, we generally associate exposure to vapours of benzene to leukaemia.
Ethers of short chain glycol are toxic to the bone marrow and other VOCs have direct effects on the human body (heart, liver, nerves …).
The problem of the most polluting paints is that these VOCs are found then released indoors during drying.
This is why we must paint in a well-ventilated area and follow the precautions of paint or varnish
Information on the potential hazards of products containing solvents are given in the form “X = r” or “s = X”.
Good to know: On the site of ADEME (www.ademe.fr) are shown connections between a number and a risk.
Indirect effects
VOCs are considered greenhouse gas emissions; they participate in chemical reactions including causing the increase in the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere.
It has been shown that the harmful influence of pollution on diseases such as asthma which mainly affects young children and older people, the most vulnerable individuals.
Man is not the only one affected by greenhouse gas emissions.
Besides global warming, i.e. the increase in global average temperature of the planet, VOCs can also contribute to water pollution, either by a direct air contact, either by being absorbed by clays and silts in through which the water will run off.
All species of animals and plants are affected by pollutants such as ozone.
The potential effects are very different from one product to another and according to the duration of exposure.
Read the labels and risk factors, and follow with the greatest vigilance the precautions of a product.
If they are not the most responsible of VOCs in the atmosphere, solvents in paints are among the best known public sources.