What is zero voc?
The term zero voc is short for zero volatile organic compounds and refers mainly to certain types of building materials. Most often it is used to refer to colors, paints and other solvents, as they are considered to be among the largest sources of internal volatile organic compounds. The use of the word zero does not mean the complete absence of such compounds, but rather a level per liter that meets the government's minimum standards.
volatile organic compounds can also occur naturally from synthetic materials. Most regulations of setting of zero VOC standards relate to synthetic materials. In the United States, the color product can be referred to as zero voc if it has a number of volatile organic compounds per 5 grams per liter of color. Adding a color pigment to zero voc color can increase the amount of volatile organic compounds up to 10 grams per liter. Zero VOC color may also contain other potentially harmful compounds; However, even at the levels of 10 grams per liter is PovaLiving for a much safer alternative to non -zero voc colors.
The wide range of commercially available colors is marked as a zero VOC. Flat latex, semi -fleed colors, acrylic and enamel colors are some of the varieties included in the types of colors. Interior and outer colors can be zero voc.
Interest in reducing volatile organic compounds grew with concern about air quality, especially the quality of internal air. The solvents in color that are essential for color pigment to adhere to the painted surface are the main source of volatile organic compounds. For the development of zero VOC colors, manufacturers have moved to water -based solvent, unlike solvents based on acetones, ethyles and glycol etherers.
It is important to monitor VOC levels, because being exposed to compounds can contribute to a number of unfavorable health conditions. Immain problems can turnrhost eye and neck irritation, headache or nausea. Volatile organic compounds can also bring an attack in patients with asthma. There may be more serious consequences if the individual is exposed to compounds for a longer period of time; These include kidney disease, liver disease and cancer.
There are alternatives to zero VOC colors that include low VOC colors and low odor. For colors with low VOC is permissible volatile organic compound per liter of color higher than zero VOC, at 250 grams per liter and 380 grams per liter for latex and oil paints. It is the presence of compounds that cause the unpleasant color of odor drying can sometimes emit.
The US Environmental Protection Agency points out that many products in addition to colors can also emit volatile organic compounds. These other sources include a number of office machines such as printers and copiers; some furniture; Everyday items such as Markers and adhesive; and pesticides. Decrease afterI read VOC emitting materials and maintaining well -ventilated internal surfaces are two actions of the recommended EPA.