Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Refers to hazardous vapours which evaporate readily from commonly used materials and sources such as vehicle exhausts, paints and solvents, glues and binders, surface finishes, cleaning agents, furniture polish and fabric softeners. These include the solvents used in paints and coatings, as well as thinners and brush cleaners.

In the presence of sunlight, some VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides to create ground level ozone and photochemical smog. Other VOCs ‘outgas’ or produce hazardous vapours particularly when new (such as newly painted surfaces, furniture or carpets). These in turn can contribute to pollution of the atmosphere as well as indoor air pollution (resulting in illnesses such as sick building syndrome, irritations and allergic reactions).