Today protecting the environment and human health has transformed from the desired policy objectives into part of our everyday life. One of the possible ways to improve air quality and reduce damage to th...
Beware of the VOCs
Attention! VOC paint contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOC concentration calculated as gr per liter is indicated on the label of each paint product.
VOCs are harmful chemicals, carbon-containing substances, that are released by paint at the drying process into the air. When a paint is used indoors, VOCs can be inhaled.
Extra attention should be paid to the VOC information on the paint packaging or in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Technical Data Sheet (TDS). Depending on the VOC concentration, indoor paint products can be classified into the following categories:
-
< 1 gr/l
Zero VOC paint -
< 10 gr/l
Low VOC Paint -
< 50 gr/l
EU allowed VOC paint -
> 50 gr/l
High VOC pain
Allowed limits of the VOC according to the EU green public procurement criteria
Maximum VOC limits have been set for each type of paint products and it is not allowed to exceed them. If different standards are considered, the limits may change.
- 10 gr/lInterior matt walls and ceilings (Gloss <25@60°)
- 15 gr/lPrimers and binding primers
- 25 gr/lExterior walls of mineral substrate
- 40 gr/lInterior matt walls and ceilings (Gloss <25@60°)
- 50 gr/lInterior and Exterior minimal build woodstains
- 65 gr/lInterior trim varnishes and woodstains, including opaque woodstains
- 75 gr/lExterior trim varnishes and woodstains, including opaque woodstains
- 80 gr/lDecorative effect coatingsInterior/Exterior trim and cladding paints for wood and metalOne-pack performance coatingsTwo-pack reactive performance coatings for specific end use such as floors
VOCs include a variety of chemicals that can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and skin problems. Higher concentrations may cause irritation of the lungs, as well as damage to the liver, kidney, or central nervous system.
Related articles
Following the introduction of the general term of VOCs this article explores an organic compound called formaldehyde. Although being recognized as carcinogenic, it is widely used as a building block for c...
Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are recognised for their negative impact on human health and the environment but less often mentioned in the context of their benefits for the paint product quality and ...
