Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): what they are and why you should care about them

What are VOCs?

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that are easily released into the air even at room temperature. Unlike visible pollutants, they are not visible, making them a much greater risk to our health.

VOCs are usually associated with chemical odors, but it is worth noting that some VOCs have no odor and conversely, some odors have no negative health effects. Some common examples of VOCs you may have heard of are:

Formaldehyde
Benzene
Toluene
Acetone
Hexane

These hazardous substances are released spontaneously from many common sources around us, including:

Furniture and textiles
Building materials such as insulation, carpets, linoleum and wood composites
Office equipment such as copiers, printers and fax machines
Cleaning products

Why you should pay attention to indoor air quality

A number of studies some time ago have reliably demonstrated a direct link between indoor air quality - specifically reduced VOC emissions - and improved cognitive performance.

For example, a study conducted at Syracuse University involved 24 volunteers, including architects, designers, programmers, engineers, creative professionals and managers, who were put to work in laboratory conditions by the study's authors in three environments simulating conditions in conventional, "green" and "green" buildings with improved ventilation. The researchers then measured cognitive function in nine functional areas, such as the ability to perform basic tasks; respond to crisis situations; find and use information; or think strategically.

The results of the study showed that participants' scores in some areas were up to 299% higher in the environment with the cleanest indoor air compared to scores in conventional conditions.

What are the implications for your workplace? Simply put - indoor air pollution costs your company money. The main reasons are as follows:

Exposure to harmful VOCs in an office environment significantly reduces performance and productivity.
Higher concentrations of VOCs are associated with increased employee complaints of sick building syndrome.
Health problems caused by VOCs can lead to increased absenteeism, which can cost companies as much annually as it costs to operate an entire building.

Indoor air quality has been shown to have a direct impact on the health of employees and therefore also on a company's financial performance. So investing in improving air quality can pay off twice.

How to effectively defend against VOCs and how to choose suitable materials

As volatile substances can be released from almost all materials, it is important to pay crucial attention not only to the quality of the air conditioning system, but also to the choice of the future interior furnishings, from building components, office equipment, furnishings to surfaces and floors. The quality of the latter can have a major impact, as it ultimately makes up the largest area of the interior.

Every manufacturer or supplier should provide the architect or designer with all the information on the composition of their products so that they can responsibly assess their potential health risks. The quickest and most reliable guide in this case is international certification.

Certifications that focus on minimising VOC emissions and indoor safety can be illustrated with the example of the Artigo brand. Its rubber floors are featured in large public buildings such as hospitals, airports, libraries, museums and schools, so its products are given great importance and must meet strict quality and sustainability standards.

Cradle to cradle

A globally recognised certification for safer and more sustainable products designed for the circular economy. Its guiding principles relate to environmental and social impacts in five key sustainability categories: materials health; materials reuse; renewable energy and carbon footprint; water stewardship; and social equity. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is preferred by many sustainability organizations and standards, including BREEAM and LEED.

Blauer Engel

Identifies the best products from an ecological and environmental point of view; ensures the non-toxicity of the final product and its components and ensures very low VOC emissions in buildings.

Greenguard Gold

It provides assurance that products designed for indoor use (and thus ensuring good indoor air quality) meet strict chemical emission limits that contribute to a healthier environment. Ensures that the product has met some of the world's most stringent and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. The Greenguard Gold standard includes health criteria for other chemicals and also requires lower overall VOC emission levels to ensure products are suitable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities.

M1

The lowest emission class of the Finnish voluntary emission classification system, which requires VOC and formaldehyde testing in an emission chamber for 28 days. It also includes odour testing, which distinguishes the M1 designation from any other low-VOC specification in the world.

Indoor air comfort

Ensures compliance of the product's emissions with the criteria of all legislation issued by the authorities of the European Union and its Member States, as well as with most voluntary labels relating to VOC emissions from products. This makes Indoor Air Comfort GOLD the most conclusive confirmation of low emissions in all of Europe. Indoor Air Comfort GOLD involves more than just testing: this program takes into account the internal quality system in the production, including its regular audits, multiple testing and certification - all of which together provide a very high level of confidence in the very low VOC emissions declaration.

Compliance with the legal standard

Some countries prescribe and measure VOC emission levels by law, i.e. in a simple and direct way. The best possible rating is the A+ level, which is also available for Artigo products, for example.

GECA

The Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) eco-label is recognised globally as a robust and credible form of environmental certification because it incorporates multiple criteria and considers the entire life cycle. The product and company are independently assessed, and both must meet a wide range of criteria relating to the environment, human health and social impacts.

GBC ITALIA

Green Building Council Italy is a non-profit organization that is part of the international GBC network operating in many other countries; it is a member of the World GBC and a partner of the USGBC. These associations share the goals of promoting and accelerating the emergence of a sustainability-focused building culture, raising public awareness and institutional standards regarding the impact that building design and construction methods have on the quality of life of citizens, providing clear parameters for the industry, and encouraging comparisons between sectors by creating a sustainable building community.

Need advice?

Choosing low-VOC materials and products that meet strict international standards helps create healthier, safer and more productive spaces for everyone. We're happy to help you navigate the wide range and select the most suitable materials for your project.

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