An introduction to VOCs: what are they and why are they important?

Many paint manufacturers talk about having low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in their products, but have you ever wondered what VOCs are and why they’re important? Read on, as we cover everything you need to know…

What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals included within certain products that have a high vapour pressure, meaning they easily evaporate at room temperature. They can be found in many everyday products, such as cleaning supplies, building materials and even paint. Within paint, VOCs serve the purpose of aiding the application and drying process, ensuring the paint functions as intended. 

Why should you avoid them?

It is these same VOCs that can cause the lingering odour experienced after paint application. Whilst some people with asthma may find these fumes a source of irritation, VOCs aren’t known to cause any health problems in small doses. However, consistent exposure can have negative effects on your health and the environment. Fortunately, modern paints have controls in place to monitor and limit their VOC levels, protecting the user from harm.

Despite this, when you’re painting a new space – whether that’s in someone’s home, a school, care home or office - you ideally want to limit the presence of these compounds as much as possible, ensuring that the end user’s health is being prioritised. 

While opening a window or finding some other source of ventilation to keep the air moving definitely helps, it’s recommended to look for paint products that have lower VOC levels – like many water-based products. 

By their very nature, water-based paints have lower VOCs, with the additives found in many solvent or oil-based paints not required in water-based solutions. So, how can you tell what product is best for you to use? 

Telling the difference!

A simple labelling system helps painters and decorators to identify the level of VOCs in the paint they buy. Every can will display one of five globe classifications. These range from ‘Very High’ (more than 50% VOC content) to ‘Minimal’ or ‘Trace’ (0% - 0.29%), between these ratings are ‘High’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Low’. Reviewing these ratings and selecting a product with a ‘Low’ or ‘Minimal’ rating can help to ensure you’re minimising VOC levels as much as possible.

Our Tough Matt paint range has recently received the Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification, recognising its trace VOC levels and the positive impact on indoor air quality. Tested in accordance with EN 16516, products that achieve the Gold award have fulfilled the low product emissions requirements – satisfying the lowest limit values in its class. This displays its ability to protect end user well-being, whether in a home, school or healthcare building. 

All of our interior products are water-based, meaning they contain lower levels of VOCs when compared to other suppliers on the market, helping you to contribute to cleaner indoor environments. 

Find out more about Tough Matt, here.