The problem with VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations and product labeling requirements as applied to the building industry, is that the measuring system for VOC levels was not formulated to measure toxicity. VOC regulations were developed by the EPA in an attempt to mitigate further damage to a deteriorating Ozone layer. Thus, the numerical expression of VOC content on product labels is not a linear expression of the level of toxicity. And it is after all, levels of toxicity that most concern us when it comes to our desire for healthy living spaces.
The truth is: some of these compounds are very toxic, known to cause cancer, respiratory ailments, damage to the nervous system, and other serious health problems; while some of them, such as alcohol, are relatively low in toxicity. The two rather broad groupings of the VOC known to be very toxic, posing significant health risks, are Ketones and Aldehydes. These two groups include Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Toluene, Xylene, and Formaldehyde; which lacquers, varnishes, and oil-based paints contain in varying proportions. These VOC can be present in newly finished houses at levels hundreds of times higher than the outside air. They can be present 5 to 7 times higher for months, and in some cases even years afterward.
The use of VOC measurement to judge the health risks of a given material is also quite misleading in that current regulations require the weight of the water in water-based materials to be subtracted from the total volume before the VOC is calculated. Since these materials are applied with the water in them, the potential hazards of water-based materials is obviously overstated. At the same time, it could be reasonably argued that the VOC rating system underrates the potential hazards of solvent-based coatings. It would seem axiomatic that water-based coatings are a superior alternative based on health concerns alone. Just the smell of solvent based lacquers and varnishes should tell anyone that they are dangerous and that they should obviously be avoided. Fresh Air Finishes contain no Ketones or Aldehydes.
“ . . . with excellent and satisfying end results for client and contractor! I highly recommend Fresh Air Finish”
- Mark Loomis – Mark Loomis Construction
