How VOCs are harmful to our health

What is VOC?

VOC stands for “Volatile Organic Compound”, which is a common name for volatile organic compounds. Another form of VOC name is TVOC. They have very low boiling points and are easily released from products containing them as vapors or gases. The source of this substance can be man-made or natural. As we all know, some are harmless to health, while others are toxic to humans.

Some common VOC compounds include formaldehyde, benzene, perchlorethylene, etc. They are found in many consumer products such as tobacco, glues, paints, dry cleaning solutions, wood preservatives, bleaches, laundry detergents. , disinfectants, air fresheners, building materials, printers, copiers, pesticides, etc.

How do VOCs affect human health?

VOCs – Volatile organic compounds are almost everywhere in the air. Some are harmless to humans and some can cause respiratory or eye, nose and throat related problems with overexposure. More serious can cause damage to organs such as the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. VOCs are even considered carcinogens with high levels of long-term exposure. Children and asthma patients are more susceptible to the side effects of this compound.

As reported by the American Lung Association, VOCs affect the lungs and respiratory tract, weakening the muscles. Some chemicals found in poor quality paint have harmful effects on the fetus. Therefore, society’s increasing concern about safety and health has affected the construction industry, creating a new trend that means reaching a “green building”.

How harmful are VOCs in paint products?

In the current Vietnamese market, many paints that are harmful to health and the living environment are still being used to paint furnitures, houses, workplaces, high-rise buildings, high-class apartments, etc. Paints with very high VOC content such as oil-based paints including Polyurethane (PU) paint, Nitro Cellulose (NC) paint. Until today, there are still many well-known paint brands producing oil-based paints which is toxic to human health and polluting the