What are VOCs?
VOCs are carbon-based compounds that easily evaporate into the atmosphere. There are several forms of VOCs, some examples being:
- Acetone
- trichloroethylene
- isopropyl alcohol
- methylethyl ketone
- white spirit
VOCs are commonly used in industry for processes such as, degreasing, thinning and dissolving. They can also be found in certain materials, such as, paint, inks and adhesives.
What harm do they cause?
Not managed properly VOCs can be dangerous. These risks include:
- Health risks: many VOCs act as irritants or carcinogens.
- Environment: VOCs contribute to the formation of low-level ozone. This causes respiratory diseases, damage to crops and plant life, as well as damaging rubbers and plastics.
- Financial: most solvents are very expensive to buy and to dispose of as they are classified as ‘special waste’.
Why manage solvent use?
Save money - with minimal costs a small to medium sized company can save anything between £5,000 and £20,000 a year. For larger companies the savings can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Legislation demands the control of VOC emissions. Effective management of solvent emissions ensures that you aren’t breaking the law or spending a fortune just to comply. Better solvent management could also lower your insurance premiums.
Envirowise have produced a specific guide to enable you to reduce your solvent use in the publications page of the furniture sector.