What is a VOC? Let’s break it down
To understand VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), we must look at the definitions of organic compounds.
While the word ‘organic’ often brings to mind health food, it actually means relating to or derived from living matter. Because a ‘compound’ is defined as something that is combined of two or more separate elements, the scientific definition of an ‘organic compound’ is any molecule that contains carbon. In fact, common table sugar, which we know is not a health food, is an organic compound. Organic compounds are everywhere.
A VOC is an organic compound that evaporates and releases a vapor into the air. For example, when you smell that delicious steak cooking on the grill, the aroma is a VOC created when meat juices exposed to heat have evaporated into the air. There are safe VOCs. In fact, a number of plants and trees naturally emit VOCs.
Toxic VOCs
The lower the boiling (evaporating) temperature of an organic compound, the more dangerous the VOC is. Many toxic VOCs are evaporated or released into the air when exposed to sunlight. Indoors, they are unsafe for you to breathe. Outside, these hazardous vapors contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Unfortunately, toxic VOC’s are everywhere as well. In our homes, they are commonly used as:
- fuels to heat our homes and power our cars
- cleaning supplies to clean our homes
- building materials to construct and finish our homes
Other sources include:
- plastics
- office supplies
- pesticides
- paints, glues and craft supplies
- cigarette smoke
Now, the Good News
Fortunately, VOC’s can be removed with special filtration systems. As we learn more and more about the dangerous effects of VOCs, manufacturers are taking action to reduce and eliminate them from their products.
This is especially prevalent with consumer products that are being used in the home. While VOCs were once a common byproduct of new flooring, Xtreme Engineered Floor Systems proudly offers VOC-free flooring products.
With Xtreme’s beautiful polished concrete, Hybrid XT resin floor coatings, and 6.0 HP Epoxy flooring, you don’t need to worry about headaches, coughing, dizziness, fatigue or other more serious issues that result from exposure to harmful VOCs.
Instead, you will enjoy quick installation, easy maintenance and cleaning, and hundreds of colors and styles to choose from.
Call Xtreme Engineered Floor Systems today to speak with one of our specialists and learn more about our VOC-free, floor coatings and polished concrete.
