VOCs and Your Home

VOCs - what are they and should we be concerned?

VOCs are Volatile Organic compounds. There are quite a few different types that come from various places. Let;s take a dive into what VOCs are, how they are regulated, and what to look out for.


VOCs are organic compounds that evaporate easily at room temperature. There are two major categories:
Biogenic or Naturally occurring compounds, and Anthropogenic or Chemically occurring compounds.

Biogenic compounds come from plants and animals. Some examples of things that release biogenic compounds are:

  • Grass - when grass is cut it releases oils and vapors that you commonly associate with the smell of cut grass
  • Animals - natural bodily functions create odors and vapors
  • Vinegar - what you associate with the smell of vinegar is a biogenic compound

Anthropogenic compounds come from chemicals and human intervention. Some examples are:

  • Gasoline - that smell we associate with cars and lawnmowers is a VOC
  • Formaldehyde - while naturally occurring it is a chemical VOC we use it to preserve natural tissues
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - these are gonna come from refrigerants and previously hairspray before being banned in the US.

Now that we know the two groups we can talk about regulations.

 

There are a ton of regulations around VOCs.

 

The CARB (California Air Resources Board) and the EPA are the two main governing bodies in the USA that have set strict standards on VOCS. OSHA also has strict standards for Contractors and Installers. 


Their main concerns are: Lead, Formaldehyde, Silica dust, Perchloroethylene and Asbestos. 

  • Lead - Has not been used in construction since 1978. Ingestion or inhalation of lead causes nervous system damage, reproductive system harm and brain damage. The EPA requires before any construction begins on a structure built in or before 1978 must be tested for lead.

 

  • Formaldehyde - Organic compound used in adhesives. Naturally occurring.
    Known to be an irritant and can Cause Watery eyes at higher exposure levels.
    Mainly an issue in gas form. CARB passed in 2009 enforcing strict limits on Formaldehyde 
    TSCA title 6 in 2016 passed a national regulation off the back of CARB. All forms of ENG flooring in Canada and the USA must adhere to these standards. 1 cigarette has 400 times more Formaldehyde than CARB certified MDF- Medium density Fiberboard

 

  • Silica Dust- A natural mineral found in soil sand and stone. Inhaling dust is harmful to humans. The particles are super small less than 100 times smaller than a grain of sand. Long term inhaling can cause Silicosis (Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica) lung cancer, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2017 OSHA issued a new set of requirements for grinding and mixing concrete, dust collection systems, exhaust systems, HEPA filtered vacuums. Employers must have a HACCAP plan for Silica based materials
    Failure to comply will levy fines in excess of 10k 

 

  • Asbestos - Like lead Asbestos has not been used for several decades. Asbestos is a natural silicate based material. It offers sound absorption, strength and fire resistance. Asbestos causes mesothelioma. Like lead asbestos was used in the construction of a lot of old homes and structures these buildings must be tested prior to starting renovations

 

  • Perchloroethylene - Comes from Dry cleaning Chemicals, Metal degreasers, Paint strippers, Spot removers. Causes Parkinson's and liver/kidney cancer


Both bodies along with a law called the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act 1976) seek to minimize the release of VOCs in building applications. From stains to complete engineered flooring there are very strict requirements to be manufactured, sold or imported into the USA.  

Key takeaways:

  • VOCs are heavily regulated in all stages of the hardwood flooring supply chain
  • If you're buying Engineered floors in America they adhere to the TSCA standards
  • If you are having a NWFA certified installer stain your floors they will use Low VOC complaint adhesives and stains
  • In 2019 a manufacturer violated some of these laws and paid hefty fines


In short, any engineered flooring you buy in the US will be certified low-VOC compliant, and you don't need to worry about harmful off-gassing of chemicals. 

 

 

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