What is a VOC anyway?

摘要

VOC is one of the most widely used acronyms in building today, but most people can't define it. A VOC (volatile organic compound) is a carbon-based chemical compound that evaporates at room temperature. Gasoline is a VOC because it's a hydrocarbon and fumes pour off it at nearly any temperature.rnHow did VOCs get in building products? For products that dry or cure - like caulks, sealants, adhesives, paints - they have to be applied in liquid form. To make paint, urethane, rubber and glue into a temporary liquid so it can be applied, you need a solvent. Until these products were re-engineered to use water as a solvent, many manufacturers used (or still use) solvent chemicals that are VOCs. For instance, if you want a rubber sealant between a window and a stucco wall, you can't apply stiff rubber. So, the rubber is liquefied with xylene or benzene, both petroleum derivatives, and both VOCs. The VOCs flash off (evaporate) to leave the stiffened rubber behind. Unfortunately, when VOCs flash off, the fumes can enter people's lungs, living spaces and atmosphere, and that's when the trouble starts.