Hiilivetykaasuja

Hiilivetykaasuja, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature. Their high vapor pressure results from a low boiling point, which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate from the liquid or solid form of the compound and enter the surrounding air. This process is known as volatilization.

VOCs are numerous and varied, with estimates of over 10,000 different types. They are often found in products such as paints, varnishes, and wax coatings, as well as in cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. They can also be emitted from office equipment such as copiers and printers, and from building materials and furnishings.

The term "volatile organic compound" is defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions." This means that VOCs can react with other gases and sunlight in the atmosphere to form other air pollutants, such as ozone.

Exposure to VOCs can have short-term and long-term adverse health effects. In the short term, they can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health issues, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

To reduce exposure to VOCs, it's recommended to increase ventilation when using products that contain them, choose products labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free, and allow new products or materials to off-gas in a well-ventilated area before use.