highVOC

HighVOC is a term used to describe products with a relatively high content of volatile organic compounds. VOCs are organic chemicals that readily vaporize at room temperature. They are typically quantified as grams of VOC per liter of product (g/L) or as weight percent, and regulatory definitions of high-VOC vary by product category and jurisdiction. In practice, a material may be described as high-VOC if its VOC content exceeds the limits set for its category.

Common sources of high-VOC materials include paints, coatings, varnishes, solvents, adhesives, sealants, and certain cleaners. VOCs can be released during storage, handling, application, and curing, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Health and environmental impacts are the main concerns associated with high-VOC materials. Indoor exposure can irritate eyes, nose, and throat and may trigger headaches or dizziness; prolonged exposure may pose more significant health risks. Outdoors, VOCs participate in photochemical reactions that form ground-level ozone and smog, contributing to air quality problems and climate-relevant processes.

Regulatory frameworks and labeling practices address VOC content to varying degrees. Regions such as the European Union and parts of North America have established limits for VOCs in specific product categories, and many jurisdictions require labeling or reporting of VOC content. Compliance can involve switching to lower-VOC, water-based, or solvent-free formulations, or choosing products certified to meet specific VOC standards.

Measurement and terminology around VOCs distinguish between content (the amount present in a product) and emissions (the amount released into the air during use). Methods for determining VOC content often reference standard testing protocols such as EPA Method 24 or analogous ASTM procedures.