VOCs: Where can you find them?

Besides being found naturally on our planet, through plants and animals, VOCs have been added to some of our every day products. Below I will list out some of the major products and places where you will find VOCs, so take caution when around them in the future.

Paint

The biggest source of man-made VOCs are found in paint and coatings, especially anything labeled protective. Solvents are required to spread a protective or decorative film. Currently, 12 billion litres of paints are being produced every year. Imagine all that ethyl acetate and acetone you’re breathing in! Gross.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are huge contributors to VOCs on our planet. The gasoline you’re putting into your car gives off VOCs as well as the gas emissions you’re letting off while driving.

Benzene

Benzene is found in tobacco smoke, stored fuels, and the exhaust from your car. Benzene can also be natural occurring from volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is frequently found in plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers as well.

Methylene Chloride and Perchloroethylene

Methylene Chloride is extremely dangerous to humans. It is found in adhesive removers as well as aerosol pray paints. Perchloroethylene is an organic compound that is used in dry cleaning. So if your dry cleaning is still damp make sure to hang that outside till it dries!

Since much of our time is spent indoors it’s important to recognize what causes VOCs around your office and home. New furnishings, wall coverings, and office equipment such as photocopy machines can unload VOCs into the air. Good ventilation and air-conditioning will help limit the amount of VOCs in these environments. If you’re a smoker it is highly recommended to put that cigarette down and try to quit. If that’s not an option be conscientious of others around you and smoke outdoors.

*Currently Swift Green Filters reduces up to 95% of all VOCs from your drinking water!*

– K