Low VOC Building Materials

One of the big pushes in green construction is the use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) building materials.

What Are Low VOC Building Materials?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous chemicals are contained in many construction materials. Products with high levels of VOC’s pose a risk to the general population, especially children and the elderly. Fortunately, now there are a number of low- and no-VOC building materials are available. Today you can buy less polluting paints, adhesives, solvents, cleaning agents, caulks, wood products, carpets and sealants. In fact, many States now have laws requiring low VOC building materials that meet strict thresholds.

How Can Low VOC’s Improve Air Quality?
Using low VOC materials for new construction and remodeling projects can significantly reduce the emission volatile organic compounds. Traditionally, new homes and commercial buildings generally had VOC concentrations that were two to ten times higher than older buildings. Elevated levels of VOC’s have been linked to eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms associated with sick building syndrome. Cleaner indoor air quality can be achieved by using low VOC building materials.

Benefits of Using Low VOC Building Materials:

Improved regional air quality by the elimination of smog forming chemicals.

Improved worker safety and health.

Reduced incidents of eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms of “sick building” syndrome.

Cleaner indoor air quality.

Using low VOC building materials is another important step in green construction. Using low VOC building materials has been acknowledged by the industry as a crucial component to any successful project. Next time you start a construction project make sure you ask about the materials you’re buying and specify low VOC building materials.