Choosing healthy building materials, What VOC's are and how protect against them with the right material selections.
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Guide to making healthier choices when selecting and specifying Building Materials for Reduced VOC Emissions:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that can easily become vapors or gases that can contribute to indoor air pollution. They are commonly found in construction materials like paints, adhesives, sealants, engineered woods, particle boards etc. as well as cleaning products and even beauty products. High levels of VOCs can pose health risks, including respiratory issues, headaches, and other symptoms. The inhalation of VOCs is associated with different adverse health effects. VOCs, such as propylene glycol and glycol ethers (PG), benzene and formaldehyde, have high levels of reactivity with the epithelial lining of the respiratory tract and mucous membrane. While short-term exposure to low levels of VOCs is generally not considered harmful, long-term exposure, even at low levels, may still pose risks, particularly for more vulnerable groups and people that are more sensitive to VOCs, i.e those with asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities, or compromised immune systems.
Health Risks: Exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to:
Respiratory problems
Allergies and asthma
Headaches and dizziness
Long-term health effects, including potential carcinogenic risks
Australian standards significantly reduce the risks associated with VOCs in building materials, but they do not completely eliminate them. While these standards set strict limits on the allowable levels of VOCs, some building materials still pose potential health risks, particularly under certain conditions or if not properly managed.
There are some important steps you can take when choosing the materials used in your home to further reduce VOC exposure, this guide will help you select healthier building materials that minimize VOC emissions, considering the protection already provided by Australian standards.
1. Reduction vs. Elimination of VOCs
Standards for VOC Emissions: Australian standards, such as those in the NCC and various AS/NZS guidelines, are designed to limit VOC emissions to levels considered safe for most occupants. These standards reduce the concentration of harmful compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene in indoor environments.
Residual Emissions: Even when materials meet Australian standards, they may still emit small amounts of VOCs. While these levels are usually low, cumulative exposure over time, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces, can still pose health concerns, especially for sensitive individuals.
2. Materials that Still Pose Risks
Engineered Wood Products: Materials like particleboard, MDF, and plywood often contain formaldehyde-based resins. Even at reduced levels, these materials can emit formaldehyde over time, which can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues.
Paints and Coatings: While many modern paints are low-VOC, solvent-based paints and some specialty coatings can still emit VOCs long after application, potentially impacting air quality.
Vinyl and PVC Products: Vinyl flooring, wall coverings, and other PVC-based materials can off-gas phthalates and other VOCs, which may contribute to indoor air pollution and pose risks to respiratory health.
Carpeting and Adhesives: Synthetic carpets, along with the adhesives used to install them, can emit VOCs, particularly when new. The “new carpet smell” is often due to off-gassing, which can be irritating to the respiratory system.
Insulation Materials: Spray foam and certain other insulation products can off-gas VOCs during installation and for some time afterward, which may contribute to indoor air quality issues if not properly ventilated.
3. Building Design and Ventilation
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in minimizing the impact of VOCs. Australian standards encourage good ventilation design, but in practice, some buildings may not able to achieve adequate ventilation, leading to the accumulation of VOCs indoors.
Building Age and Maintenance: Older buildings or those that are not well-maintained may have higher levels of VOCs due to deteriorating materials, poor ventilation, or the use of older, less regulated products.
4. Emerging Concerns
New Materials and Products: As new materials and products enter the market, there may be emerging concerns about VOCs that are not yet fully regulated. Continuous monitoring and updating of standards are necessary to address these issues.
Cumulative Exposure: Occupants may be exposed to VOCs from multiple sources within a building, including furniture, cleaning products, and personal care items, in addition to building materials. The cumulative effect of these exposures may not be fully accounted for in current standards.
So how can we make the healthiest material choices ?
To effectively minimize health risks associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in building materials, it’s essential to set specific, measurable targets. This guide outlines actionable targets to include in your specifications, building on Australian standards and aiming for enhanced indoor air quality.
Understand VOC Standards and Targets
5. Australian Standards Overview
AS/NZS 4361.1:2017: Provides guidelines for the environmental management of materials, including VOC emissions. It does not set explicit limits but provides a framework for assessment.
National Construction Code (NCC): Addresses indoor air quality indirectly through ventilation requirements.
6. Target VOC Levels To ensure you are specifying low-VOC materials, consider the following measurable targets:
Specific Targets for Building Materials
A. Paints and Coatings
VOC Content Target:
Maximum VOC Level: < 50 grams per liter (g/L) for interior paints. Aim for < 5 g/L for specialty low-VOC or no-VOC paints.
Certification Requirement: Look for paints that meet Green Seal Standard GS-11 or have a VOC content lower than the California Air Resources Board (CARB) limits.
Specification Clause Example:
"All interior paints shall have a VOC content not exceeding 50 g/L, with preference given to products achieving < 5 g/L. Paints must be certified by Green Seal GS-11 or equivalent."
B. Adhesives and Sealants
VOC Content Target:
Maximum VOC Level: < 70 g/L for adhesives and sealants.
Certification Requirement: Look for products with GREENGUARD Gold certification or similar low-VOC certifications.
Specification Clause Example:
"Adhesives and sealants used must have a VOC content not exceeding 70 g/L and should be GREENGUARD Gold certified or equivalent."
C. Flooring Materials
VOC Emissions Target:
Maximum Emission Level: Ensure that flooring materials meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Green Label Plus program or have formaldehyde emissions < 0.05 ppm (parts per million).
Specification Clause Example:
"All flooring materials must be certified under the CRI Green Label Plus program, with formaldehyde emissions not exceeding 0.05 ppm."
D. Insulation Materials
VOC Content Target:
Maximum VOC Level: < 0.5% by weight for insulation materials.
Specification Clause Example:
"Insulation materials used must have a VOC content not exceeding 0.5% by weight."
Implementation of Low-VOC Materials
A. Review Technical Data Sheets and Certifications
Certification Verification: Ensure that all selected products have valid certifications and meet the specified VOC content targets.
Documentation Requirement: Request and review technical data sheets and certifications before finalizing material selection.
B. Off-Gassing Period
Off-Gassing Target: Ensure that newly installed materials are allowed to off-gas in a well-ventilated space before full occupancy or use.
Specification Clause Example:
"Allow all newly installed materials to off-gas for a minimum of 48 hours in a well-ventilated space before occupancy."
References
AS/NZS 4361.1:2017 - Guide to environmental management: Environmental management of road construction.
National Construction Code (NCC)
California Air Resources Board (CARB) VOC Limits
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus Program
Green Seal Standard GS-11
By adhering to these specific targets and practices, you can effectively manage VOC emissions and create a healthier environment for building occupants.
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