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Green Glossary

Low or No VOC

First of all, what’s a VOC? VOC stands for volatile organic compound – basically, any organic compound that evaporates readily into the atmosphere. Here, the term ‘organic’ isn’t a good thing - it just means a compound that contains carbon. Typical sources of VOCs include paints, varnishes, moth balls, solvents, gasoline, newspaper, cleaning chemicals, vinyl floors, carpets, adhesives, sealing caulks, air fresheners, and pressed wood furniture. For you, exposure to VOCs can mean eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness, asthma exacerbation, cancer, and liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Environmentally, these compounds contribute to global warming and can also damage soil and groundwater. Yikes! Definitely better to steer clear.