The definition of volatile organic matter is commonly known as VOC in our country. The abbreviation VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Volatile organic substances are chemical substances that affect human health very seriously and are harmful to nature. In order to reduce the amount of VOC emissions released to the atmosphere to a minimum and to control human health, a number of regulations are made by local and foreign organizations and standards are set.
Volatile organic substances are carbon-containing components that, in general, assist in photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. Such chemical components arise from dyeing activities, petroleum refineries, fuel storage and loading processes, solvent cleaning and many other reasons, and such pollutants are commonly found in indoor air. VOC concentrations are measured between 50-1000 μg per cubic meter.
VOC stands for English Volatile Organic Compound. It also means volatile organic compounds. VOCs are volatile chemicals that harm human health and the environment. Keeping these volatile organic compounds under control is extremely important for the health and safety of the employees and for the protection of the environment. In order to reduce VOC emissions, various legal regulations and standards are established at national and international levels.
These volatile chemicals are generally odorless and colorless and are mostly composed of gases. The source of VOC, which are volatile organic chemical components that evaporate under normal conditions and mix into the air, are solvents, thinners and similar petroleum derivatives used in cleaning agents and paints. These are harmful substances in terms of environmental conditions and human health. VOCs cause especially air pollution, pollution of soil and groundwater. It is possible that VOC can be directly affected by human health, especially in closed environments. For example, it is possible to have a thousand times higher VOC value in a paint area compared to outdoor. Therefore, in the paint industry, it is preferred to use water-based paints with much lower VOC values.
Due to the damage caused by VOCs to the environment and human health, legal regulations must be followed in the production of products, especially in products intended for indoor use. Volatile organic compounds cause serious damage in the formation of ground-level ozone. In addition, it causes persistent diseases, cancer, respiratory system diseases (COPD), headache, fatigue, and skin and eye irritation.
Since people spend most of the day in closed environments such as homes or offices, constant exposure to VOCs in these environments causes a condition called building syndrome to occur. In these environments, wall coverings, new furniture, photocopiers and similar office devices that cause VOC-containing gas emissions are the source of volatile organic substances, while well-designed air conditioning and ventilation systems are effective in reducing the amount of VOC emissions in indoor environments.
There is evidence that the risk of cancer increases with prolonged exposure to volatile organic substances. Volatile organic compounds that are released into nature are contaminated with soil and surface waters. Airborne VOCs are the main reason for the increase of air pollution. Therefore, it is observed that leafy plants are damaged a lot. The respiratory system of people is irritated for this reason. In our country, during the harmonization studies during the accession process to the European Union, directives issued in this direction are included in our current legal arrangements.
Our company also performs VOC measurements within the scope of gas measurements. In these studies, the relevant legal regulations, standards and test methods published by domestic and foreign organizations are complied with. A few standards considered in these studies are:
- TS EN ISO 11890-1 Paints and varnishes - Determination of the content of volatile organic compounds (VOC) - Part 1: Difference method
- TS EN ISO 11890-2 ... Chapter 2: Gas chromatography method
