Low VOC Adhesives for a Healthier Indoor Environment
The quality of air inside a house or any workplace is central to the well-being of the inhabitants.
As more people become concerned with the effects of air pollution on their health, more people and companies are demanding products that are safe and harmless to the environment including low VOC adhesive products.
This type of adhesive is made in such a way that they do not emit dangerous elements even if they offer the same functionalities as common adhesives.
In a series of posts in this blog, learn about what VOCs are, the significance of using low VOC adhesives, and their role in creating a better indoor environment.
Understanding VOCs and Their Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a class of chemicals containing carbon and which have a high tendency to vaporize at ambient temperature.
Present in paints, adhesives, cleaning compounds, and building materials, VOCs affect indoor air quality at large, and human health specifically.
As they are emitted into the air, VOCs have short-term health impacts like; headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Long-term effects intensify the diseases and can result in respiratory disorders, liver and kidney failure, and cancer.
Youngsters, the elderly, and persons with chronic diseases form the most vulnerable group in the community to the effects of VOCs.
It is especially in the construction and manufacturing industries that adhesives emerge as a major producer of VOC emissions.
When adhesive hardens, it produces VOCs in the air, and this affects anyone working within the area.
In residential areas, VOC emissions originating from such end uses as solvent-based adhesives for floor coverings, wood furnishings, and other related fittings can adversely affect indoor air quality for more than five years.
Benefits of Using Low VOC Adhesives
Low VOC adhesives are produced to have a friendly environment as they release low levels of volatile organic compounds.
These adhesives offer a range of benefits for both health and the environment:
a. Improved Indoor Air Quality
They claim that using low VOC adhesives will enhance the quality of air in an indoor environment because the adhesive releases a lesser amount of risky chemicals.
This is especially important in today’s well-insulated structures where indoor air quality is vulnerable to pollution.
b. Reduced Health Risks
Reducing VOC increases the health hazards; therefore, the low VOC adhesives are appropriate for home use, schools, hospitals, and other working stations.
c. Non-Compliance with Environmental Standards
Most parts of the world have set high standards for controlling VOC emissions.
It is therefore important to use low VOC adhesives so that these requirements are met and manufacturers, as well as contractors, are not legal liabilities.
d. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
Low VOC adhesives are prepared with an environmentally friendly approach and raw material, thus it has a small impact on the environment.
e. Versatile Applications
Low VOC adhesives which are available in the contemporary market provide exceptional performance, longevity, and flexibility.
Applications of foam rollers include flooring, the woodworking industry, auto assembling line, and packaging industries.
Applications and Selecting the Right Low VOC Adhesive
Due to consumers’ increasing concern about VOC emissions, manufacturers of adhesives have been forced to innovate by developing different products fit for use in different industries.
Here’s a closer look at their uses and factors to consider when selecting the right adhesive:
a. Uses of Low VOC Adhesives
Construction and Building Material
Several of the most common types of application involve installing low VOC adhesives in areas that include flooring – both hardwood and vinyl – as well as carpet tiles.
They are also appropriate for joining surfaces, placing furniture, and fixing insulating materials.
Automotive Industry
Low VOC emission adhesives are employed to join parts in vehicles and protect workers in facilities manufacturing cars.
Woodworking and Furniture
Low VOC adhesives are favored when working on wooden products and assembly of furniture due to their effectiveness without causing harm to human health.
Packaging and Labeling
In the packaging industry, low VOC content adhesives play an important role in developing green and safe products for food items and other sensitive products.
b. Factors to Consider When Choosing Low VOC Adhesives
VOC Content
Choose products with a clear indication of the quantity of their VOC content. There are other labels such as GREENGUARD or SCAQMD into which a product complies mean low form of emissions.
Performance and Compatibility
Make sure the adhesive you use corresponds with the required standards in terms of materials and project environment.
VOC options are available in both high and low levels and for a wide range of substrates, including wood, metal, plastic, fabric and more.
Ease of Application
Use adhesives that are relatively easy to apply, and which do not require a long time to cure to maximize the safety of workers who may be exposed to hazardous fumes from the adhesive materials.
Environmental Impact
Choose environmentally friendly adhesives or those that will enhance environmentally friendly techniques in construction.
Cost and Availability
Despite the fact that there are low VOC adhesives available for purchase at a rather cheap price, their utilization is more beneficial in the long run, especially where the health and compliance of a building are of utmost importance.
Conclusion
Low VOC adhesives are a major improvement in the quality of indoor spaces and responsible usage of resources.
First, these adhesives prevent the emission of dangerous gases that harm people’s health as well as contribute to the conservation of the environment.
Whether it is the matter of renovating your house, fixing furniture, or working in an industry, opting for low VOC is one of the wise investments that can make life healthier and environment-friendly.
There is a constant increase in knowledge regarding low ’pollution’ products and their increasing popularity in certain areas such as interior decoration makes the use of low VOC adhesives invaluable as they are powerful and environmentally friendly.
Making good choices makes us responsible citizens in ensuring that we leave the environment better for the next generations, bond by bond.
Also read: Hempcrete: A Game-Changer in Eco-Friendly Construction