Low VOC finished Windows for Health

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, contribute negatively to air pollution (e.g. smog), and forms ground level ozone which can irritate the eyes and lungs, and can result in breathing problems. Ozone can also harm vegetation, crops and trees. VOCs contribute negatively to indoor air quality through emissions, during and after curing, and as a result impacts on individual health and wellbeing.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) looks at reducing the amount of volatile organic compounds released into the internal atmosphere by building materials, typically through solvents, paints and adhesives. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short or long term adverse health effects.

A paper by the CSIRO states that the levels for VOCs range from very low, at smaller than 5gm/L, to very high, with larger than 250gm/L. Solvent based products are much higher in VOCs than water based products.

Health risks

Studies by the EPA indicate that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed. Long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Short-term exposure to volatile organic compounds can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, fatigue, loss of co-ordination, allergic skin reactions, nausea, and memory impairment.

Low VOC's

Paarhammer offers our clients the option of having their windows and doors stained or spray painted or oiled. We use Austrian ADLER paints and lasur, especially formulated for longevity on windows and doors. These paints are water based and contain low to very low VOCs. The actual VOCs are between 1/3rd and 1/5th of the allowable rate in the European Union. The use of low VOC finishes, rather than finishes with higher VOC levels, translates to a reduction in the emissions in your home.

For your low VOC finished windows and doors please contact us. We are happy to supply technical data sheets for the ADLER paints or Cutek oil used.

More information on VOCs:

Green Building Council Australia GBCA

Environmental Protection Agency EPA: Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Australian Paint Approval Scheme APAS: Volatile Organic Compounds VOC Limits