Table of Contents
Where can I find volatile organic compounds?
Sources of VOCs
- paints, paint strippers and other solvents.
- wood preservatives.
- aerosol sprays.
- cleansers and disinfectants.
- moth repellents and air fresheners.
- stored fuels and automotive products.
- hobby supplies.
- dry-cleaned clothing.
What are volatile organic compounds in trees?
Trees and other plants produce hundreds to thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These carbon-based chemicals easily evaporate from a liquid or solid into air at much lower temperatures than most chemicals. For example, your nose is sensing VOCs when you smell pine trees.
How do you avoid VOCs?
How can I help reduce emission of VOCs to the air?
- Avoid using aerosol consumer products such as hairsprays, air fresheners, deodorants, and insecticides that often use VOCs as their propellants.
- Replace solvent-based paints with water-based paints.
- Avoid using VOC-containing products such as organic cleaning solvents.
What do all volatile organic compounds have in common?
Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.
Why do trees release VOCs?
Trees use VOCs to attract pollinators and repel harmful insects and animals. Trees also produce VOCs in response to stress. In the atmosphere, VOCs interact with nitrogen oxides and sunlight to produce ozone and other chemicals.
Do trees absorb smoke?
How exactly do trees help keep your air clean? Trees help to contain dust, ash, pollen and smoke that harm our lungs. people every day. that is roughly 10 years old can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO2 a year.
Do low VOC paints smell?
about using low VOC/zero VOC paints. Low VOC and “green paints” seem to be the catchphrases these days when looking for healthier paint. Many customers are surprised to learn that most of these Zero VOC paints still have an odor. Some are better than others, while some smell worse than full-fledged oil paint.