Volatile Organic Compounds are materials which evaporate readily from commonly occurring sources such as vehicle exhausts, cleaning agents, furniture polish and fabric softeners. These also include solvents used in coatings, as well as thinners and
brush cleaners.
In the presence of sunlight, these VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides to create ground level ozone and photochemical smogs. These in turn can contribute to pollution of the atmosphere. The UK government and the coatings
industry are committed to reducing VOC emissions under international conventions.
Although the impact of household coatings on atmospheric pollution is very small (less than 2% of the total amount of VOCs emitted), manufacturers believe the amount of VOC s in decorative coatings should be reduced and consumers given the choice
of using lower VOC-containing products.
Voluntary industry initiative to inform consumers of solvent content in paint
The VOC Globe scheme is part of a wider initiative by the coatings industry to raise consumer awareness of the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) contained in decorative paint products, to allow consumers to make more informed, and
hopefully greener choices. The scheme encompasses 'VOC Globe' symbols and phrases to be used on product packaging, labelling and literature. Paint cans in the UK have a symbol, the 'VOC Globe', on them that shows the amount of solvent.
More information about VOCs can be found here. Email info[at]bcf.co.uk for more information.
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