Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure
at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. Their high vapour pressure results from
a low boiling point which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate
from the liquid or solid form of the compound and enter the surrounding air. An example
is formaldehyde, with a boiling point of –19 °C (–2 °F), slowly exiting paint and
moving into the air.
VOCs are numerous, varied, and ubiquitous. They include both human-made and naturally
occurring chemical compounds. Most scents or odours are of VOCs. VOC's play an important
role in communication between plants.[1] Some VOC's are dangerous to human health
or cause harm to the environment. Anthropogenic VOC's are regulated by law, especially
indoors, where concentrations are the highest. Harmful VOC's are typically not acutely
toxic, but instead have compounding long-term health effects and are usually found
emanating from modern day indoor living , particularly paints and flooring. The concentrations
are usually low and the symptoms slow to develop. Research into VOC's and their effects
is difficult but ongoing.
Aquastep has been tested for the the following common household emissions. No emissions
were detected in any test result, achieving Aquastep an international E0 rating.
No emissions. VOC free.
