What are VOC's and why are they matter for your renovation project

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They’re commonly found in many types of surfaces and materials that are used in the home from cabinetry to flooring. Companies that sell products with VOCs don't openly advertise this, so you might have no idea that a product you're selecting has them. However, VOCs can have a significant impact on the health of the inhabitants, so it's important to be aware of them.

Why you want to avoid VOCs

High levels of VOCs will contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can last for weeks or sometimes even years after installation. It often has an obvious chemical smell to begin with (like paint for example) but not always. VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. In some cases, long-term exposure has also been liked with serious health issues like respiratory issues or liver damage.

How to avoid VOCs

The most likely products to have VOCs are materials with high levels of plastic or synthetic materials, adhesives and sealants. However, there are always substitute available that are low-VOC or no-VOC. See below some of the safe options we like to use in our projects:

Paint - Many companies have low- and no-VOC options, including the Dulux envirO2 range.

Cabinetry - For laminate cabinetry, select companies whose products meets E0 or E1 formaldehyde ratings, such as Polytec and Laminex. The same applies for veneers. For 2pac cabinetry, ask for water-based, low-VOC polyurethane paints rather than traditional solvent-based 2pac paints.

Benchtops - Sintered stone, porcelain and natural stone are all VOC-free. However, some sealants for natural stone benchtops may have VOCs so speak to your stone mason about the options.

Flooring - Avoid laminates and hybrid flooring. If selecting engineered flooring, go with companies whose products meets E0 or E1 formaldehyde ratings, and water-based finishes over solvent-based ones. Solid timber flooring is naturally low in VOCs but best to finish with a natural oil finish

Carpet - Wool is chemical-free and naturally flame-retardant, requiring no harmful additives. Synthetic carpets will contain VOCs and flame-retardants.

It's also important to note that other household items like cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, and polishes for timber or stone may also contain VOCs.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post. Have a wonderful week!

Nina xx