VOCs Versus Isocyanates

What are VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. They have a low boiling point which yields a high vapor pressure. Because of this a large volume of molecules evaporate (sublimate) from the liquid or solid into the local air.

VOCs include both man-made and natural chemical compounds. VOCs are the primary cause for odor in chemicals. Not all VOCs are harmful to people. One must understand that because something has VOCs in it does NOT mean that it is dangerous to use in open air environments.

VOC Regulation

The definition of VOCs is not straight forward as it is based on the laws and codes in the state it is being regulated. Anthropogenic VOCs are regulated by law, especially indoors, where concentrations are the highest. VOCs typically effect people slowly overtime which makes them hard to study. The United States Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate VOC exposure in the workplace. Volatile organic compounds that are hazardous material would be regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration while being transported.

What are Isocyanates

Isocyanates are a class of compound that includes a functional group of elements -N=C=O. The logical difference between VOCs and isocyanates is the fact that VOCs are logical and include a vast array of molecules and compounds where Isocyanates are exact in form.

VOC free Bedliners are the Way to Go

External links

NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Isocyanates, from the website of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Health and Safety Executive, website of the UK Health and Safety Executive, useful search terms on this site – isocyanates, MVR, asthma