February 8, 2019 What is a VOC? VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) are molecules emitted as a gas from a solid or liquid and have harmful effects.  VOCs are carbon-containing compounds that easily emit from solids or liquids during use or manufacture and undergo a reaction with sunlight in our atmosphere.  VOCs are responsible for many observable phenomena - they are the cause of the distinct smell of antique books and they are also the cause of smog. Let’s look into VOCs a bit more:   Health Effects of VOCs VOCs react with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight to create ground-level ozone, which is the main component of smog.  The VOC precursors to ground-level ozone have far-ranging and long-lasting effects on human health and the environment. Additionally, short-term exposure to VOCs can present health risks such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, in addition to headaches while long-term exposure can lead to cancer and permanent liver, kidney, or nervous system damage.   For these reasons, communities have concerns about the presence of VOCs in industries and NuGenTec has opted to formulate products such as FluoSolv CAS, AquaKlean STC-HT, and other cleaning products using zero VOCs.   Do Green Products Have VOCs? According to the US EPA, products that are advertised as being “‘green’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ may or may not include some of the VOCs emitted from the product, and therefore may not otherwise consider their adverse health effects.”  As you might infer, this is a problem for industries and consumers who wish to use environmentally responsible products. Oftentimes, chemical formulators aren’t making the VOC content of their products a top priority, and the consequences fall on the consumer and the surrounding community in the form of adverse health effects.  NuGenTec has taken the issue of VOCs as a high priority, seeking to make products with little or no VOCs in order to keep our air safer to breathe.   NuGenTec: Redefining Chemistry If you are seeking healthier, more environmentally responsible, and less costly alternatives for your industrial processes, contact NuGenTec today.