Question

Many people know that VOC stands for volatile organic compound. Do you know why VOCs have ended up in so many building products?

Answer

VOCs tend to be released from products that dry or cure, such as caulks, sealants, adhesives, and paints. Carbon-based chemical solvents are added in the manufacturing process to make these products temporarily liquid or spreadable. These solvents "flash off" (evaporate) during the curing process, releasing VOCs to the atmosphere. Efforts are underway to re-engineer many of these types of products using water as the solvent.