Volatile organic compound

Volatile organic compounds ( abbreviated to VOC or VOCs by volatile organic compound [s ] ) is the collective term for organic, ie carbon-containing substances that evaporate easily ( volatile ) or at low temperatures (eg room temperature) gas present. When also very commonly used abbreviation NMVOCs (non methane volatile organic compounds), the gas is methane, CH4, are excluded from the group of VOCs.

Definitions

The word volatile implies that the counting to the group of VOC substances, due to their high vapor pressure and low boiling point quickly evaporate ( volatilize ).

Volatile organic compounds are classified according to their boiling point and the resultant volatility according to the WHO:

However, there is no uniform definition of what a VOC is actually (see Table 2). Some definitions actually contain information on the vapor pressure, other, usually newer definitions, VOC define on their photochemical reactivity as so-called precursors for the formation of ground-level ozone. Moreover, in some definitions, certain organic substances are explicitly excluded from the VOC definition. Still another definition is used for the assessment of indoor air. This also applies to the emission of VOCs from products into indoor air

Accordingly, information on the emission of VOCs are actually only be evaluated when it is additionally referred to disclosure and the definition used.

Swell

VOCs are emitted from a variety of anthropogenic and biogenic processes in the environment. Plants, animals, soils and oceans are natural sources; industrial solvent use and transport (see HC emission ) are among the most important anthropogenic sources.

Natural sources

All living things (people, animals, plants, microorganisms) emit organic compounds in the environment. To set eg swamps huge methane sources dar. Many plants emit terpenes and other organics.

Anthropogenic sources

In the man-made release of volatile organic compounds, the use of solvents and the road dominate. Considering the methane emission from rice cultivation as anthropogenic source of VOCs, so the result here is also a significant source. In addition to the VOCs in the atmosphere volatile organic compounds found in indoor air. Sources of these VOCs are, inter alia, plastics, building materials, furniture and carpets, cleaning products, and the consumption of tobacco products.

• VOC emissions in Germany

Development of anthropogenic VOC emissions in Germany from 1990 to 2003 (Source: Federal Environmental Agency, Berlin, 2005)

Health effects

Through the exposure to volatile organic compounds in indoor air, people can suffer permanent. Most commonly affected are children, elderly and sensitive people. Symptoms such as headaches, allergies, fatigue, reduced performance, sleep and respiratory tract irritation are summarized under the term " Sick Building Syndrome ". The clinical picture is internationally binding defined by the WHO.

Emissions in the automotive industry

Also in the car industry, there are limits for hydrocarbon emissions, which are here generally referred to as HC emissions.