Why VOCs Matter in Modern Workplaces

Volatile organic compounds - often referred to as VOCs - are chemicals that can easily become vapour or gas at room temperature, acting as an air pollutant. Most VOCs are manmade chemicals that can be found in a number of everyday products, including paint, adhesives, solvents, upholstery, carpets and adhesives. Some of the most common VOCs that can be found in workplaces are formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and acetones.

Many of us notice the presence of VOCs just after decorating or refurbishing - the distinct smell that we associate with freshly-painted walls, new carpeting or new furniture is actually the result of a process called off-gassing. This occurs when the chemicals that are trapped during the manufacturing process are released into the atmosphere over time, but the initial period just after installation is when the emissions are at their highest. Most workplaces are occupied shortly after a refurbishment, which means that employees are exposed to the off-gassing process.

However, not all VOCs carry a noticeable scent, which means it won’t always be obvious when you are being exposed to them. Due to the potential health and environmental implications of VOC exposure, properly monitoring the use of them in the workplace is crucial.

Where VOCs show up in workplaces

VOCs are incredibly widespread, being found in almost every product or material that is used in workplace interiors, both natural and manmade. As a result, at any given time, many of us are exposed to a number of VOCs.

In the workplace, VOCs can be found in:

Furniture

Formaldehyde is commonly used during the manufacturing process of composite wood materials, such as hardwood plywood and MDF. Solid wood can also be a more unexpected source of VOCs.

It’s not just the materials themselves, either; adhesives, finishes and coatings like paints and varnishes can also release VOCs. Adhesives and sealants are used in large quantities during manufacturing and fit-out, and are a significant source of air pollutants, especially in the short-term. On the other hand, solvent-based finishes also emit VOCs - especially compared to water-based finishes - but typically over a longer period of time.

Partitions and walls

Partitions and walls that are constructed with synthetic materials, including particleboard, are likely to be sources of VOCs. Acoustic panels, which are made to absorb sound waves and reduce echo in a workplace, often use resin as a bonding agent, whilst the sealants, plastering and jointing compounds used during construction can all emit VOCs.

Flooring

Of all the flooring options available, many will contain VOCs. Carpet backings and foam or rubber underlays, as well as the glues used to install carpet, are a significant source of VOCs. A carpet made of synthetic fibre, like polyester or nylon, can also emit pollutants, as can synthetic floor types such as vinyl and composite wood.

Now that there is more awareness of the impacts of VOCs, there are more low-VOC alternatives available. However, cumulatively, even low-VOC products will have an impact when they are used in larger quantities, which is why testing and specification is so important.

Health and comfort impacts - short and long term

Exposure to VOCs can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. The type of symptoms and the extent depends on factors like the level of exposure and the amount of time that someone is exposed to a pollutant.

Short-term symptoms of VOCs include:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Eye, nose and throat irritation

• Fatigue and poor concentration.

Employees who are exposed to VOCs may be more reluctant to work from the office, as they might associate the workplace with feeling generally unwell. Even the presence of VOCs in the workplace under regulatory thresholds can lead to a feeling of discomfort.

Long-term impacts of significant VOC exposure include respiratory conditions, damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, and certain cancers, which are often linked to formaldehyde exposure.

The business case

Improving the air quality in a workplace - including by reducing exposure to VOCs - has been linked to improved wellbeing and productivity, which means that it should be a top priority.

When fitting out a new workplace, or renovating an existing one, exposure to VOCs is more likely due to its prevalence in products like furniture, paint, flooring and soft furnishings. When multiple high-VOC products are installed at once, the impact on air quality can be significant, especially when workers are expected to return to the workplace shortly after. For facilities management teams, monitoring VOCs will mean handling fewer employee complaints as a result of exposure.

Workers in environments that put more emphasis on clean air, including low VOCs, are more likely to show improved focus and performance compared to those in workplaces with poorer air quality. For workplaces with hybrid working policies, better air quality can also mean that employees are more likely to spend time in the workplace.

As absenteeism and presenteeism can decrease as a result of lowering VOC levels, there can be significant financial benefits for a business - not to mention the fact that low-VOC materials rarely come at a significantly higher cost.

How WELL, LEED and BREEAM made VOCs a board-level topic

Offices and other types of workplaces are increasingly being designed with sustainable practices in mind. Many businesses use ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) as a framework to measure their sustainability and ethical impact, as focusing on ESG can help them to comply with regulations, improve social responsibility and employee wellbeing, and identify and manage potential risks.

WELL, LEED and BREEAM are sustainability frameworks that help businesses comply with greener building standards. Following these methods can offer many benefits, such as a healthier environment for employees, or reduced energy costs. In terms of VOCs, all of these frameworks contain guidelines on material emissions.

The WELL Certification was created by the International WELL Building Institute to promote the health and wellbeing of building occupants, considering how the features in a building might impact their health. As one of the core focuses is on air quality, it has specific requirements for reducing VOCs. The guidelines stipulate that projects should select materials that meet low or no VOC emission standards to prevent poor indoor air quality. Buildings should also be properly ventilated to expel indoor pollutants, especially during the off-gassing process following installation, and continuous air monitors should be used to ensure compliance with regulations.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) focuses on reducing the environmental impact of buildings, including energy efficiency and resource use. The guidelines state that different products, including paints, coatings, sealings and adhesives, must meet specific thresholds for VOC content. Using furniture that is made from low-VOC materials can help to contribute points towards a higher level of certification. The guidelines also outline the need for testing for VOC emissions, to make sure that indoor contaminants are kept to a minimum.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Assessment Method) was developed by the Building Research Establishment, focusing on social, economic and environmental sustainability. Its guidelines aim to reduce air pollution indoors by setting strict limits on VOCs and formaldehyde. Permanent fixtures and fittings - including adhesives, paints and sealants - must all meet testing requirements.

Now that sustainability is such a core focus for businesses, it means that VOCs and the impact that they have are something that must be considered. During all office fit-out or renovation projects, VOCs will need to be considered throughout the whole process, from the initial materials that are selected to obtaining the correct documentation to prove that the thresholds have been met. Complying to the certifications by providing measurable data shows your commitment to improving the ESG standards of a workplace, and the health of its employees.

What should I be looking out for?

There are plenty of ways to reduce VOCs in the workplace. When working with suppliers, you can enquire about their practices. For example, if they use independent VOC emission testing, or if they have any certifications to demonstrate their commitment to cleaner air. They may also be able to provide a formaldehyde emissions statement, which is a declaration that a product complies with safety standards. Asking suppliers to provide full emissions data is key.

In your specifications, you could request that only adhesives, paints and sealants with low or no VOCs are used. If composite wood is needed in the project, ask that a low-emission wood is selected - or, preferably, that solid wood is used.

After a fit-out is completed, make sure that there is plenty of time after installation for off-gassing to take place, to avoid the more immediate health risks to employees. High-emission materials should be installed first, where possible.

Workbench is committed to sustainability, from the materials that we use to the processes that we refine. We provide ourselves on transparency, providing you with all the necessary documentation and data to support your ESG goals.