When choosing waterproofing coatings, people are increasingly opting for not only environmentally friendly options but also choosing options that support the health and well-being of the end-user. One way in which you can achieve this is by choosing VOC-free waterproofing systems.
A volatile organic compound, or VOC, is a chemical with high vapour pressure at room temperature. Sublimation or evaporation occurs when molecules are released into the air. Rubbing alcohol is a good example. When you pour it on your hand, it begins to evaporate very instantly, converting into gas that mixes with the air you breathe.
VOCs and the environment
A range of chemical gases generated from solid objects or liquids are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thousands of everyday home items, such as paint, varnish, wax, and numerous cleaning, degreasing, and cosmetic products, contain VOCs. VOCs are also released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned.
Dry cleaners, auto body shops, vehicles, trucks, buses, lawnmowers and other landscaping equipment, and industrial painting and coating activities are also common sources of VOC emissions. VOCs are also released into the atmosphere by natural processes such as plant and animal respiration and organic decomposition.
Because VOCs contribute to the development of ground-level ozone, they are a significant pollutant. VOCs react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) to form ozone molecules when discharged into the atmosphere. The process is accelerated by UV radiation from the sun, which is why ground-level ozone generation is higher on hot, sunny days. Ground-level ozone has a variety of health effects and is the primary contaminant that produces smog.
VOCs can negatively affect our health
Did you know that due to poor air circulation, volatile organic compounds indoors might be ten times higher than outdoors? Indoors, for example, levels might be 1,000 times higher than outdoors while painting or stripping. They can persist for several hours after they’ve been removed. Inhaling the vapours in large amounts or for long periods of time might create serious health complications.
The following are some of the potential health impacts of breathing in VOCs:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Nausea, headaches, and a loss of coordination
- Damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system over time
Some VOCs have been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in people in tests.
In recent years, there has been a strong drive to make low-VOC flooring and floor coatings as well as VOC free waterproofing systems more widely available. Choosing coatings that won’t make your customers sick is critical at any stage of the construction process.
Because they’re composed of plastic, VOCs may be found in practically all sorts of surfaces when it comes to flooring. VOC levels are frequently greater in options that are man-made or created from synthetic materials than in natural materials.
A VOC-free waterproofing solution from Robex
The RX Wetsuit system is a spray-applied waterproofing solution that is totally bonded and seamless. It’s a flexible, long-lasting waterproofing membrane that’s also environmentally friendly and UV stable. RX Wetsuit is a high-grade rubber with bituminous emulsification that may be used as roofing, waterproofing, and air barrier. The system is suitable for a wide variety of applications and offers solutions for the complete building.
Many companies choose RX Wetsuit because it’s the healthier and safer membrane alternative. Water-based, zero-VOC, low pressure, cold-applied, non-flammable and with absolutely no solvents, RX Wetsuit eliminates job hazards such as torches, flames, gas, and heavy equipment without sacrificing proven performance. RX Wetsuit offers true protection all without contributing harmful VOC’s to the atmosphere.
For more information about our environmentally friendly waterproofing system, please contact us.
