Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that can take gaseous form at room temperature; they’re often formed after a coating is exposed to sunlight. Even if you’re using or applying your coatings in an enclosed environment, the VOCs they emit will eventually make their way into the atmosphere.
Once VOCs are in the air, they can interact with nitrogen oxides to form smog and ozone, or they can directly impact human health; raw VOCs cause respiratory problems, nausea, headaches and even cognitive impairment. They may also cause cancer.