Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) Emission from Wood Coating

This paper describes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wood coatings and addresses the effects of the VOCs emission towards human health. The precautionary actions that should be taken during the coating operation in workshops are also discussed. The VOCs released from coatings can be calculated by using mass balance technique, gas chromatography or test chamber methods. The temperature and humidity of the surroundings are the parameters that affect the rate of VOCs emission. VOCs can penetrate into human body through ingestion, dermal absorption or inhalation. VOCs can increase cancer risk or other health hazards, depending on the type and concentration of chemicals, and also the duration a person breathe them. The replacement of organic solvent-based coating with water-borne coating or high solids coating can be the solution to reduce the emission of VOCs.