All about healthier spaces, VOCs and GAIA

The perils of indoor air pollution

Indoor health plays a crucial role in supporting overall well-being in spaces like schools, offices, and healthcare facilities. Beyond the visible pollutants like mould and dust, there are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are hidden factors that affect indoor air quality.

What Are VOCs and How Can They Impact Our Health?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that readily evaporate at room temperature, releasing vapours into the air. They are commonly found in paints, adhesives, flooring, furniture, cleaning products, and other construction materials. While VOCs play a functional role in manufacturing, their impact on indoor air quality can be significant—and hazardous.

When VOCs are released into the air, they contribute to the phenomenon known as “off-gassing.” This process can persist for days, weeks, or even years, depending on the product and its chemical composition. Common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, which are linked to a host of health problems ranging from mild irritation to severe, long-term conditions.

The Health Risks of VOC Exposure

The effects of VOC exposure can vary depending on the level of concentration and the duration of exposure. Immediate symptoms of exposure often include:

Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Allergic skin reactions

Long-term exposure to high levels of VOCs has been associated with:

Respiratory diseases, including asthma
Liver and kidney damage
Central nervous system effects
Cancer (in cases of exposure to carcinogenic VOCs like formaldehyde)

For professionals designing spaces intended for healthcare, education, or government use, where occupants may include vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, these risks underscore the importance of prioritising low-VOC materials.

Our Solution? GAIA!

Designed with your health and safety in mind, GAIA uses carefully selected, low-VOC materials so that you can enjoy your health now and in the future. GAIA materials minimise environmental impact, achieving a 60% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) over the product lifecycle. Currently available in our Uni and Kayar Rubber Flooring ranges, GAIA embodies our commitment to sustainable, high-quality solutions, with additional styles coming soon.

As industries increasingly adopt health- and eco-conscious practices, we’re excited to see GAIA’s impact. For instance, the Parisian CEPH foundation has chosen the KAYAR range for its facilities, highlighting the value of safer, environmentally responsible materials.