In today’s world of design, construction, and procurement, prioritising the health of building occupants is no longer optional. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — emissions from common materials like flooring, adhesives, and paints — have been at the centre of health and safety concerns for years. Understanding the real-life impacts of VOC exposure is critical to creating safer environments.

This article explores documented cases where VOCs have harmed people’s health, shedding light on the importance of low-VOC materials and their role in protecting occupants. It also highlights how Spectrum Floors is addressing these challenges with innovative, health-conscious products.

Table of Contents

VOC Exposure in Real Life: A Sobering Reality

1. Sick Building Syndrome in Offices

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition where occupants of a building experience health issues linked to time spent indoors, with no specific illness identified. Common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation

In many cases, SBS has been traced to high levels of VOCs emitted by office furniture, carpets, and paints. Inadequate ventilation further exacerbates the problem, leaving workers fatigued and less productive. Office settings with poor indoor air quality (IAQ) not only harm employee well-being but also lead to increased absenteeism and reduced cognitive performance.

2. Emmell’s Septic Landfill Incident

In Galloway Township, New Jersey, improper disposal of chemical waste, including VOCs like trichloroethylene, led to groundwater contamination. Residents exposed to these pollutants reported severe health issues such as:

  • Cancer
  • Respiratory problems
  • Heart complications

This case underscores the far-reaching consequences of VOCs, highlighting the need for strict material regulation and disposal practices in both residential and commercial construction.

3. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

During the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, cleanup workers and nearby residents were exposed to VOCs released from crude oil and chemical dispersants. Reported symptoms included:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Respiratory issues
  • Long-term health complications in some cases

Although not directly linked to construction, this case demonstrates how VOCs can have widespread, harmful effects when proper safety measures are not in place.

4. Public Buildings and Commercial Spaces

Research has consistently shown that public and commercial buildings with high VOC emissions compromise occupant health. In schools, for example, children exposed to VOCs have experienced:

  • Reduced concentration and learning capacity
  • Increased respiratory issues, such as asthma

Similarly, hospitals with poor air quality have faced challenges in maintaining patient recovery rates, with VOCs exacerbating existing health conditions.

VOC Regulations in Australia

Australia’s regulatory framework for VOC emissions is designed to mitigate these risks. Key measures include:

  • National Pollutant Inventory (NPI): Tracks VOC emissions from industrial and commercial sources.
  • Safe Work Australia Standards: Sets workplace exposure limits to protect employees from harmful VOC levels.
  • APAS Certification: Promotes low-VOC paints and materials for safer indoor environments.

While these regulations provide a foundation, the responsibility ultimately lies with professionals to choose materials that prioritise health and safety.

The Spectrum Floors Solution

Spectrum Floors understands the urgency of addressing VOC concerns in design and construction. That’s why we’ve developed GAIA, a low-VOC material used in our Uni and Kayar Rubber Flooring ranges. Here’s how Spectrum Floors helps professionals like you create safer spaces:

1. Certified Low-VOC Products

Our materials meet global certifications, including:

  • Greenguard Gold (USA): Excludes 360 chemicals to ensure absolute safety in schools and hospitals.
  • Blauer Engel (Germany): Recognised for low VOC emissions.
  • M1 (Finland): The strictest emissions class, including odour and formaldehyde tests.
  • A+ Label (France): Certifies the lowest VOC emissions under French law.

2. Proven Environmental Benefits

GAIA achieves a 60% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) over its lifecycle, making it an eco-conscious choice for forward-thinking projects.

3. Trusted by Leading Institutions

From schools to healthcare facilities, our products are already making an impact. For instance, the Parisian CEPH Foundation selected the Kayar range for its commitment to safety and sustainability.

Discover the Spectrum Floors difference today. Explore our Uni and Kayar Rubber Flooring ranges, or contact us to learn how GAIA can transform your next project into a safer, healthier space. Together, let’s build environments that inspire, protect, and endure.