Page 102 - GRIHA Manual Volume IV - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 102
Building planning and construction 93
CRIteRIon 26
use of low voC pAInts,
AdHesIves, And seAlAnts
Introduction
Building materials such as paints, sealants, and adhesives form important finishes for the exterior
and interior surfaces, however, conventional versions of the same contribute to poor indoor quality
and can have a negative bearing on the occupant’s health.
Conventional paints, adhesives, and sealants are often formulated with solvents to improve
performance and durability that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a large group of
carbon-based toxic chemicals, which easily evaporate at room temperature. The VOCs are required
to keep other components such as pigment for colour, a binder or resin to make the paint stick in a
liquid solution long enough for the paint to be applied, and then conventionally evaporate so that
the paint can dry.
Evaporation of VOCs is greatest during and right after application, however, continues at lower
levels for months. The gases mix with the air in the room, exposing occupants to chemicals that can
have several short-and long-term effects including eye irritation, respiratory problems, headaches,
loss of coordination, and nausea. These chemicals can also damage the liver, the kidneys, and the
central nervous system.
Common adhesives used in wood products such as particle boards, plywood, and so on is urea
formaldehyde. Urea formaldehyde is known to be quite unstable and eventually releases significant
amounts of formaldehyde in the air. Formaldehyde is known to cause acute poisoning when inhaled
leading to coughing, chest congestion, heart burn, abdominal pain, and so on. Formaldehyde
exposure is also known to cause allergic asthma, dermatitis, neurotoxicity, pulmonary function
damage, and toxicity in the reproductive organs amongst other detrimental health impacts.
Solution
Alternative low VOC paints release significantly fewer polluting toxins with only a slight odour as
compared to conventional materials. Since VOC emissions may contribute to higher ozone levels,
use of low-VOC paints may improve overall air quality.
Low VOC materials can be used in exactly the same way as conventional, high-VOC materials and
in general, are comparable in price to conventional materials. Additionally, low-VOC paints are not
considered hazardous waste materials, so disposal is much easier as compared to standard paints.
The VOC content of any paint is available on the label and is normally listed on the back of the
container. It is measured in grams per litre (gm/l). While selecting paints for the interiors, water-
based acrylics should be preferred over solvent-based oil paints. All sealants and adhesives being
used in the building should be water based rather than solvent based or should have a low VOC
content. Use adhesives such as acrylics or phenolic resins as they have very low VOC content.
CRIteRIon 26
use of low voC pAInts,
AdHesIves, And seAlAnts
Introduction
Building materials such as paints, sealants, and adhesives form important finishes for the exterior
and interior surfaces, however, conventional versions of the same contribute to poor indoor quality
and can have a negative bearing on the occupant’s health.
Conventional paints, adhesives, and sealants are often formulated with solvents to improve
performance and durability that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a large group of
carbon-based toxic chemicals, which easily evaporate at room temperature. The VOCs are required
to keep other components such as pigment for colour, a binder or resin to make the paint stick in a
liquid solution long enough for the paint to be applied, and then conventionally evaporate so that
the paint can dry.
Evaporation of VOCs is greatest during and right after application, however, continues at lower
levels for months. The gases mix with the air in the room, exposing occupants to chemicals that can
have several short-and long-term effects including eye irritation, respiratory problems, headaches,
loss of coordination, and nausea. These chemicals can also damage the liver, the kidneys, and the
central nervous system.
Common adhesives used in wood products such as particle boards, plywood, and so on is urea
formaldehyde. Urea formaldehyde is known to be quite unstable and eventually releases significant
amounts of formaldehyde in the air. Formaldehyde is known to cause acute poisoning when inhaled
leading to coughing, chest congestion, heart burn, abdominal pain, and so on. Formaldehyde
exposure is also known to cause allergic asthma, dermatitis, neurotoxicity, pulmonary function
damage, and toxicity in the reproductive organs amongst other detrimental health impacts.
Solution
Alternative low VOC paints release significantly fewer polluting toxins with only a slight odour as
compared to conventional materials. Since VOC emissions may contribute to higher ozone levels,
use of low-VOC paints may improve overall air quality.
Low VOC materials can be used in exactly the same way as conventional, high-VOC materials and
in general, are comparable in price to conventional materials. Additionally, low-VOC paints are not
considered hazardous waste materials, so disposal is much easier as compared to standard paints.
The VOC content of any paint is available on the label and is normally listed on the back of the
container. It is measured in grams per litre (gm/l). While selecting paints for the interiors, water-
based acrylics should be preferred over solvent-based oil paints. All sealants and adhesives being
used in the building should be water based rather than solvent based or should have a low VOC
content. Use adhesives such as acrylics or phenolic resins as they have very low VOC content.
