The Impacts of Volatile Organic Compounds in Industrial Cleaners

Business owners and consumers alike are often underEmployees of companies using organic industrial
the assumption that the only form of pollutiondegreasers are able to spend more time focusing on
harming our planet is being done by automobiles ortheir work instead of having to follow procedures in
massive corporations. The reality of the build up oforder to avoid inhalation of noxious chemicals and
pollution which we are currently facing is actuallygetting them on their skin. The majority of these
much different, however. Small everyday actions byorganic solvents were created after the passing of
consumers living in excess and using harmfulthe Clean Air Act Amendments in 1990. In order to
chemicals containing volatile organic compounds, oftenreduce the use of VOC's in solvents, ingredients like
found in solvents and degreasers, are having afood grade oil are being used to make solvents and
considerable impact on the steady deterioration ofdegreasers. These ingredients, though harmless to
our environment. This misconception is perpetuatinghumans and the environment, are able to continue
the idea that there is nothing for individuals to do incleaning as well as chemical laden solvents. Often it is
order to prevent pollution. Not only is the use ofassumed that the harsher the chemical, the more
volatile organic compounds unnecessarily harsh on theeffective it is in cleaning. This idea is quickly fading
environment through pollution, but they alsoaway as dozens of studies are proving the powerful
extremely dangerous to human health as well.cleaning effects of natural ingredients.
Breathing in fumes from volatile organic compoundsOrganic solvents and degreasers were used in nearly
can immediately cause headaches, nausea, and otherevery home and business establishment until coconut
symptoms. Using VOC's over time can contribute tooil and other natural and plant based ingredients were
long term health problems, which puts many averagedifficult to find during World War II. To replace these
consumers and employees at risk if they are notnatural cleaning agents, harsh chemical based solvents
using environmentally friendly organic solvents. Thesewere developed. Due to the low cost of these
effects are felt not only directly by us, but they willingredients at the present time, they are still
impact the quality of life given to the futureenormously popular. However, more people are
generations ahead of us.becoming aware of the fact that cheap chemicals
By consumers beginning to realize the risks involvedwhich emit VOC's into the air and atmosphere are
with the habitual use of VOC laden chemical solvents,proving to be more costly in the long run. Health and
environmentally friendly and non toxic organicenvironmental impacts are now evident, and with
solvents are becoming more prevalent among homes.consumer interest of organic solvents quickly
The same effect is taking place among businesses asgrowing, these non toxic and eco friendly alternatives
well, and the switch to organic industrial degreasers isare becoming more affordable each and every day.
preventing further pollution on a massive scale.