One of the important families of chemicals to consider when attempting to improve indoor air quality is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many of these chemicals are harmful to human health, and they are emitted by many common products.

Review the list of potentially harmful product categories below and consider sending a letter to your team’s suppliers asking about the VOC emissions of the products you are currently using.

• Adhesives
• Paints
• Carpets

Where possible, purchase products that have been certified by Green Seal. The EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Database and the Oikos Green Product Database are also excellent sources for product specifications, contract language, and lists of preferable products.

Many commonly used products, such as paints and adhesives, emit a variety of harmful chemicals into the air for months after they have been applied. These chemicals, collectively termed “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)”, can have a negative impact on indoor air quality and public health. While VOCs were once necessary for good performance in many products, most companies now produce cost-effective low-VOC replacements.

• Paints
• Paint thinner
• Solvents
• Wood preservatives
• Finishes
• Aerosol sprays
• Cleaners and disinfectants
• Air fresheners
• Stored fuels
• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Carpets
• Caulks and sealants
• Adhesives
• Office furniture

“Low” concentrations of VOCs will vary according to the product type. For interior paints and stains, for example, low VOC-emitting products are those with VOC concentrations below 50 g/L. The best way to ensure that the products your team purchases are low-emission is to consult with your suppliers. Consider using the guidelines in the following sample letter to obtain information on the VOC emissions of the products your team buys.

Dear _______,

The Colorado Rockies have initiated an effort to improve our environmental performance in all aspects of our operations. We would like to meet with you to discuss these objectives in more detail. We would also like to discuss ways to cost-effectively switch to less harmful products within the next few years.

We would like to reduce as much as possible the harmful effects associated with our operations, and we would like to speak with you about low-VOC alternatives to the products that we are currently using.

Please call me as soon as you can so that we can set a time for a meeting to pursue this discussion.

Very Truly Yours,

Reducing the VOCs emitted by the products your team uses can have a number of positive effects on both public health and the environment. Tests have shown that indoor concentrations of VOCs can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor concentrations. Immediately after the application of a high-VOC product, indoor levels can be over 1,000 times higher than outdoor levels. High concentrations of VOCs are known to cause a number of health problems, including eye and throat irritation, headaches, and damage to liver and nervous systems. In addition, some VOCs are thought to cause cancer. By purchasing and using low-emissions products, your team reduces health risks to employees, players, and fans.

In addition to the known health effects, VOCs are a principle ingredient of ground-level ozone, which in turn is a principle component of urban smog. And when VOCs are deposited on outdoor impervious surfaces or in landfills, they can find their way into the water supply through urban runoff and leaching. Reducing the VOC content of your team’s purchases helps to reduce all of these negative impacts.

Environmental Protection Agency VOC page
Minnesota Department of Health
Green Seal Environmental Standards
EPA – Building Air Quality Guide for Facility Managers
EPA – Building Air Quality Action Plan
OSHA – Indoor Air Quality
American Lung Association – Indoor Air Quality
EPA – Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines: Suppliers Database
Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings Calculator for Purchasers