Understanding VOCs in Automotive Surface Coatings and Car Care Products: Health Risks and Regulatory Efforts in Australia

The use of automotive surface coatings, car care products, and detailing applications often involves exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are widely used due to their ability to dissolve or carry other compounds, making them essential in paints, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning agents. However, VOCs are known to pose serious health risks to both the applicators of these products and those exposed to them after application.

In this article, we’ll explore common VOCs in the automotive industry, their associated health risks, and the efforts of the Australian government to reduce their usage. We'll also discuss why IGL Coatings, a leader in low- and zero-VOC product technology, is the best choice to avoid these health issues.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are organic chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. In automotive applications, they are used to enhance the performance of coatings, adhesives, and cleaning agents. However, their volatility means they are often released into the air, contributing to environmental pollution and potential health hazards.

Common VOCs in Automotive Surface Coatings and Car Care Products

Here are some of the most common VOCs found in automotive-related products, along with their associated health risks:

1. Toluene
- Health Risks: Causes eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and long-term exposure can lead to central nervous system (CNS) damage and liver and kidney toxicity.
- Use: Found in paints, coatings, and adhesives.

2. Xylene
- Health Risks: Can cause respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, CNS damage with prolonged exposure.
- Use: A solvent in lacquers, paints, and cleaning agents.

3. Ethylbenzene
- Health Risks: Causes throat and respiratory irritation and can lead to more severe issues such as hearing loss and liver or kidney damage with chronic exposure.
- Use: Used as a solvent in paints and coatings.

4. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
- Health Risks: Can cause dizziness, headaches, and skin irritation; long-term exposure may lead to nerve damage and liver or kidney toxicity.
- Use: Commonly used in paint removers and adhesives.

5. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
- Health Risks: Prolonged inhalation can lead to respiratory irritation, dizziness, and CNS effects.
- Use: A cleaning solvent in surface prep products.

6. Acetone
- Health Risks: Exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, dizziness, and CNS depression with high levels of exposure.
- Use: Found in automotive coatings and as a solvent for resins.

7. Formaldehyde
- Health Risks: A known human carcinogen, it can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and skin sensitisation.
- Use: Present in adhesives and coatings.

8. Benzene
- Health Risks: Prolonged exposure increases the risk of leukaemia and other cancers. Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, and CNS effects.
- Use: Found in some degreasers and cleaning products.

Health Risks for Applicators and End Users

For Applicators (Professional Users)

Those who apply automotive coatings, car care products, and detailing chemicals are at the highest risk of VOC exposure. Immediate health effects can include:

- Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation: Many VOCs cause irritation to the mucous membranes, leading to discomfort, coughing, and sneezing.
- Headaches and Dizziness: Breathing in high levels of VOCs can lead to headaches, light-headedness, and dizziness, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Respiratory Issues: Prolonged exposure to VOCs can result in shortness of breath, coughing, and exacerbation of conditions like asthma.
- Long-Term Health Concerns: Chronic exposure to VOCs can cause severe long-term issues such as damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidney damage, reproductive harm, and even cancer.

For People Exposed After Application (Car owners and their family)

While applicators face the most immediate risks, VOCs continue to release vapours after products have been applied, affecting people who come into contact with treated vehicles. These include:

- Off-gassing: Even after drying, some automotive coatings and detailing products release VOCs into the air. This can lead to indoor air pollution, contributing to health problems such as respiratory issues and headaches, especially in confined spaces like car interiors.
- Allergic Reactions: People with sensitive skin or respiratory systems may experience allergic reactions, skin irritation, or asthma flare-ups when exposed to VOC residues.
- Chronic Health Risks: Long-term exposure to VOC emissions from products can lead to more serious health problems, including increased cancer risk from carcinogenic VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene.

The Australian Government’s Role in Reducing VOC Usage

Recognising the environmental and health risks associated with VOCs, the Australian government has taken several steps to regulate and reduce their use in automotive surface coatings and car care products.

1. National Clean Air Agreement
The Australian Government has implemented the National Clean Air Agreement, which includes measures to reduce air pollution from various sources, including VOC emissions from industrial and consumer products. By focusing on reducing the use of VOCs in paints, coatings, and cleaning agents, this agreement aims to improve air quality and public health.

2. Emissions Reduction Targets
The government is encouraging the automotive and car care industries to adopt lower-VOC or VOC-free alternatives. Many automotive coatings manufacturers are shifting towards water-based paints, which contain significantly fewer VOCs than traditional solvent-based products.

3. Industry Standards and Guidelines
Regulatory standards such as the Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS) set strict limits on the amount of VOCs that can be used in automotive and industrial paints. Car care products must also comply with standards set by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which mandates clear labelling of hazardous substances, including VOC content.

4. Consumer Awareness and Labelling
The Australian government supports consumer education programs to raise awareness about the health risks of VOCs. Manufacturers are required to label their products with information about VOC content and potential hazards, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the products they use.

5. Encouraging Eco-Friendly Alternatives
The government promotes the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as water-based paints, low-VOC cleaners, and bio-based car care products. These products not only reduce environmental pollution but also minimise health risks for both applicators and end-users.

Why IGL Coatings is the Best Choice for Reducing VOC-Related Health Issues

As awareness grows around the health risks associated with VOCs, many businesses and consumers are seeking safer, eco-friendly alternatives. This is where IGL Coatings stand out as a leader in innovative, sustainable technology. Specialising in zero- and low-VOC products, IGL Coatings offers a range of automotive surface coatings and detailing products that drastically reduce or eliminate VOC exposure without sacrificing performance.

Benefits of Using IGL Coatings’ Low and Zero VOC Products:

- Safer for Applicators: IGL’s low-VOC and zero-VOC products minimise the immediate health risks associated with traditional automotive coatings, such as respiratory irritation and CNS effects, making the work environment safer for professionals.
- Healthier for End Users: IGL Coatings' products significantly reduce off-gassing after application, ensuring a healthier environment for car owners, passengers, and those who spend time inside treated vehicles.
- Environmentally Friendly: By adopting low- and zero-VOC technology, IGL Coatings helps reduce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation.
- Regulatory Compliance: IGL’s products meet or exceed stringent VOC emission standards, ensuring compliance with both Australian and global environmental regulations.

Whether you are a professional applicator or a consumer, choosing IGL Coatings means choosing products that prioritise both health and sustainability. With IGL’s commitment to zero- and low-VOC innovation, you can rest assured that you are minimising your impact on the environment and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

VOCs in automotive surface coatings and car care products pose significant health risks to both professional applicators and those exposed to treated vehicles. However, with growing awareness and stringent regulations, Australia is taking meaningful steps to reduce the use of harmful VOCs. **IGL Coatings**, with its expertise in zero- and low-VOC technology, offers the best solutions for reducing or avoiding these health issues altogether. By adopting safer products, you contribute not only to your health and well-being but also to a cleaner, more sustainable future.