What are "VOC's" and why are they harmful?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids, such as paint and paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, furnishings, copiers and printers, adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), common human reactions to VOCs include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system, so in other words - they’re not good for us! Wherever possible, 4OVER4 uses green materials and production processes to minimize VOCs. Here are some of the steps we are taking to be good stewards of the environment. Eliminated alcohol-based products.. Switched to vegetable-oil based, water-soluble washes for cleaning presses, which are free from VOC-producing petroleum solvents and can reduce VOCs by up to 90%.. Use non-polluting wetting agents made of natural materials such as citric acid and gum ara…