Air pollution is caused by many substances in the air, such as, oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are materials which, in the presence of sunlight, are capable of producing ozone gas in the lowest layer of the earth’s atmosphere (troposphere). Ozone in the troposphere can lead to degraded air quality and the occurrence of ‘smog’.
The majority of VOCs are produced from vehicle emissions, industrial processes and combustion processes. Plants and animals also produce VOCs. In recent decades, authorities across the world have limited the level of manmade VOC emissions particularly from vehicles and industrial processes, resulting in a significant reduction of VOC levels in the atmosphere.1
VOCs in antiperspirants and deodorants
VOCs are used in everyday products, such as antiperspirants and deodorants, to perform critical functions such as solvents, propellants and fragrances amongst others. The use of VOCs in consumer products has been optimised over the years to provide consumers a great performance whilst having a minimum impact on the environment.
References
1. The VOC Solvents Emissions Directive 1999/13/EC