Do MicroCare Vapor Degreaser Cleaners Contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a source of worry because they contribute to low-altitude smog in cities. Obviously, the most common VOC is gasoline, but that is not a regulated solvent so the VOC question never comes up. However, in some regions such as Southern California the government is regulating VOC content in many products, including windshield wiper fluids and barbecue starter fluid. 

In general, many of the MicroCare™, Vertrel™ and Tergo™ cleaners contain some levels of VOCs and are photoreactive. This may make them an unacceptable choice in some communities with rigid VOC regulations. Check the Product Specification for more details on the product you are considering as a cleaning fluid.

However, it’s important to realize that many, many common chemicals have a high VOC content. In general, chemicals that have high VOC ratings do not contribute to global warming. Low VOC ratings generally mean a chemical is likely to have a high GWP. It’s like a child’s teeter-totter: one when side goes up, the other side must go down. It is almost impossible for a solvent to be both low in VOC content and low in GWP. The few cleaners that do accomplish this magic trick usually are flammable and would not be suited for vapor degreaser operations.