Reducing VOC Emissions in the Workplace: Why It Matters (and How to Do It Right)

April 17, 2025

Eco-Solutions for Industrial Safety

In today’s industrial landscape, companies face increasing pressure to prioritize both environmental responsibility and workplace safety. One of the key areas where these priorities intersect is in the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. VOCs are commonly found in traditional cleaning solvents, degreasers, and coatings—but eliminating or minimizing them can make a significant impact on air quality, employee health, and regulatory compliance.


At Green Power Chemical, our mission is to provide powerful, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that help businesses reduce VOC exposure without sacrificing performance. Here’s why cutting VOCs matters—and how to start making the switch.

What Are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Many industrial cleaners, degreasers, and solvents contain VOCs because of their ability to break down grease, oil, and other contaminants quickly. However, the very properties that make them effective also make them harmful.



VOCs contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause a range of short- and long-term health effects, including:

  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  • Headaches and nausea
  • Dizziness and fatigue
  • Liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage (with long-term exposure)
  • Aggravation of asthma and other respiratory conditions

Additionally, VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, posing a threat to the broader environment.

The Regulatory Landscape

Regulatory bodies like OSHA, EPA, and California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) are increasing scrutiny on VOC emissions in industrial settings. This means businesses that rely heavily on VOC-heavy cleaning agents may be subject to:

  • Fines for non-compliance
  • Stricter reporting and monitoring requirements
  • Increased insurance and liability risks
  • Lost contracts with eco-conscious clients or government entities

Switching to low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives isn’t just a good idea—it’s becoming a necessary move for regulatory compliance and business sustainability.

How Green Power Chemical Reduces VOCs Without Sacrificing Performance

At Green Power Chemical, we specialize in powerful, non-toxic, and VOC-free cleaning and degreasing products tailored for heavy industrial use. Whether you’re maintaining production equipment, washing parts, or preparing surfaces, we offer effective solutions that align with your environmental and health goals.


Some of our VOC-free and low-emission offerings include:

  • Planisol-M – An advanced, phosphate-free degreaser designed to replace traditional solvents like trichloroethane and acetone. Completely biodegradable and non-toxic, with no harmful emissions.
  • TASC (Total Aqueous Systems Cleaner) – A versatile, water-based cleaning solution developed to work with modern aqueous parts washers. Free from phosphates, NTA, and synthetic wetting agents.
  • Citra-Blend – A high-solids, biodegradable degreaser made from citrus extracts. Delivers heavy-duty performance while remaining safe for indoor use and easy on air quality.

These products are effective on metals, silicone, stainless steel, painted surfaces, and more—all while helping reduce your workplace’s environmental footprint.

Practical Steps to Lower VOCs in Your Facility

  1. Audit Current Cleaning Agents
    Identify which products in your facility contain high levels of VOCs. Replace them gradually with safer alternatives.

  2. Improve Ventilation
    Even when using low-emission products, proper airflow is essential. Ensure work areas are well-ventilated to protect workers from any airborne residues.

  3. Train Employees
    Switching products is just one step. Make sure your team understands safe handling procedures and the reasons for transitioning to green products.

  4. Use the Right Equipment
    Invest in parts washers and cleaning systems that are compatible with aqueous-based or VOC-free solutions. Green Power Chemical offers compatible equipment and guidance for a seamless transition.

Clean Smarter. Breathe Easier.

Reducing VOC emissions is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a safer, healthier workplace for your team and doing your part to protect the environment. With over 40 years of experience, Green Power Chemical is here to help you clean smarter with industrial-strength solutions that meet modern environmental and performance standards.


Ready to make the switch?

Contact us today at (800) 932-9371 or through the contact form here on our site to explore our full catalog of eco-friendly degreasers and cleaning systems.

You can contact us by phone at 800-932-9371, by emailing us at peter@greenpowerchemical.com, or through the contact form here on our site.

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Safe, Effective, and Environmentally Responsible For decades, industrial cleaning relied on harsh solvents and toxic chemicals that were effective but carried significant risks. While they achieved results, these products created health hazards for workers, posed environmental dangers, and generated costly disposal challenges. Today, advances in green chemistry offer safer and more sustainable alternatives. At Green Power Chemical, we emphasize not only the effectiveness of our products but also the full lifecycle benefits they deliver, from production through disposal. Responsible Sourcing The advantages of green chemistry begin long before products are applied in the field. Sustainable cleaners are formulated with biodegradable or renewable ingredients whenever possible. By reducing reliance on petroleum-based solvents and other harmful inputs, these products minimize environmental impact from the very beginning of their lifecycle. Choosing responsibly sourced ingredients ensures that the footprint of cleaning solutions is smaller before they even reach the workplace.

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Food and Beverage Facilities: Why Green Cleaning Is Essential for Compliance

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What Are VOCs and How Can They Be Mitigated?

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Protecting Workers and the Environment Industrial facilities rely on cleaners, solvents, and coatings to maintain equipment and meet regulatory standards. While these products serve an important purpose, many contain volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs . These compounds are increasingly under scrutiny because of their impact on health, workplace safety, and the environment. Fortunately, safer alternatives exist. At Green Power Chemical, we provide high-performance cleaners that significantly reduce or eliminate VOCs, helping businesses protect their workforce and remain compliant with environmental regulations. What Are VOCs? Volatile organic compounds are a group of chemicals that readily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They are commonly found in solvents, paints, and industrial cleaning products. When released, VOCs contribute to indoor air pollution and combine with nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, a key component of smog.  In the workplace, VOCs often come from strong chemical cleaners or degreasers that rely on petroleum-based solvents. While effective at cutting through grease or residue, they release harmful vapors during use and disposal.

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