Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing

Published

Dec 24, 2025

VOCs

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Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number

N/A

Formula

Various

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

Respiratory Irritation

Yes

Neurological Effects

Yes

Variable Toxicity

Yes

Mixture Effects

Yes

VOCs safety information

Comprehensive safety and handling requirements

Detection Monitoring

Sensor Types

Photoionization detector (PID)
Flame ionization detector (FID)
Metal oxide semiconductor
Infrared
Gas chromatography

Detection Range

0.1-10,000 ppm depending on sensor and VOC

Alarm Setpoints

Low	Variable - set to specific VOC TLV or mixture assessment
High	Variable - typically 2x TLV or STEL
Evacuate	Variable - set to IDLH of most hazardous component

Colorimetric Tubes

VOC-specific tubes available (benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.)
General organic vapor tubes

Analytical Methods

Method	Technique	Detection Limit
EPA Method TO-15	GC-MS (canister sampling)	ppb levels for most VOCs
NIOSH 1501	GC-FID (charcoal tube sampling)	Variable, typically 0.01-0.1 ppm
EPA Method 8260	GC-MS (water samples)	µg/L levels

Odor Threshold

Variable. Some VOCs odorless (benzene), others pungent at low ppm. Olfactory fatigue common. Do not rely on odor.

Environmental Impact

Aquatic Toxicity

Variable. Many VOCs toxic to aquatic life (LC50: 1-1000 mg/L range).

Biodegradability

Variable. Some readily biodegradable, others persistent.

Bioaccumulation

Variable. Log Kow range: -1 to 7. Lipophilic VOCs bioaccumulate.

Soil Mobility

Variable. Many volatile from soil. Some adsorb strongly.

Atmospheric Fate

Photochemical reactions. Form ozone and smog. Atmospheric half-life: hours to months. Major air quality concern.

Ozone Depletion

Some VOCs deplete ozone (CFCs, halons - now banned)

Global Warming Potential

Some VOCs are greenhouse gases

Reportable Releases

Water	Variable by specific VOC (1-5000 lbs typical)
Air	Variable by specific VOC. VOC emissions regulated.

Ppe Requirements

Respiratory	Organic vapor respirator with appropriate cartridge for known VOC concentrations. SCBA for unknown mixtures or high concentrations.
Eye Protection	Chemical safety goggles, face shield for splash hazard.
Skin Protection	Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves depending on specific VOC. Chemical-resistant clothing for liquid contact.

Reactivity

Stability	Variable. Many stable under normal conditions. Some polymerize or degrade.
Polymerization	Some VOCs polymerize (styrene, acrylates). Check individual compounds.
Incompatible Materials	Variable - commonly: oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, reactive metals
Hazardous Decomposition	Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide Variable toxic gases depending on compound
Conditions To Avoid	Heat Ignition sources Incompatible materials Oxidizers
Reactivity Hazard	Variable. Many form explosive mixtures with air. Some react violently with oxidizers. Peroxide formation possible in ethers.

Regulatory Classification

Un Number

Variable by specific VOC

Dot Hazard Class

Variable (commonly Class 3 Flammable)

Dot Label

Variable

Nfpa Codes

Health	1-4 (Variable)
Flammability	1-4 (Variable)
Reactivity	0-2 (Variable)
Special	Variable

Epa Hazard Categories

Variable - may include carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, aquatic toxicity

Sara Title Iii

Many VOCs listed

Cercla Rq

Variable by specific VOC

Rcra Code

Many VOCs have codes (U-series, F-series)

Storage Requirements

Temperature Range	Cool storage below 25°C typical. Refrigerate if highly volatile.
Ventilation	Local exhaust ventilation. Outdoor storage preferred for large quantities.
Incompatibilities	Variable - check specific VOC SDS. Generally: oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Container Material	Depends on specific VOC. Metal or glass typically. Check compatibility.
Segregation	Separate from oxidizers. Flammable storage if applicable.
Quantity Limits	Follow NFPA 30 for flammable/combustible liquids. Minimize quantities.
Special Requirements	Label with specific VOC contents. Post appropriate hazard signs. Secondary containment for liquids. Gas detection for enclosed spaces. Emergency procedures.

Produced From Contaminants

Exposure Limits

Regulatory exposure thresholds and safe concentration levels

Acgih Tlv Mg M3: 100
Workplace Exposure: Osha Pel
twa_8hr: Variable by specific VOC. No general limit.
stel_15min: Variable
ceiling: Variable
Niosh Rel
twa_8hr: Variable by specific VOC
stel_15min: Variable
ceiling: Variable
idlh: Variable
Acgih Tlv
twa_8hr: Variable by specific VOC. TLVs exist for individual compounds.
stel_15min: Variable
ceiling: Variable
Biological Exposure Indices
0: [object Object]

Physical Properties

Physical characteristics and state information

Boiling Point: Variable (<260°C by EPA definition)
Melting Point: Variable
Vapor Pressure: High (>0.01 kPa @ 25°C by definition)
Vapor Density: Variable, typically >1 (heavier than air)
Specific Gravity: Variable (0.7-1.6 typical)
Flash Point: Variable (many <38°C)
Autoignition Temp: Variable (200-600°C typical)
Explosive Limits: Variable depending on compound
Appearance: Colorless to colored liquids or gases
Odor: Variable - sweet, pungent, solvent-like, or odorless

Reactivity

Chemical reactivity and compatibility with other substances

Stability: Variable. Many stable under normal conditions. Some polymerize or degrade.
Polymerization: Some VOCs polymerize (styrene, acrylates). Check individual compounds.
Incompatible Materials: Variable - commonly: oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, reactive metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Variable toxic gases depending on compound
Conditions To Avoid: Heat
Ignition sources
Incompatible materials
Oxidizers
Reactivity Hazard: Variable. Many form explosive mixtures with air. Some react violently with oxidizers. Peroxide formation possible in ethers.

Synonyms & Identifiers

Alternative names and chemical identifiers (CAS numbers)

Synonyms: Organic vapors
Organic solvents
VOC mixture
Hydrocarbon vapors
Common Trade Names: Paint thinners
Degreasers
Cleaning solvents
Other Identifiers: Rtecs Number
Specific to individual VOC
Ec Number
Specific to individual VOC
Pubchem Cid
Specific to individual VOC

VOCs

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

VOCs safety information

Produced From Contaminants

Adhesive Residue / Tape Marks

Graffiti and Spray Paint

Industrial Oil / Grease Buildup

Paint Residue / Coating Failure

Degraded Polymer Deposits

Rubber Compound Residue

Silicone Sealant Buildup

Anti-Seize Compound

Epoxy Resin Deposits

Fuel System Varnish

Gasket Material Residue

Heavy Machinery Grease

Machining Coolant Residue

Organic Biofilm Deposits

Paint Primer Layers

PCB Oil Contamination

Powder Coating Buildup

Printing Ink Residue

Quenching Oil Residue

Soldering Flux Residue

Tree Sap and Resin

UV Photodegradation / Polymer Chalking

Wood Rot / Fungal Biodegradation

Exposure Limits

Physical Properties

Reactivity

Synonyms & Identifiers

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