Volatile Organic Compounds from Water-Based Surface Coatings and Their Indoor Air Relevance

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from water-based surface coatings significantly influence indoor air quality and may contribute to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This study compared emissions from polyurethane (PUR) and acrylate–polyurethane (ACR-PUR) coatings, identifying a broad spectrum of VOC groups. Results indicate that ACR-PUR emits higher concentrations of symptom-relevant compounds, while PUR shows a more stable emission profile. Several compounds decline rapidly within weeks, whereas others persist longer and may present chronic risks. Although total VOC levels were generally within guideline thresholds, the toxicological profile suggests that symptom-oriented assessment provides more relevant information than total VOC indices. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating both acute and persistent emissions in indoor environments. In addition to characterizing the overall VOC burden, this preprint also emphasizes the differences between short-term and long-term exposure scenarios. While highly volatile compounds dominate the initial period after application, lower-volatility compounds such as certain esters, phthalates, and alkanes persist longer and may influence chronic health outcomes.