A spotless yacht shouldn’t come at the expense of crew health or the environment.
The relentless pursuit of a pristine yacht is ingrained in every crew member’s routine. But behind the sparkling surfaces, hidden dangers lurk. Many common cleaning products contain toxic and harmful ingredients. One of these is a group of hazardous chemicals that evaporate into the air from solids or liquids: volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Over the years, alarming statistics have surfaced about VOCs — present in everything from cleaning agents to paints. Flagged by the Environmental Protection Agency as among the world’s top environmental hazards, they are linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin reactions and cancer. One study found using them in a commercial setting equals smoking 20 cigarettes a day, compromising crew health and polluting the air and oceans.
To maintain “superyacht clean” standards, progressive companies are stepping up to offer safer alternatives. Leah Tennant, founder of biotech company Washdown, says, “We’ve heard so many horror stories about VOC products — it’s crazy that crew are still using them.” Her company offers enzyme and bacteria-based, VOC-free cleaning solutions. “We work with bioscientists and test to ensure we don’t use harmful ingredients.”
It’s not just cleaning products under scrutiny; high-VOC paints and varnishes pose risks too. Suppliers such as AkzoNobel are pioneering change with lower-VOC topcoats that reduce solvent use while maintaining a glossy finish. “With lower VOCs, there are more solids per application, meaning less is lost to the environment through emissions,” explains Matt Anzardo, AkzoNobel’s global marketing segment manager. The Water Revolution Foundation has also verified and added this industry-first topcoat finish to its database of sustainable solutions. These lower VOCs coatings create healthier working environments, but as Matt points out, “Users should always comply with product and material safety data sheets and ensure they wear the correct PPE.”
While VOC legislation varies, initiatives like Washdown’s Anti-VOC campaign are raising awareness. “Lots of people don’t understand what VOCs are,” Leah says. “If they don’t know the alternative options, they’ll keep using dangerous products.”
Thoughtful choices help maintain high standards while keeping both crew and the ocean safe.