Removal of volatile organic compounds from polymer latices/dispersions

A process for treating an aqueous polymer latex/dispersion of synthetic polymers prepared by polymerizing one or more monomeric materials for at least 80%, involving: A. adding to the polymer latex/dispersion a sufficient amount of at least one reducing agent in one or more portions followed by adding at least one free radical generator in such a way that at least the bulk of the reducing agent has been added before addition of free radical generator is started and maintaining the mixture at a suitable temperature for a period of time which is sufficient to reduce the VOC-level of the latex/dispersion to decrease to below 1,500 ppm, preferably to below 1,000 ppm after which B. water vapour and/or gas is/are sparged into the latex/dispersion whilst the temperature of the latex/dispersion is maintained at a suitable temperature for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease the VOC-level to below 200 ppm, preferably to below 50 ppm, most preferably to below 15 ppm. Preferably the reducing agent is completely added before the addition of the free radical generator is started. and the free radical generator comprises at least one water-soluble peroxy compound and at least one oil-soluble organic peroxide. Preferably step B. is carried out in a column provided with trays with openings in which column the latex/dispersion is cascaded downwards in counter-current flow with water vapour and/or air.