How Can Canadians Reduce Exposure to VOCs? - Camfil Air Filters - Canada

In this resource by Camfil CA, air filtration expert Victor Rengel describes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), summarizes the impacts on the health of Canadians, and shares steps to reduce exposure.

Man-made VOCs can result in chronic health effects when emitted into the air. In Canada, concentrations of most VOCs are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors, so knowing how to reduce indoor exposure to VOCs is important for human health.

Health Canada classifies VOCs as organic compounds or chemicals that have a low boiling point that ranges roughly from 50 - 250 degrees celsius3. This relates to the volatility of VOCs, or how easily the organic chemicals vapourize. As VOCs have a high vapour pressure and low boiling point, a vast number of molecules are released and absorbed in the air.

Some common sources of VOCs include paints and other solvents, aerosol sprays, cleaners, automotive products, office supplies, and building furnishings.

Studies show that both long- and short-term exposure to VOCs can cause significant health damage and aggravate existing respiratory conditions.

How Can Canadians Reduce Exposure to VOCs?

To increase protection in the case that control methods cannot be assumed, Canadians should increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. As VOCs are gases, they require a specific filtering technique known as “adsorption”. Therefore, molecular air filtration applications are most suitable.

To find out about the health effects caused by exposure to VOCs and air filtration solutions to combat that damage, read the full resource here: https://cleanair.camfil.ca/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-on-canadian-air-quality-resource-by-camfil-ca/