Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include a large group of chemicals containing carbon and hydrogen atoms that can react quickly to form other chemicals in atmosphere. VOCs are important because they can: (1) react with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight to form ozone and photochemical smog; and (2) be toxic to humans, animals or vegetation.

The major sources of VOCs are vegetation, automobile emissions, gasoline marketing and storage tanks, petroleum and chemical industries, dry cleaning, fireplaces, natural gas combustion and aircraft. VOC emissions from natural sources, such as forests, grasslands and swamps, are estimated to be almost six times greater than human sources. Individual VOCs are also produced from the evaporation of solvents and organic chemicals as well as from leaking valves, flanges, pumps and compressors at industrial facilities. The major source of VOCs in most urban areas is vehicle exhaust emissions.

In the indoor environment, volatile organic compounds can be released by sources such as furniture, paint, adhesives, solvents, upholstery, draperies, carpeting, spray cans, clothing, construction materials, cleaning compounds, deodorizers, copy machine toners, felt-tip markers and pens and correction fluids. Concentrations of many VOCs emitted indoors are generally higher than outdoor concentrations because of the presence of indoor sources such as building materials, consumer and commercial product use and human activities such as cooking.

Monitoring Method
VOCs are monitored using a 6 L stainless steel electropolished (SUMMA) canister. Air samples are collected by drawing air into the canister at a constant rate (10 to 15 mL/min) for a 24-hour time period. These air samples are then analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MSD systems using a cryogenic preconcentration technique to quantify concentrations of over 150 hydrocarbon species. The SUMMA canisters are evacuated and cleaned prior to installation at the monitoring sites by the Environment Canada Environmental Technology Centre in Ottawa. Analysis of the VOC samples are also conducted by Environment Canada.

Objectives
Alberta does not have air quality Objectives for 24-hour ambient concentrations of VOCs. However, Alberta does have one-hour Objectives for some VOCs.

	Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include a large group of chemicals containing carbon and hydrogen atoms that can react quickly to form other chemicals in atmosphere. VOCs are important because they can: (1) react with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight to form ozone and photochemical smog; and (2) be toxic to humans, animals or vegetation. The major sources of VOCs are vegetation, automobile emissions, gasoline marketing and storage tanks, petroleum and chemical industries, dry cleaning, fireplaces, natural gas combustion and aircraft. VOC emissions from natural sources, such as forests, grasslands and swamps, are estimated to be almost six times greater than human sources. Individual VOCs are also produced from the evaporation of solvents and organic chemicals as well as from leaking valves, flanges, pumps and compressors at industrial facilities. The major source of VOCs in most urban areas is vehicle exhaust emissions. In the indoor environment, volatile organic compounds can be released by sources such as furniture, paint, adhesives, solvents, upholstery, draperies, carpeting, spray cans, clothing, construction materials, cleaning compounds, deodorizers, copy machine toners, felt-tip markers and pens and correction fluids. Concentrations of many VOCs emitted indoors are generally higher than outdoor concentrations because of the presence of indoor sources such as building materials, consumer and commercial product use and human activities such as cooking. Monitoring Method VOCs are monitored using a 6 L stainless steel electropolished (SUMMA) canister. Air samples are collected by drawing air into the canister at a constant rate (10 to 15 mL/min) for a 24-hour time period. These air samples are then analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MSD systems using a cryogenic preconcentration technique to quantify concentrations of over 150 hydrocarbon species. The SUMMA canisters are evacuated and cleaned prior to installation at the monitoring sites by the Environment Canada Environmental Technology Centre in Ottawa. Analysis of the VOC samples are also conducted by Environment Canada. Objectives Alberta does not have air quality Objectives for 24-hour ambient concentrations of VOCs. However, Alberta does have one-hour Objectives for some VOCs.