Dangers of VOCs and How to Eliminate Them in Buildings

What are VOCs?

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that easily become vapors or gases.”

VOCs are common indoors where ventilation is poor. Household items that produce VOCs include solvents, paints and thinners, cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, copy machines and printers, and much more. 

Why are VOCs Dangerous?

When inhaled, VOCs damage the respiratory system, which can lead to an oxygen deficit in the body. Not only are there direct effects on the lungs, but without enough oxygen reaching the body’s vital organs, other severe issues can arise. Even short-term exposure leads to respiratory problems, but with long-term exposure to VOCs, the health effects can even include neurological problems and even cancer. 

Not all people are equally susceptible to VOCs, with those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory complications being more sensitive to their effects. 

ISO-Aire Purifiers Provide Relief from VOCs

Although indoor air quality (IAQ) is often forgotten about because it is invisible to the eye, it is important that buildings are equipped with the proper technology to eliminate VOCs. This is where our ISO-Aire carbon air purification unit comes in. Equipped with the proven technology of a V-Bank carbon filter and ozone-free bipolar ionization, this commercial-grade purifier is able to handle fumes, odors, and VOCs.

If you would still like to focus on germ elimination as well as some relief of VOCs, our HEPA air purifiers equipped with ozone-free bipolar ionization and a carbon pleated pre-filter can still provide great relief from VOCs.