What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are given off by many indoor sources. Concentrations of most volatile organic compounds are higher in indoor air than outdoor air.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
Sources of VOCs
- paints, paint strippers and other solvents
- wood preservatives
- aerosol sprays
- cleansers and disinfectants
- moth repellents and air fresheners
- stored fuels and automotive products
- hobby supplies
- dry-cleaned clothing
- pesticide
Other products, including:
- building materials and furnishings
- office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
- graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.
Health Effects
Health effects may include:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
- Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system
- Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include:
- conjunctival irritation
- nose and throat discomfort
- headache
- allergic skin reaction
- dyspnea
- declines in serum cholinesterase levels
- nausea
- emesis
- epistaxis
- fatigue
- dizziness
The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect.
As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics include:
- Eye and respiratory tract irritation
- headaches
- dizziness
- visual disorders and memory impairment
How ActivePure Removes VOCs
- Proactive Oxidation Process: ActivePure technology generates oxidizing molecules like hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals that are released into the air. These molecules actively seek out and react with VOCs in the air, breaking down their molecular structure.
- Molecular Breakdown: VOCs, which are carbon-based compounds, react with the oxidizing molecules produced by ActivePure. This chemical reaction breaks down VOCs into simpler, less harmful molecules such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. This helps to reduce the concentration of harmful VOCs in the indoor environment.
- Continuous Action: ActivePure is proactive, meaning it doesn’t wait for air to pass through a filter like traditional purifiers. It constantly releases these oxidizing molecules into the environment, allowing it to remove VOCs in real-time and across larger spaces.
Effectiveness Against VOCs
- ActivePure is particularly useful in spaces with elevated VOC levels (e.g., commercial or industrial settings) because it can address both airborne and surface-bound contaminants.
- VOCs, often found in paints, cleaning products, and industrial solvents, are not easily captured by traditional HEPA filters, but ActivePure’s molecular oxidation process provides a solution by chemically neutralizing VOCs at their source.
In short, ActivePure technology is highly effective at removing VOCs from the air, making it an ideal solution for improving indoor air quality in environments exposed to chemical pollutants.
Vollara Air & Surface Pro 750
Coverage from 500 up to 2000 sq. ft. (depending on ceiling height)
Portable, lightweight device
No installation – plug-and-play solution
Easy to use and low maintenance
Reduces dirt and dust from the air
Proven effective against many common viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi
Reduces smoke, allergens, odors, and VOCs
24/7 Protection