Air Purifier Systems - Understanding VOC's

VOC is an acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds. The term sounds ominous just from its name, especially if you didn’t enjoy high school chemistry. VOC’s are ominous indeed and should be considered when purchasing an air purifier for any kind of respiratory malady. Different air purifier models address different issues. ClearFlite carries some models that are specifically for VOC removal only. Other models remove some VOC’s but that is not their primary function.

The topic of VOC’s can be very broad, so we will consider them from the standpoint of air purifier use. In the home, VOC’s are emitted by numerous household things from cleaners to furniture to paint. Even appliances or equipment that is housed in PVC (which is like a vinyl resin) can put out VOC’s. Home furnishings, upholstery, and all kinds of home parts that may have been treated or made with formaldehyde can emanate VOC’s. Although Volatile Organic Compounds are bad for you, they may actually smell good, so they can be deceiving. Unfortunately, indoor air can be and typically is permeated with chemical gasses that can be harmful to our health, especially people with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity). Fortunately, a quality air purifier can remove many of these compounds.

Why do you need an air purifier to reduce your exposure to VOC’s in your home or work place? Being exposed to some volatile organic compounds can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and when people are particularly sensitive, can cause gastrointestinal issues. Asthmatics are the people who are particularly harmed by VOC’s, especially children. Studies have found that kids who have a lot of exposure to VOC’s during childhood run the risk of developing MCS in adulthood which can make life very difficult. If your child has asthma, make sure that he or she sleeps in a room with an air purifier that removes VOC’s.

VOC’s can be present in unexpected places as well. In January, the Indoor Air Quality Commission did a study of offices where photocopy machines were present. The machines produced not only VOC’s, but ozone and particles as well. The researchers determined that a typical office copy machine is often a major source of volatile organic compounds in an office setting. If you work in an office with a copier nearby, an air purifier that removes or significantly diminishes the VOC’s would be a good idea. Your employer should provide an air purifier. For more information, contact iiaqc.org about how to employ air purifiers.

One of the air purifiers that ClearFlite carries is ideal for environments where harmful VOC’s are clearly present: the Aller Air Vocarb Series, available in three sizes. The Vocarb air purifier units are designed to take these kinds of VOC’s out of the air: ammonia, toluene, methylene chloride, sulfur dioxide, and that ubiquitous formaldehyde. They also remove mold toxins, which are problematic to everyone with respiratory problems. IQAir’s HealthPro Plus also removes some VOC’s, and IQ also has a variety of other air purifier models which remove very specialized chemicals. There is much information about these on our website. ClearFlite sales representatives are also knowledgeable about Volatile Organic Compounds and will always be happy to assist you.