Why are VOCs important, and why are they often ignored or overlooked in IAQ assessments and air cleaning recommendations?
VOCs are volatile organic compounds, a complex chemical term used to describe vapor-phase contaminants and distinguish them from particulates. Breaking down the words in the phrase leads to clarity – Volatile – readily vaporized, rapidly changeable Organic – Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter. In Chemistry – of or designating carbon compounds. Compounds – (In Chemistry,) consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means VOCs are the most difficult to detect and measure, yet are some of the most harmful to human and animal health. Genesis Air believes VOC conversion or removal is equally important to biological and particulate removal. VOCs often affect the nervous and immune systems, causing loss of productivity, nausea, long-term chronic illness, cancer or death.
