If you have been shopping for a new air purification system, you may be wondering what VOC is in top-rated air purifiers. The term is used often when it comes to the type of coverage you are likely to expect from a particular model.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- VOC stands for volatile organic compounds and refers to breathable compounds that are commonly attributed to toxic cleaning agents and related sources.
- You can eliminate VOCs from your home by using a high-quality air purifier that has been equipped with a true HEPA filter.
- You can also reduce the VOCs in your home by using non-toxic cleaning agents and nontoxic paints.
What is a VOC?
Before you can understand the role VOCs play when it comes to air purifiers, it is important to learn what exactly a VOC is. VOC stands for volatile organic compound and can refer to several commonly found substances, such as fragrances, cleaning product particles, tobacco, wood-burning smoke, and more. Generally speaking, VOCs are not healthy to breathe in, which is why air purifiers make them such a priority.
Insider Tip
VOC stands for volatile organic compound and can refer to several commonly found substances, such as fragrances, cleaning product particles, tobacco, wood-burning smoke, and more.
Removing Volatile Organic Compounds from the Air
VOCs are pretty dangerous and can lead to health issues with prolonged exposure. According to the American Lung Association VOCs are “harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer. In addition, they can react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air.”
If you are exposed to volatile organic components, you could experience dizziness, headaches, allergic skin reactions, and other symptoms. Luckily, modern air purifiers have made removing VOCs from the air a priority.
How to Remove VOCs
Here are a number of steps you can take to remove VOCs from your immediate surroundings.
Insider Tip
We recommend running the purifier continuously on a high-speed setting for a day or two until the compounds and their affiliated odors have been scrubbed from the room.
Purchase a High-Quality Air Purifier
The first thing you should do is buy a high-grade air purifier that specializes in the removal of VOCs. You should check to make sure the purifier includes a genuine HEPA filter, as these filters tend to specialize in removing these odious compounds. We recommend running the purifier continuously on a high-speed setting for a day or two until the compounds and their affiliated odors have been scrubbed from the room. You may see some white powder on the floor after such use. However, you should not worry what the white powder on the floor by your air purifier is. This just shows that it is working well.
That said, you’ll want to know how carbon air filters work and what kind of air purifier kills germs. Next, compare HEPA filters vs air purifiers, and other air purifiers like the Austin Healthmate vs Healthmate Plus, can help you choose the right one.
Be Wary of Certain Cleaning Chemicals
Many commonly used cleaning agents can contribute to a household’s overall level of VOCs. Consumers should be wary of certain cleaning compounds. Choose non-toxic cleaning products if possible and shop for paints and related materials that are certified to be free of volatile organic compounds. Additionally, adhere to instructions that accompany a cleaning agent and try not to mix them together, as additional VOCs can be created.
If you get chronic emphysema then you should be looking for the kind of air purifier for emphysema. It should be equipped with a genuine HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, or an electrostatic filter. This will help lessen the emphysema symptoms.
F.A.Q.S
Do air purifiers help with formaldehyde?
Results may vary, but a high-grade air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter should help with residual odor related to formaldehyde. Choose your purifier wisely, as activated carbon and PECO are the only air cleaning technologies that have high-efficiency ratings when it comes to removing formaldehyde
Can carbon filters remove VOCs effectively?
Yes, most carbon filters have been purpose-built for the removal of volatile organic compounds. You should make sure the carbon filter is accompanied by a HEPA filter for the best results.
Can HEPA filters remove VOCs?
They can help with the removal of VOCs, though many of these compounds are smaller than what a HEPA filter can reliably trap.
STAT: Seemingly “clean” indoor air can contain levels of invisible toxic VOCs that are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors, according to the EPA. (source)
