Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common gaseous chemicals that are difficult to avoid in indoor spaces and can have adverse health effects. Fortunately, some types of air purifiers are effective at trapping or deactivating these airborne pollutants. Discover the best air purifiers for VOCs in this article!
Volatile organic compounds are a large group of chemicals that vaporize easily at room temperature. While they are found in both indoor and outdoor air, concentrations indoors are usually up to ten times higher, significantly lowering air quality. Many common household and workplace products emit VOCs in a process known as off-gassing.
Common sources of VOCs in households and workplaces
Health consequences of VOC exposure
Exposure to volatile organic compounds can have consequences for your health, depending on the type of VOC, concentration and exposure time. Children, seniors, pregnant people and those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma are particularly susceptible.
Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and nose and throat irritation that can lead to nasal congestion and sinus problems. In severe cases, exposure may lead to liver, kidney and central nervous system damage or cancer.
Not all types of air purifiers are effective at removing VOCs from the air. While HEPA filters are widely considered to be the air purification gold standard, they are designed to trap physical particles, so harmful gases are likely to pass right through. Fortunately, there are other types of commercial and residential air purification systems that work better against VOCs.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters
Activated carbon filters use porous carbon material to trap VOCs and gases through a process called adsorption. As air passes through the filter, the contaminant molecules get stuck to the substrate and the cleaned air is released back into the room. These types of air purifiers are also great at getting rid of unwanted smells.
UV light air purifiers
Some residential and commercial UV air purifiers are designed to emit UVV wavelengths that degrade chemicals and odors by oxidation. Air is drawn into a chamber and subjected to high-intensity UVV rays before being released back into the room. The UV process is very effective at breaking down VOCs.
While it’s a good idea to try to limit the number of VOC-emitting products in your space, it is virtually impossible to eliminate them entirely. The right air purifier can help mitigate the effects of off-gassing and ensure that VOC levels remain low.
Sanuvox offers UV light air purifiers that effectively combat volatile organic compounds and odors. Our powerful air purifiers are rated for large rooms, and some can even cover an entire apartment or house! Contact us today to lower VOC levels in your space and safeguard your health.