Protecting Yourself

Activated carbon is very effective at removing VOCs from the air. During the activation process, the carbon can be specially treated to maximize VOC adsorption (the process by which molecules bond to activated carbon). In a well-designed air purifier, the air will pass through a large activated carbon filter and then clean air will be recirculated throughout the room.

An air purifier with an activated carbon filter, along with adequate ventilation, is the best solution for removing VOCs. In environments with high VOC concentration (especially homes and other buildings with new carpets and paint), VOCs can pose a significant health hazard. Using low-VOC products such as paint and cleaning agents will reduce the amount of VOCs emitted by traditionally high-emission activities. Also, low-VOC construction material including carpeting and paneling is available.

Even for people that do not feel any short-term effects from the indoor air they breathe, investing in an air purifier is a healthy choice. Because only limited research currently exists about indoor air pollution, it is difficult to truly gauge how much risk we are each facing from VOCs. This true lack of concrete data is seen clearly when looking at the acceptable levels of specific chemicals as defined by the regulatory agencies of various different countries. Depending on which nation's regulatory agency you consult, the acceptable levels will vary widely. Many companies, schools, and individuals are taking a proactive approach by reducing VOCs to well below the nationally-regulated acceptable levels with a combination of air purification, improved ventilation, and low-VOC materials.