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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:
Before you can understand the role VOCs play in air purifiers, it is important to learn what 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.
Some VOCs, such as air fresheners and paint strippers, are considered to be a common source of indoor air pollution. Air purifiers can help eliminate airborne particles and reduce the amount of these VOCs in the air. In doing so, they improve indoor air quality and reduce potential health risks associated with breathing in VOCs.
This is why VOCs are so important to consider when choosing an air purifier — they can make a big difference in indoor air quality. Reducing VOCs reduces the risk of exposure to harmful pollutants and keeps your home feeling fresh and healthy.
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.
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.”
VOCs are emitted as gaseous molecules by a variety of sources, including paint, furniture polish, cleaning products, and even vehicle exhaust. They can also be found in particulate matter, which is made up of extremely small particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air. VOCs vary in levels depending on the type of organic chemicals they contain and the source of these chemicals.
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.
As you know, volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are airborne chemicals that are known to be toxic and can cause health problems when their levels are too high. The sources of VOCs can range from household products like paint, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners to car exhaust fumes or industrial processes.
To reduce the levels of VOCs in your home or workplace, an air purifier is one of the most effective methods. There are different types of air purifiers available that are able to remove VOCs, such as activated carbon filters, ozone generators, and ultraviolet light bulbs. Choosing an air purifier specifically designed to filter VOCs is important for the best results.
Here are a number of steps you can take to remove VOCs from your immediate surroundings.
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.
The first thing you should do is buy a high-grade air purifier specializing in removing VOCs. You should check to ensure the purifier includes a genuine HEPA filter, as these filters 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 about the white powder on your air purifier’s floor. 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.
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, 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 a HEPA filter accompanies the carbon 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. On the other hand, you could invest in the best air purifier for VOCs and formaldehyde instead.
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)
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