Glossary · Health & indoor air
VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
Also called: VOC · volatile organic compound · low-VOC · off-gassing
Chemicals that evaporate into the air from paints, glues, cleaning products, new furniture, flooring and some building materials.
What it means
Formaldehyde is one of the best-known VOCs and has its own Health Canada guideline. Levels are highest after renovations or when new materials go in, and in tight homes with too little ventilation. Choosing low-emission products, ventilating well during and after projects, and storing fuels and solvents outside the house reduce exposure.
Why it matters in an audit
Insulation, sealants and renovation products can release VOCs, so ventilation planning belongs in any upgrade plan.
Typical numbers
Reference values with their sources. Your energy advisor’s report gives the figure for your own house.
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Health Canada formaldehyde guideline | 123 µg/m³ (100 ppb) averaged over 1 hour; 50 µg/m³ (40 ppb) over 8 hours | canada.ca ↗ |
In Canada
Health Canada notes most air cleaners remove particles, not gases, so they're not a full answer for VOCs; ventilation is.