Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) In Consumer Products

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are precursor pollutants contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone and PM2.5 in the atmosphere. Both ozone and PM2.5 cause significant adverse health effects at ambient levels currently experienced in Canada and lower limits cannot, as yet, be established below which such effects are not observed.

In June, 2000, the federal, provincial and territorial governments, except Quebec, signed the Canada-wide Standards (CWSs) for Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone to be met by year 2010. One of the federal commitments is to develop a plan to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from consumer and commercial products. The CEN was invited to oversee the selection of three ENGO delegates to the multi-stakeholder consultation that took place March 20–21.

VOCs - Updating Codes of Practice