Author Description

In response to an identified need for the development of an ambient volatile organic compound (VOC) guideline in Alberta, this report presents the results of an investigation of the approaches that could be considered during the process of developing a total VOC guideline. The report first reviews the sources of VOC emissions in the province & Canada, the levels of VOCs measured at air quality monitoring stations in Alberta since 1990, and the exposure to VOCs in indoor environments. It then reviews the health effects of VOCs (carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic, odour) and environmental effects (ozone formation capacity, VOC content in particulate matter). Finally, approaches to VOC guidelines are discussed with reference to ambient air quality guidelines and indoor air quality guidelines in Canada & other jurisdictions. VOC levels found in some of those guidelines are tabulated in the appendix.