Why VOC Regulations are Important in Canada: What Chemical Buyers Need to Know

How are Regulations Changing? 

In recent years, Canada has prioritized product regulations to fight against toxic emissions that are hurting the environment. One way Canada is achieving this is through VOC regulations Canada has introduced to help reduce toxic emissions. 

In this blog we will go over what VOCs are and how they are harmful to the planet, as well as VOC regulations in Canada. Let’s get started! 

What Does VOC Mean and How Do They Work? 

You may be wondering what exactly VOC stands for. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound.  

These compounds contain at least one carbon atom and can evaporate quite easily under the right circumstances. Out in the sun, they easily react with nitrogen oxides in the environment to form what can be known as ground-level ozone (not to be confused with the earth’s atmospheric layer) which is a part of what leads to the formation of what is known as smog. This is known as a photochemical reaction. 

These reactions can have many negative impacts on human health and the environment. 

Potential Health and Environmental Risks of VOCs 

When there are enough ozone and other pollutants in the atmosphere, the smog that forms has been proven to have detrimental effects on our health and the environment. 

Ground-level ozone can cause respiratory and cardiac symptoms that could potentially lead to death in some individuals. Even in contained spaces VOCs could pose a potential threat in Canada. Depending on the VOC, certain symptoms can appear, such as: 

• Stomach problems 
• Eye irritation 
• Mucous membrane irritation 

Individuals who are already health compromised, pregnant, elderly, and children are at increased risk of these complications.  

The ozone caused by VOCs also has an impact on the environment here in Canada. Some VOCs are even classified as greenhouse gases which are major known contributors to climate change. VOCs also affect irrigation which strains the water supply. Forests, crops, and plants are also notably affected. 

At this point, you may be wondering, what is Canada doing about these issues? Well, Canada has discovered VOCs have become an ever-increasing problem as each province’s advancement has increased the emission of VOCs exponentially. As a result, regulations have been set in place.

VOC Regulations in Canada  

Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, volatile organic compounds are considered toxic because of their contribution to ground-level ozone formation.  

To combat this, regulations have been enacted to lower VOC emissions. Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations published by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in 2022, outlined many products that are regulated based on their VOC concentration, including but not limited to products used for: 

• Personal care  
• Automotive 
• Household 
• Sealant and caulks 
• Adhesive and adhesive removers 

Depending on the product, these regulations outline what their maximum concentration and emissions should be. In addition, there are requirements for record keeping and proper product labeling. There are 130 categories of products that this applies to. 

These regulations apply to Canadian manufacturers and importers but does not apply to products only used in processing or manufacturing.  

There are many chemicals that work within these regulations and ChemFree Canada has the perfect product for you. 

ChemFree Canada has the Product for Your Company! 

ChemFree Canada is here to meet your company’s needs, and we care about the environment just as much as you do. That’s why our goal is to offer safe, environmentally preferred alternatives that accomplish your business goals!  

If your company is looking for a versatile product that meets VOC regulations in Canada, look no further. Our acetone is VOC exempt which means it’s so low in volatile organic compounds that it has negligible effect on the environment. Looking for other alternatives for other solutions, we can help with that too!

Acetone can be used primarily in cleaning but also can be used in the removal of paint, grease, and organic substances. This product is one ChemFree Canada highly recommends! 

Shop for VOC Safe Chemicals Today! 

ChemFree Canada offers a range of additional chemical formulations that are VOC-compliant and meet Canadian regulations. We encourage you to explore our selection to find the best solution for your business needs.

Our team is also available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to request a quote!