Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are substances that can photochemically react in the atmosphere. In addition, VOCs are precursors to the formation of secondary particulate matter and ground-level ozone.

There are many industrial and commercial sources of VOCs, such as loading and unloading of petroleum products, petroleum spills, process venting, spill remediation, flaring of untreated natural gas, evaporative losses from storage tanks, painting and stripping activities, degreasing activities, burning fuel (e.g., oil, wood, coal, and natural gas), solvents, wood preservatives, and stored fuels.

Source: Environment Canada