VOC's & Air Quality

 

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals in the air that result from transport and industrial emissions, including solvents, but also from natural emissions from plants and trees.  Natural VOC emissions are substantially greater than from man-made sources.  Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are emitted from motor vehicles and power stations.  In most of Europe, it is NOx that determines the amount of ground level ozone. 

Ground level ozone (not to be confused with stratospheric ozone in the upper atmosphere) is formed when NOx and VOCs react in the presence of sunlight to form ozone, too much of which can be harmful to human health and to crops. Temporary peaks of ozone occur mainly in summer and in certain parts of Europe only.

 

Between 1990 and 2000, VOCs in Europe have been reduced by 30%.  Industrial VOC emissions have been reduced by 47% on average in 10 years. 

Nevertheless, reducing man-made VOCs only slightly reduces ozone in Europe because of the large amounts of natural VOCs.  It is therefore more efficient to reduce NOx in order to reduce ground level ozone.  The solvents industry has significantly reduced its emissions and continues to contribute to the improved air quality in Europe.

 

QUICK LINKS