Toxic substances list: volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds containing one or more carbon atoms that evaporate readily into the atmosphere. They do not include photo-chemically non-reactive compounds such as methane, ethane and the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The official VOC definition can be found in the publication of the Canada Gazette, Part II of July 2, 2003. It was updated in 2016 and can be found in the publication of the Canada Gazette, Part II of June 15, 2016.

There is more than one CAS number that applies to this group of substances.

Risk assessment

• Order adding toxic substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (July 2, 2003)
• Order amending Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (June 15, 2016)
• CEPA1999 Schedule 1 – List of toxic substances
• Toxic substances management policy

Sources

This substance is entering the environment from the following sources:

• Cleaner vehicles, engines and fuels
• Consumer and commercial products

Risk management strategy

• Canadian ambient air quality standards
• Air quality management system
• Federal agenda for the reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds from consumer and commercial products

Risk management tools

• Volatile organic compound concentration limits for certain products regulations
  
• Volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration limits for architectural coatings regulations
• Volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration limits for automotive refinishing products regulations
• On-road vehicle and engine emission regulations
• Off-road small spark-ignition engine emission regulations
• New source emission guidelines for thermal electricity generation
• Reduction in the release of volatile organic compounds regulations (petroleum sector)
• Code of practice for the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from cutback and emulsified asphalt

Other Information

• Air pollution
• Air pollutant emissions inventory
• National pollutant release inventory
• Volatile organic compounds in consumer and commercial products

Contact

Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999  (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca


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