Federal, state, and local regulations often limit the quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted from a variety of sources, including industrial facilities, groundwater remediation sites (air stripper or soil vapor extraction off-gas), and landfills.  Examples of compounds that have to be removed include benzene, halogenated solvents (TCE, vinyl chloride), and siloxanes.  Treatment of these various vapor sources to reduce the VOC emissions is often required to comply with regulations.

While some VOCs cause no known health effects, others are known to be highly toxic. Their effects vary and are dependent upon several factors including most notably, length of time and level of exposure.  Common symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include eye, nose and throat irration,  nausea/vomiting, allergic skin irritation, dizziness and visual disorders.  Extended exposure in the long-term can result in more serious conditions such as cancer, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system and loss of coordination.

Numerous technologies exist to perform VOC reduction in vapor streams; one of the most common methods is through the employment of granular activated carbon (GAC) in fixed bed adsorber vessels.  Many VOCs readily adsorb onto GAC, and the spent GAC can often be sent for thermal reactivation as an effective, environmentally friendly means of disposal.  

VOC Control Technologies for Your Odor and Vapor Control Applications

Activated Carbon Adsorption