Halifax Indoor Air Quality Study (2009): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Data Summary

A residential indoor air quality study was conducted by Health Canada in 2009 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A range of air parameters typically found in and around residences was measured for seven consecutive 24-hour periods in 50 homes during the winter and summer seasons, with 42 homes participating in both seasons. Among the different pollutants measured, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected using Summa canisters. The sample canisters were analyzed for 193 polar and non-polar VOCs.

This report presents a summary of the 24-hour VOC statistics (per season) obtained as part of this study and is intended to provide relevant Canadian information on exposure to VOCs found indoors and outdoors within non-smoking residences. The report does not provide any interpretation or detailed analysis of the data or trends (e.g., comparing seasons, indoor/outdoor concentrations).