Sectors

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Emissions from Commercial and Consumer Products by Source:

The distribution of solvent use in commercial and consumer products in Canada is shown in the table below (from 2000 Criteria Air Contaminant (CAC) Inventory):

VOC Emissions from Commercial and Consumer Products by Source
Source SectorVOC Emissions (%)
Paints and Coatings26
Consumer Products19
Industrial Non-process19
Windshield Washer Fluid13
Printing9
Commercial/Industrial Cleaning7
Degreasing5
Pesticides2


Future Measures for Commercial and Consumer Products

During consultation with stakeholders in March 2003, the consumer products, architectural coatings, and automobile refinish coatings sectors were identified as areas for potential control measure development. Furthermore, it was proposed that voluntary reduction initiatives be implemented or existing ones improved for industrial sectors that are significant users of VOC containing products. Measures are also proposed to reduce VOC emissions from the use of consumer and commercial products in the Federal House of the Government of Canada.

On March 27, 2004, the Ministers of Environment and Health published a Notice of Intent entitled, "Federal Agenda on the Reduction of Emissions of VOC from Consumer and Commercial Products", in the Canada Gazette Part I. This document outlines a series of measures to be developed and implemented between 2004 and 2010 to reduce emissions of VOC from consumer and commercial products.

Please see the sector links at the left for more information on activities in each of the sectors.