Volatile Organic Compound Emissions

In 2010, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions increased to 1814 kt, representing a 76 kt (4%) increase from 2009 emission levels. The recent increase in VOC emissions originates mainly in the oil and gas industry.

The level of VOC emissions in 2010 was 648 kt (26%) lower than in 1990. The decline in VOC emissions is mainly attributable to three factors: a reduction in emissions from transportation, given the progressive introduction of cleaner technology and fuels for vehicles; a reduction in emissions from electricity generation as a result of regulation and domestic/international agreements; and a reduction in emissions from lower levels of VOC in products such as paints, solvents and cleaners.

Volatile organic compound emissions, Canada, 1990 to 2010

Note: Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Sources of volatile organic compound emissions

Among sources, the oil and gas industry emitted the highest proportion of VOC, representing 32% (583 kt) of national emissions. Other important sources of VOC emissions included the use of paints and solvents, representing 18% (331 kt) of national emissions; and off-road vehicles, representing 15% (266 kt) of national emissions.

Volatile organic compound emissions by source, Canada, 2010

Note: Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Volatile organic compound emissions by province and territory

Alberta emitted the highest proportion of VOC in 2010, representing 28% (512 kt) of national emissions (national emissions = 1813 kt). The main sources of VOC in this province were in the upstream petroleum industry. Ontario was responsible for 23% (409 kt) of national emissions, with transportation and general solvent use as the most important sources. Quebec was third, with 17% (313 kt) of national emissions, where transportation, home firewood burning and general solvent use accounted for more than 75% of the emissions in the province.

Volatile organic compound emissions by province and territory, Canada, 2010

Note: Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Volatile organic compound emissions from industrial facilities

Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) provides detailed information on air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities. The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program provides access to this information through an online interactive map.

With the CESI interactive map, you can drill down to local areas and obtain details on VOC emissions specific to reporting industrial facilities.

Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Facility Reported Data.

Related indicators

• National Air Pollutant Emissions