The inclusion of VOCs monitoring in national ambient air quality monitoring & control plans shall mark a step forward to a more comprehensive view of air quality, addressing not only traditional pollutants but also emerging focus on secondary air pollutants formed by VOCs because in presence of NOx in day light by atmospheric chemical reaction VOCs not only produce ozone but significantly Organic Aerosol (OA) contributing to fine particulate matter PM2.5 more than 20% . Therefore, reflects urgent need to include VOCs in National policy & framework of NCAP & Clean Air Initiative. India’s current regulatory framework addresses VOCs piecemeal restricted only to BTX , mainly within specific industrial contexts, but lacks a holistic or ambient-level emission regulation and dedicated monitoring network. The country needs:
A national framework, like the US EPA’s VOC Rule or EU VOC Directive. USA monitoring VOCs under PAMs Program, where 61 VOC species are identified by US EPA and being monitored online using Air Server coupled with TD-GC-MS based technology to fill the gap in earlier common air pollutants monitoring network to incorporate in National strategy to for their clean air action plan.
BIS has recently provided Active & Passive monitoring options for the VOCs methods in India to be adopted by the stakeholders (Regulators like CPCB,SPCBs, AQC, NCAP, Clean Air Campaign, R & D Institutions, NEERI, IITs and Govt/Pvt. Environmental Laboratories & Researchers)
Dr. Sushil K. Tyagi
Ex additional Director,CPCB
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