The Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is working to protect public health by formulating air quality guideline values for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are pollutants from vehicles and other sources in the Philippines. These compounds, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), are released from fuel combustion and evaporation. High vehicle emissions in urban areas are a major source of VOCs, which contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone and particles that damage both human health and the environment.

VOC emissions from vehicles are worsened by the country’s climate, which speeds up chemical reactions that create smog and increase ground-level ozone. This is especially harmful in crowded areas, where exposure to VOCs is linked to respiratory problems, heart diseases, and cancer. VOCs also reduce air quality, visibility, and can harm ecosystems and agriculture. It’s important to understand how VOCs contribute to the formation of harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone and identify their main sources. This will help create the new air quality index, including harmful VOCs.

To tackle these concerns, the DENR-EMB, in collaboration with University of the Philippines- Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and the EANET VOC Project, is working as part of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET). This is an intergovernmental effort focused on addressing acid deposition and air pollution in East Asia, specifically monitoring the main sources of harmful VOCs in the Philippines.

The results of VOC monitoring and analysis will be carefully reviewed and discussed with stakeholders to formulate ambient air quality guidelines. The DENR-EMB is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment through proactive measures and working together with stakeholders.