VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), are emitted as gases from solid or liquid chemicals with high vapor pressure and low water solubility at ordinary room temperature. VOCs are typically divided in categories, such as aromatics, aldehydes or hydrocarbons.

Many industrial processes such as production of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, dry cleaning agents, industrial solvents, and fuel oxygenates, produce huge amounts of VOCs, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and trichloroethylene (TCE).

Adsorption with activated carbon filters, with a well-developed porous structure and a large surface area, has proven to be a very effective method of removal of VOCs.