Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are pervasive air pollutants and are associated with negative health effects. While the exact definition of VOC tends to vary, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that VOCs have boiling points of less than 250° C at standard pressure (1 atm, 101.3 kPa), with further subdivisions. While in some industries disagreements may arise over classification, in general any organic molecule that evaporates or sublimates into the air at applicable temperature and pressure can be considered a VOC. Note that applicable temperatures and pressures will vary based on environmental conditions and processes. The term VOC is typically associated with common solvents and other raw materials used in the coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers industry. VOC build-up in indoor air is a general problem of wide-spread interest because of the potential for negative health effects and discomfort. Some common VOCs, including benzene and formaldehyde, are classified as carcinogenic to humans. VOCs are prevalent in buildings, homes and cars and pollute indoor spaces via off-gassing from various materials, outdoor air pollution entering residential and occupational spaces (car emissions, engineering activities, geological activity, etc.) and various indoor activities (cooking, use of cleaning agents, etc.). VOC reduction is of great public interest as it will improve health and environmental conditions. VOC reduction in operating rooms (ORs) is of particular importance because ORs are regularly contaminated with VOCs during essential surgical procedures. For example, electrosurgical procedures produce smoke plumes that contain a variety of substances including water vapor, various particulate matter including viruses, bacteria and tissue particles, and a broad range of VOCs with more than 80 being identified. Efforts aimed at removing surgical smoke hazards in ORs must include mitigating the buildup of VOCs in order to protect both staff and patients from breathing high quantities of toxic chemicals. Note that ASHRAE 170 indicates minimum ventilation requirements for healthcare facilities (currently 20 ACH and positive pressure). This specification is not necessarily adequate in all situations and does not measure a specific outcome in regards to contamination levels. VOCs in hospitals are not limited to the OR. Thomas et al measured more than 40 VOCs in various locations of a teaching hospital including the reception area. The risk of exposure to VOCs in the OR merits investigating and demonstrating practical processes for their reduction in nosocomial environments.