I have a range hood. I haven't compared the VOCs when using it or not, but I can tell you they are rather high even with it.

Does the hood vent outside? Or does it throw air right above your face? I think we are supposed to change the filter in a range hood every so often but I’ve never done that even once in my life nor do I know anyone who has…

I didn’t think of it until one time I was in the kitchen of a restaurant. Those are real hoods with a really good suction capacity.

It vents outside.

Is it a recirculating hood or does it vent outside, and do you have a gas range/oven?

Gas and it vents outside.

Airflow is hard, but any combination of fan isn't powerful enough, too far away, or a strong cross-current (from A/C, say) will prevent the hood from moving enough waste outside