Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, refer to a broad class of over 10,000 chemical compounds that can potentially pollute your indoor air. These compounds are commonly emitted by building materials, cleaning substances, and personal care items. Even the fragrances in air fresheners and perfumes are categorized as VOCs. Although these compounds are labeled as “organic,” it’s crucial to understand that they are not necessarily harmless. Some VOCs, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and methylene chloride, are recognized carcinogens or cancer-causing substances. The impact of VOCs on health hinges on the specific type of VOC, its concentration, exposure duration, and any existing chemical sensitivities of those exposed.
When should I consider VOC testing?
VOC testing is often conducted following renovation projects. Building materials, furnishings, and finishes often contain VOCs that can lead to elevated concentrations in your indoor air. Paint, spray foam insulation, floor finishes, carpeting, new furniture, and cabinetry can all release a high concentration of VOCs. Unfortunately, your sense of smell is not a reliable indicator of VOC levels.
Expectant parents often undertake activities like painting a room, buying new furniture, and installing new carpets, which can add VOCs to the nursery. Air quality testing for VOCs is common in such homes because pregnant women and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to chemicals, especially endocrine disruptors.
Offices might require VOC testing after setting up a 3D printer. Industrial facilities may consider testing after altering their formulation or to assess the migration of VOCs from the manufacturing section into the office spaces. Schools often request VOC testing following a summer floor refinishing project that leaves lingering fumes in the air.
How is the testing conducted?
There are multiple voc testing methods, each varying in detail and cost. One such method involves using a photoionization detector (PID) as a screening tool to estimate the total VOC levels. This method offers immediate results, can log and graph data over time, allows quick and easy comparison of multiple rooms, and does not necessitate laboratory analysis. However, PIDs do not identify individual VOCs, are blind to formaldehyde and methane, and their results can only be considered approximations.
For more detailed VOC testing, an air sample must be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Here, the sample might be analyzed via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which can identify individual VOCs and their concentrations, albeit at a higher cost.
What happens if a problem is detected?
While other voc testing services might be adept at collecting samples for VOC testing, they often struggle with interpreting the results. We, on the other hand, compare your results to exposure guidelines from organizations like OSHA and EPA, and based on our extensive experience with air testing, we can inform you if the results are normal for your type of space.
We can also help identify the source of a specific VOC that shows up high in your results and work with you to scrutinize ingredient lists and safety data sheets to pinpoint the exact VOC source. Furthermore, we provide practical solutions to rectify VOC issues without trying to sell you any products. Our recommendations may include products to enhance ventilation, such as an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or a gas-phase air cleaner using activated carbon and other sorbent media. We might also advise you to use low-VOC cleaning and personal care products to control the source of VOCs.
What does VOC testing cost?
Interested in VOC testing and wondering about the cost? Get in touch with us today by calling 04 3215505 or completing our ‘Get a Quote’ form. We’re eager to assist you in improving your air quality!
The cost of VOC testing varies depending on your needs. If you simply need a basic screening of total VOCs without identifying the individual chemicals, the cost will be different from a detailed laboratory analysis that provides an in-depth characterization of your indoor air quality.
After a brief conversation over the phone, we can suggest a plan that fits both your budget and requirements. Whether you need a quick assessment or a comprehensive analysis, we’re here to provide a service that suits your needs. Reach out to us now and let’s start the journey towards better air quality together!