Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)/VOCs
Organic chemical compounds are everywhere in both indoor and outdoor environments because they have become essential ingredients in many products and materials.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
Although permissible exposure levels (PEL) have not been established in the United States regarding Total VOC levels, LEED (Leadership in Energy ands Environmental Design, USGBC) has developed a new industrial standard for Green Buildings of total VOC < 500 ng/l. Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and can damage the central nervous system as well as other organs. Some VOCs can cause cancer. Not all VOCs have all these health effects, though many have several.
When sampling for VOCs air is drawn into a sampling media provided by the laboratory over a period of time, typically 8 hours but usually no more than 24 hours. This sample is then sent to the lab to determine the type and concentration of VOCs present at the time of sampling. These results will provide information as to what sources may be contributing to any VOCs and how to remedy them.
Reach out to us to learn more about Indoor Air Quality and why it is vital to maintain healthy air environments for occupants, both commercial and residential.