What is a Volatile Organic Compound?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are harmful chemicals found in many household products, or building materials that off gas or evaporate easily at room temperature. The term "organic" indicates that the compound contains carbon excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participate in an atmospheric photochemical reaction. If exposed VOC’s can diminish your quality of air, as well as be detrimental to your health.

Volatile Organic compounds or VOC's are commonly found in hundreds of thousands of household products such as: carpeting, paints, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, adhesives, furniture, cosmetic products, disinfectants, degreasers, aerosol sprays, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, automotive products, dry-cleaned clothing, bedding and linens, etc…

VOC levels will vary depending on:
·              The rate at which the VOC is off-gassed
·              The volume of air in the home or business
·              The building ventilation rate
·              Temperature and humidity
·              Time spent in the potentially effected environment

What are the possible health effects of VOC's?

Some of the possible health problems related to VOC exposure can include: eye, nose & throat irritation, headaches & nausea, skin irritation, as well as risk of central nervous system damage due to long term exposure.

What types of VOC prevention methods are there?

A majority of products, which contain volatile organic compounds, tend to off gas within minutes of removal from the packaging. This applies to paint cans, furniture or bedding that is wrapped in plastic, as well as new construction pressed woods, aerosols, and newly purchased plastic products. The best way of reducing VOC exposure is to completely eliminate products, which contain formaldehyde, benzene, ethylene glycol, methylene, and chloride. You can also look for companies which offer "Low Voc", "Non Voc", & "No Voc" type products.

 
How can I reduce my exposure to VOC's within my home or business?

Some steps you can take to reduce possible exposure to VOC's in the home are:

• Choose companies that offer "Low Voc or No Voc" products.
• Allow an  "off gassing time" in which all new products that are removed from the packaging can "air out"
• Climate control: VOC's are likely to off gas more with higher temperatures or humidity. Turn your thermostat up, and open a window or door when allowing a product to "off gas"
• Make sure there is ample ventilation within your home or business
• Use air filtration systems to raise the quality of air within your residence.
  
  

  
How can I test the levels of VOC's that are in my home?

You can test the VOC levels within your home using a VOC Test Kit, which measures the quality of air within a home or residence. Currently there are only a few VOC Test Kits available to measure total amount of volatile organic compound levels. The most popular type of VOC test kit is a formaldehyde air testing kit. The formaldehyde test kit offers a general idea of the VOC levels within the room being tested; however it is always a good idea to consult a professional if you have concerns regarding VOC's and your personal health.

Formaldehyde, one of the best-known VOCs, is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured.

Portable VOC Badge

The 3M Formaldehyde Monitor uses the proven scientific prinicple of diffusion, which is the gradual mixing of molecules of two or more substances. It monitors personnel or work areas in health care, laboratories and in the chemical, pulp/paper, foundry and textile industries. Analysis procedure is available upon request. The monitor uses a bisulfite-impregnated filter and is analyzed by colorimetry. The voc badge can be used for an 8 hour TWA sampling to meet the OSHA requirement of +-25% accuracy at 0.5-5.0ppm.

VOC Air Purifier

• BioGS® HEPA filter technology
• Washable Filters
• Germicidal Sterilization System
  
• Zero ozone emissions

Formahdehyde Test