What are Volatile Organic Compounds?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of organic chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature, emitting gases from various solids and liquids. They contain carbon atoms and can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. VOCs can be emitted from a wide range of sources, including building materials, cleaning products, paints, solvents, fuels, and personal care products.
The most common VOCs can vary depending on the specific location or source. However, some VOCs are more frequently encountered due to their widespread use in consumer products, industrial processes, and building materials. Here are some of the most common VOCs:
- Formaldehyde: A colorless gas with a strong odor, formaldehyde is used in the production of resins, plastics, and adhesives. It can be found in building materials, furniture, and household products.
- Benzene: A clear liquid with a sweet odor, benzene is a component of gasoline and is used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and resins. It can also be found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and some industrial processes.
- Toluene: A colorless liquid with a sweet smell, toluene is commonly used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and gasoline. It is also found in some cleaning products and building materials.
- Xylene: A colorless liquid with a sweet smell, xylene is used as a solvent in printing, rubber, and leather industries. It can also be found in paints, varnishes, and adhesives.
- Styrene: A volatile liquid with a sweet smell, styrene is used in the production of plastics, rubber, and insulation materials. It is found in items such as packaging materials, synthetic carpets, and foam insulation.
- Acetone: A colorless liquid with a fruity odor, acetone is commonly used as a solvent in various products, including paints, adhesives, and nail polish removers.
Impact of VOCs on Indoor Air Quality​
High levels of VOCs in indoor air can lead to several health problems, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, allergic reactions, and even long-term effects on respiratory and neurological systems. In some cases, certain VOCs may have carcinogenic properties, increasing the risk of developing cancer..
A notable challenge with VOCs lies in their ability to persist in indoor environments for extended durations, contributing to chronic exposure. Off-gassing of VOCs can transpire not only during product application but also over time as these compounds are gradually released into the air. Consequently, the effective management of VOCs assumes paramount importance in ensuring a healthy indoor environment.
Efforts to control and diminish VOC levels can be achieved through a series of strategic measures, including:
- Utilizing Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Products: Opt for products with low or no VOC content.
- Ensuring Adequate Ventilation: Implement proper ventilation systems to facilitate fresh air exchange.
- Deploying VOC-Removing Air Filtration Systems: Employ air filtration systems capable of effectively eliminating VOCs.
- Establishing Storage and Handling Protocols: Set guidelines for the safe storage and handling of chemical products to minimize VOC emissions.
- Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor VOC levels to pinpoint sources and trends, enabling timely interventions.
TSI AirAssure™ IAQ Monitors provide continuous monitoring of Total Organic Volatile Compounds (tVOCs) and other relevant IAQ parameters including CO, CO2, particulate matter, barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity. In addition, you can also view and analyze IAQ data within TSI Link™ Solutions, the cloud-based software that provides real-time measurements, insights and guidance – all in one place.
If you are looking for spot checks, the TSI Q-Trak™ XP Indoor Air Quality Monitor can be the right fit as it is a handheld instrument measuring many IAQ parameters including tVOCs and is mostly used by professionals for air quality assessment in the field.
Understanding the sources and risks associated with VOCs and implementing strategies to minimize their presence is vital for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. By addressing VOC emissions, facility managers and building owners can create a safer and more comfortable space for employees, promoting their well-being and productivity.
What Are Safe Levels of VOCs?
It is always a good practice to limit exposure to products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Safe levels of VOCs can vary depending on the guidelines and standards set by different organizations. Here are some commonly referenced safe levels for these specific VOCs:
- Formaldehyde:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping formaldehyde levels below 0.1 parts per million (ppm) in indoor air to minimize health risks.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a permissible exposure limit of 0.75 ppm for formaldehyde in the workplace as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
- Benzene:
- The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests a threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.5 ppm for benzene as an 8-hour time-weighted average exposure in the workplace.
- Toluene:
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established a recommended exposure limit of 100 parts per million (ppm) for toluene in workplace air for up to 10 hours per day during a 40-hour workweek.
- Xylene:
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a recommended exposure limit of 100 parts per million (ppm) for mixed xylenes in workplace air during an 8-hour workday.
- Styrene:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a permissible exposure limit of 50 ppm for styrene as an 8-hour time-weighted average in the workplace.
- Acetone:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a permissible exposure limit of 1,000 ppm for acetone in workplace air as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
As for total VOCs (tVOCs), guidelines for specific safe levels may vary. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests keeping tVOC levels as low as possible, typically below 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for good indoor air quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a guideline value of 0.3 mg/m³ (milligrams per cubic meter) for total VOCs in indoor air.
It's important to consult specific guidelines provided by relevant regulatory agencies and organizations in your country or region, as these values can differ. Additionally, sensitive individuals may experience symptoms at lower VOC levels, even if they fall within the recommended thresholds.
In conclusion, the regular monitoring of indoor air quality and the implementation of strategies aimed at minimizing VOC emissions and exposure are pivotal steps in preserving a safe and healthful indoor environment. By addressing VOC emissions, facility managers and building owners can foster a safer, more comfortable space for employees, thereby enhancing their well-being and productivity.
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Resources:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/technical-overview-volatile-organic-compounds#measurement
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
https://www.osha.gov/
https://iaqscience.lbl.gov/volatile-organic-compounds-topics