VOC Testing
What are toxic VOCs?
Indoor VOCs or volatile organic compounds are hazardous gases found in residential and commercial environments. These gasses include benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, which at elevated levels are classified as a health hazard.
What causes toxic VOCs?
VOCs are often the result of something called off gassing. Many items through your environment may be off gassing toxic gas into the air. The most common source of VOCs is building materials like plywood, particle board, paints, caulking agents and foam insulation, but VOCs can also be the result of chemical such as solvents and glues. VOCs can off gas from these materials ranging from 6 months to 20 years depending on the source.
What are the Health effects of toxic VOCs?
VOCs can cause serious health effects in both the short and long term. The risk of health effects from inhaling any chemical depends on how much is in the air, how long and how often a person breathes it in. Breathing in any level of VOCs for long or short periods of time may increase your risk of health problems. It is important to remember that VOCs refer to a group of chemicals. Each chemical has its own toxicity and potential for causing adverse health effects.
Common symptoms of exposure to HIGH levels of VOCs include:
Short-Term Exposure
- Eye, nose & throat Irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Asthma symptoms
Chronic Exposure
- Cancer
- Liver & kidney damage
- Central nervous system damage
Residential Testing
Despite your best efforts to keep and maintain the cleanliness of your home, you may still become sick from indoor VOC toxins. Regularly testing for VOCs in the air can lower your environmental risk factors, helping to avoid serious future medical issues. The average American spends most of their time indoors, where it is not uncommon to see the concentration of toxic VOCs exceeding 2-5 times the levels outside. Regulating the quality of the air through testing can help reduce the risk of adverse reactions to airborne toxins. Learning what toxins are in the air may be essential to your overall health.
Commercial Testing
Mold Test Company uses Sample Analysis and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry testing to determine the presence of harmful toxins in commercial spaces. Millions of man hours a year are lost to illness and regulatory issues connected to air quality problems, we offer VOC sampling and analysis options to address your indoor air concerns, increase productivity, lower health care costs, and add to your bottom line for you and your staff. We can create a proactive Indoor Air Quality plan, to provide a level of defense against anyone questioning your commitment to health and safety. Our Commercial Clients who are proactive in the prevention of possible environmental issues have far lower exposure to liability than those who only address issues when they cause harm, real or perceived.
They were very professional with a quick response time. I felt well taken care of.
~Frances J
Mold Test Company has mold inspectors throughout the United States. Ready to service your environment.
