VOC TESTING

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s may be found in products such as gasoline, refrigerants, adhesives, and solvents. Many organic compounds are used during construction, but others may be used daily in cleaning fluids, cosmetics, and more. These include the solvents in paints, caulk, and adhesives, as well as the ingredients in hair sprays, carpet cleaners, floor polishes, and pesticides.

Symptoms & Effects VOCs?

The health effects of high concentrations of VOC’s vary from being highly toxic and carcinogenic to having no known effect. The impact of long-term exposure at the levels found in households, however, is less well understood.  High levels of VOC concentration have been linked to respiratory conditions, asthma, and other illnesses. This is particularly a problem for children or people with compromised immune systems.

Some symptoms of short-term (acute) exposures to VOCs include increased risk of eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea / vomiting, dizziness and worsening of asthma symptoms. Symptoms of long-term exposures to VOCs include increased risk of cancer, liver damage, kidney damage and central nervous system damage.

Our team can perform sampling for VOC’s to provide the following:

• Determine if it contains excessive levels of VOCs
• Evaluate the likely sources of excessive VOCs
• Determine if the health of building occupants may be at risk and if professional mitigation is necessary