VOC Testing

The term VOC stands for “volatile organic compounds.” These gases are released from numerous products and building materials through a process called off-gassing. VOCs are an often-overlooked aspect of indoor air quality and may be responsible for a wide variety of adverse health effects. Here is a short list of some of the common chemical contaminants found in occupied buildings:

Benzenes
Xylenes
Formaldehyde
Methylene chloride
Perchloroethylene
Chlorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons

Because the term VOC is a general category of chemicals that may be produced during the off-gassing of building materials, determining the exact health effects of high VOC levels is impossible. Below is a list of some of the general symptoms that clients who are suffering from high VOC levels have reported:

Nausea
Lethargy
Itchy eyes
Respiratory irritation
Stuffy nose
Frequent respiratory infections