Total Volatile Organic Componds (TVOC)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) refer to organic compounds which easily become vapour or gas, emitted from a wide variety of everyday building materials and products. These include solvent-based paints, air sprays, scent products, adhesives, insulation and more.

VOC concentration tends to be ten times higher indoors than outdoors and can present some short and long-term health issues. Past the level commonly brought to the home by building materials, additional VOC is commonly introduced into the home through newly-bought furniture and linens, office equipment, along with aerosol sprays, chemical cleaners and disinfectants, and various paints and solvents.

Some VOCs have little effect on people, but others are highly toxic and can cause problems through prolonged exposure.

This is the acceptable level of VOC indoors. You should not expect short-term effects, such as irritation or discomfort.

Short term exposure can result in headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation of the respiratory tract and the eyes. It’s important to identify the sources of VOCs and eliminate them. Check new cleaning items or furniture in the house that could cause the VOC levels to go up.

Long-term exposure (months to years) to high levels of VOC can liver damage, kidney damage, and cancer. Usually this level of damage will occur through prolonged chronic exposure to high levels of VOC. Eliminating the source of VOC must be done.

SOURCE: WHO, BERKELY LAB

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