Laboratory testing of off‑gassing helps determine whether a product releases gases or vapours that could affect user safety, indoor air quality, or regulatory compliance. LCS Laboratory Inc. performs these evaluations using analytical methods designed to detect very small amounts of hazardous airborne chemicals from consumer goods, building materials, and electronic devices. The goal is to give safety teams reliable data they can act on.
Why Off‑Gassing Data Matters in Product Safety
Many materials slowly release chemicals as they age, heat up, or undergo normal use. Even low‑level emissions can create noticeable odours, trigger customer complaints, or raise questions during regulatory reviews. Substances of concern often include:
- Formaldehyde — common in resins, coatings, and composite materials; associated with respiratory irritation.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — emitted by adhesives, plastics, paints, and electronics; contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Isocyanates — released from polyurethane foams and coatings; known for sensitization risks.
- Ammonia — present in some cleaners, textiles, and manufacturing residues; can cause strong odours and irritation.
- Hydrogen Peroxide — used in sterilization and surface treatments; requires monitoring when residual release is possible.
For product‑safety managers, understanding emission rates helps determine whether a smell complaint is harmless or a sign of a chemical hazard, and whether a product meets internal and external safety expectations.
How LCS Laboratory Performs Emission Testing
Our laboratory measures trace‑level emissions using controlled environmental chambers and validated analytical methods. Testing follows established procedures from NIOSH, EPA, ASTM, and ISO, ensuring that results are defensible and suitable for regulatory submissions or internal risk assessments.
Typical outputs include:
- Quantitative emission rates for specific chemicals
- Identification of unexpected or unknown off‑gassing compounds
- Comparison against regulatory thresholds or internal company limits
- Data to support root‑cause investigations for odour or irritation complaints
This approach provides a clear picture of what a product releases and under what conditions.
Custom Testing for Real‑World Scenarios
Standard methods do not always match how a product is used or stored. LCS Laboratory can adjust test conditions—temperature, humidity, air‑exchange rate, sample preparation—or design a custom protocol when needed. This is useful when:
- A product emits odours only under certain conditions
- A retailer or regulator requests additional documentation
- A manufacturer needs data for a new material or formulation
- Quality‑control teams want routine monitoring of emissions
The goal is to generate data that reflects real‑world performance, not just laboratory theory.
Working With LCS Laboratory
Product‑safety teams rely on clear, defensible data when evaluating customer complaints, validating new materials, or preparing regulatory submissions. LCS Laboratory provides the analytical support needed to make those decisions with confidence.
To discuss a project, request guidance, or obtain shipping instructions, contact LCS Laboratory. ©
