Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Indoor Air. When we detect the smell of food, perfume, or sewage, we are sensing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs encompass a wide range of carbon-based gases and solvents with boiling points ranging from 25°C to 250°C. In residential and office environments, VOCs primarily originate from four key sources:
- Off-gassing from new construction materials: drywalls, carpets, paint, thinners, laminate, furniture, adhesives, and more.
- Household chemicals: cleaning supplies, air fresheners, perfumes, inks, detergents, and similar products.
- Food and beverages.
- Mould growth.
TVOC Testing with LCS Laboratory
LCS Laboratory provides a convenient sampling kit to measure Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) in residential air. The term “Total” reflects that the analysis quantifies the cumulative concentration of all VOCs present without distinguishing individual compounds.
What’s Included in the Sampling Kit?
Our TVOC sampling kit enables precise and sensitive detection of VOC concentrations in indoor air. The kit contains:
- Several VOC dosimeters.
- Detailed sampling instructions.
- Prepaid laboratory analysis.
To conduct the test, simply open the dosimeters and place them in various rooms for a 48-hour period. Once the sampling is complete, return the dosimeters to our laboratory for analysis.
Understanding TVOC Levels
How much TVOC is too much? Below are reference levels based on established studies and guidelines:
- <0.2 mg/m³: No irritation or discomfort is experienced. (Reference: Mølhave L. 1991. Volatile organic compounds, indoor air quality, and health. Indoor Air 1(4):357–376.)
- 0.2–0.3 mg/m³: Typical VOC concentration found in hospitals and laboratory buildings. (Reference: McLeod V. 2011. Breathing easy: keeping tabs on indoor air quality. ALN Magazine, May/June 2011.)
- <0.5 mg/m³: Recommended maximum concentration for new buildings, aligning with LEED guidelines. (References: McLeod V. 2011; LEED 2010. Building Design & Construction. LEED Rating System Draft, November 2010.)
Interpreting Your Lab Results
The laboratory report provides a clear breakdown of TVOC concentrations:
- <0.05 mg/m³: Comfortably within safe levels.
- 0.05–0.30 mg/m³: VOCs are present but unlikely to cause discomfort.
- 0.3–0.5 mg/m³: VOC levels are typical for new buildings; odours may be detectable.
- >0.5 mg/m³: VOC concentration exceeds recommended levels. Identifying and eliminating the source of contamination is advised.
Cost of Testing
The typical cost of TVOC testing ranges from $200 to $300. To receive an instant quote and to order the Testing Kit with Prepaid Laboratory Analysis, please follow the link below.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need shipping instructions, visit our Contact Us page. For pricing details, download our laboratory price list. Request forms are also available for download here.
Stay informed about your indoor air quality with LCS Laboratory, where science meets everyday living.
