Indoor air quality is a growing concern for homeowners, especially when unexplained odours linger in the home. While many household smells can be cleared with proper ventilation, persistent or recurring odours may signal the presence of harmful airborne chemicals—known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These vapours can originate from numerous everyday sources:
- Cleaning agents and detergents
- Perfumes and air fresheners
- Off-gassing from carpets, furniture, and flooring
- Solvents used during recent renovations
- Cooking byproducts
- Environmental pollutants seeping in from outside
When fresh air isn’t enough to eliminate a persistent smell—or when you’re unsure if what you’re breathing is safe—professional testing can help you understand what’s in the air and what steps to take next.
Introducing Our New Residential Air Quality Test
LCS Laboratory is proud to announce a new service designed for homeowners and air quality consultants: Identification of Organic Vapours and Solvents in Residential Air.
This laboratory-based test identifies and quantifies the VOCs and residual solvents present in your indoor environment. Whether you’re investigating an unknown odour, assessing exposure risks, or looking for peace of mind, our analysis provides clear, reliable answers.
How the Test Works
Our sampling method is based on proven industry standards including NIOSH 4000, OSHA 1014, and OSHA 1007. The test uses TraceAir-II diffusive air samplers, which are simple, portable, and require no training to use. You simply place the sampler in the affected area of your home for 1 to 2 weeks, allowing it to passively collect airborne contaminants.
Once returned to our laboratory, the collected sample is analyzed using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This advanced technique allows us to identify and measure a wide range of solvents and organic vapours—often down to levels as low as 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
Your final report includes:
- A list of detected VOCs and solvents
- Their measured concentrations
- Comparison to existing health and exposure guidelines (where applicable)
- Interpretation support for consultants and concerned homeowners
Why Choose LCS Laboratory?
This testing service is unique to LCS Laboratory—you won’t find it offered anywhere else. Our combination of expert staff, high-end instrumentation, and precise methodology ensures top-quality results you can trust.
Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with unexplained odours or an air quality consultant looking to expand your services, we’re here to help you identify potential indoor air hazards.
Partner with LCS Laboratory Today
If you’re concerned about VOCs in your home or need help identifying the source of unusual smells, turn to LCS Laboratory for reliable, professional testing.
