What is VOC? What are the acceptable VOC levels in the buildings?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases released from common products like building materials, maintenance equipment, and cleaning supplies. These compounds can affect indoor air quality and pose health risks. The term “TVOC” (total volatile organic compounds) is used to quantify the total concentration of these pollutants in a given space. Here are some guidelines for acceptable TVOC levels:
In most guidelines, a TVOC concentration of less than 0.5 mg/m³ is considered acceptable, and any individual compound should not exceed 250 µg/m³. The LEED standard for green buildings recommends a TVOC level of under 500 ng/L as acceptable, with levels above 3000 ng/L deemed hazardous. However, there is less agreement on the risks associated with levels between 500 and 3000 ng/L.
Here’s a simplified chart for TVOC levels:
Safe Levels: 0.3-0.5 mg/m³
Potentially Dangerous Levels: 0.5-1 mg/m³
Highly Dangerous Levels: 1-3 mg/m³
Maintaining healthy indoor air quality involves reducing exposure to VOCs and ensuring proper ventilation. If you’re concerned about TVOC levels in your building, consider using air quality monitors to track and manage them.
Are All VOCs Harmful?
Most compounds aren’t immediately toxic, but some can cause serious health complications with prolonged exposure. For instance, formaldehyde and benzene are present in glues, paints, cigarettes, vehicle emissions, appliances, cleaning products, furniture, carpeting, and personal care products.
What Are the Health Effects of VOCs?
Be aware of symptoms such as:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches and nausea
- Loss of coordination
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Allergic skin reactions
These signs suggest exposure to VOCs, and recognizing them can help identify their presence. Prolonged or high-dose exposure to volatile organic compounds can be detrimental to health, potentially causing damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system, and increasing the risk of cancer.
What are the actionable methods to protect against VOCs?
Here are some effective methods to protect against VOCs:
- Ventilation: Ensure indoor spaces are well-ventilated to reduce VOC buildup.
- Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with activated carbon filters to capture VOCs.
- Limit Indoor Sources: Minimize the use of indoor sources of VOCs, such as paints, solvents, and cleaning products.
- Choose Low-VOC Products: Whenever possible, opt for products labelled as low-VOC or VOC-free.
- Sealants: Apply sealants to surfaces treated with VOC-containing products to prevent off-gassing.
- Monitor Indoor Air Quality: Regularly monitor indoor air quality to detect and manage VOC levels.
- Natural Alternatives: Use natural cleaning and personal care products to reduce VOC exposure.
- Proper Storage: Store paints, fuels, and other VOC-emitting substances in well-ventilated areas or outdoors.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep HVAC systems and appliances well-maintained to prevent VOC emissions.
- Education: Educate yourself and others about the sources and risks of VOC exposure to take proactive measures.
