Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based gases that come from everyday sources such as cleaning products, paints, building materials, and even forest fires. Aldehydes are also VOCs but are measured using a different type of test. Some VOCs can cause irritation or unpleasant odors. For example, phenol from exterior plywood is a severe irritant, benzene—a carcinogen—can be produced by combustion sources like gas appliances or forest fires, and certain molds create VOCs that produce musty odors, which can be diagnostic for contamination. The VOC methods described here use the well‑established EPA TO‑17 method, which involves capturing air samples on a sorbent for laboratory analysis. However, a few VOCs are not detected with this method, including ethylene oxide (ETO), which might be released by a local sterilization center. We offer a dedicated ethylene oxide test for this purpose. Our mold VOC testing is described in detail on a separate page.
This service provides a broad screening to detect common indoor VOCs, including terpenes (e.g., limonene), aromatics (e.g., toluene, benzene), alcohols, and phenolics (e.g., phenol). It is suitable for homes, offices, clinics, and classrooms. The report includes results and clear guidance on reducing exposure. We use EPA method TO-17, which provides the most sensitive measures of VOCs available, especially when the samplers are exposed for 24-48 h.
Shop NowUnderstanding the Risks of Vinyl Chloride and Other Chlorinated VOCs in Indoor Air
Chlorinated solvents, such as trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, have been used as industrial degreasers and dry-cleaning fluids for over 70 years. These solvents were once considered safe because they are non-flammable replacements for hydrocarbon solvents, leading to widespread disposal by dumping. Over decades, these chemicals can degrade in soil to form vinyl chloride, a toxic compound that can percolate upward through the soil and enter homes much like radon gas. Interestingly, radon levels arefound to be higher in modern energy-efficient homes.
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