VOC Sampling
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases released from a wide range of everyday materials inside homes and commercial buildings. They are often undetectable by smell alone, and many people living or working in high-VOC environments do not connect the exposure to the symptoms they are experiencing.
Common indoor sources of VOC off-gassing include pressed wood and composite panels, paints, stains, and varnishes, adhesives and caulks, carpeting and vinyl flooring, cleaning products, and laser printers and copiers.
Health Effects of Elevated VOC Exposure
Short-term exposure can produce headaches, dizziness, eye and throat irritation, and nausea. Long-term or high-level exposure to certain VOCs is associated with liver and kidney damage and, in the case of some compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene, increased cancer risk. Occupants in affected environments often describe feeling better when they leave the building, which is a key indicator.
When We Recommend VOC Sampling
- Occupants report persistent headaches, dizziness, or throat irritation without a clear cause
- A noticeable or unusual odor is present in the space
- Recent renovation, new construction, or new furnishings have been introduced
- A structure has poor ventilation or has been recently sealed for energy efficiency
- Standard mold or air quality sampling does not explain occupant symptoms
How We Collect VOC Samples
We use OSHA and NIOSH-approved sorbent badge collection. The badge is placed in the area of concern for up to eight hours, then sent to an independent certified laboratory for analysis. Results identify the specific compounds present and their concentrations.
What You Receive
- A sampling report documenting conditions, placement locations, and collection method
- Independent lab analysis identifying specific VOC compounds and concentration levels
- A summary of findings with recommendations for ventilation improvements or source removal
VOC Sampling FAQ
What exactly are VOCs, and why should I care?
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that off-gas from building materials, paint, flooring, furniture, renovation products, and all of it. They can mess with your indoor air quality long after a project’s finished, and the smell seems gone. That’s the whole reason indoor air quality voc testing exists as its own separate check.
What symptoms suggest a VOC problem?
Headaches that feel worse at home than anywhere else, eye and throat irritation, or a chemical smell that just won’t fade the way normal “new material” smell should. This is often what sick building syndrome testing is actually looking for, symptoms tied to the building, not the person.
Does a recent renovation make this more relevant?
Yes, definitely. New flooring, cabinetry, paint, furniture, they’re all common VOC sources, and levels can stay elevated a lot longer than most people assume once the smell itself has faded. New cabinetry specifically is why formaldehyde testing home inspections often get requested right after a remodel.
How is VOC sampling actually measured?
On-site air analysis, giving you real numbers on airborne chemical concentration instead of a guess based on how strong something smells. Think of it as voc testing paired with chemical air testing whenever something beyond the usual suspects seems off.
Can this explain the symptoms doctors haven't been able to pin down?
It’s happened before. Elevated VOC levels have turned out to be the actual explanation behind headaches and irritation that got chalked up to stress or something unrelated. Think of it as a building health inspection for whatever your doctor couldn’t quite explain.
How soon after a renovation should I test?
If symptoms are already showing up, don’t wait. Otherwise, giving it a few weeks lets initial off-gassing settle before testing gives you a clearer read on the ongoing baseline, the same indoor air quality testing standard used across every SQS visit.
Schedule VOC Sampling
If occupants in your home or building are experiencing unexplained symptoms, VOC sampling is a straightforward and non-invasive way to identify whether chemical compounds in the indoor air are a contributing factor. Call (417) 323-6235 or contact us online.