Welcome to Environmental Diagnostics Corporation
(EDC). Managing indoor environments is easier
with the proper documentation from experienced
professionals. Our highly commended proactive,
reactive, and mold assessments, cutting edge
sampling methods, and interpretative tools make
EDC a leader in the industry.
What are the sources
of VOCs? Volatile
organic compounds
(VOC) are any organic
compounds that evaporate
or "outgas"
at typical ambient
temperatures. There
are thousands of
chemicals classified
as VOCs that are
widely used in building
materials, carpeting,
furniture, and office
products. These
chemicals are common
ingredients in paints,
varnishes, waxes,
cleaning solutions,
disinfectants, degreasers,
fuels, solvents,
wood preservatives,
aerosol sprays,
perfumes, and dry
cleaning products.
Most airborne VOCs,
being odiferous,
are often related
to specific and
non-specific odor
complaints within
buildings. They
can also be significant
contributors to
illness in sensitive
building occupants.
What are the
health effects of
VOCs?
Product outgassing
can cause VOC concentrations
to persist in the
indoor air for an
extended period. Factors
that affect indoor
concentrations and
therefore the degree
of exposure, include:
ventilation exchange
rates, temperature,
humidity, and the
characteristics of
the source itself.
Eye and respiratory
tract irritation,
fatigue, headaches,
dizziness, visual
disorders, and memory
impairment are among
the health symptoms
that have been associated
with VOC exposure.
While industrial exposure
to individual VOCs
is well documented,
the relationship of
trace concentrations
of a mixture of VOCs
in non-industrial
environments is less
understood. Since
a synergistic effect
of multiple compounds
eludes researchers,
a causal relationship
to health problems
has not been scientifically
established, but is
generally recognized.
What VOC regulations
and guidelines exist
for non-industrial
indoor environments? Standards
applicable to individual
VOCs are based on
significant levels
found in industrial
or manufacturing situations.
Due to the epidemiological
complexity of "synergistic
health effects"
and the lack of jurisdictional
authority (relating
to non-industrial
indoor environments)
there are no governmental
standards regulating
trace VOC concentrations.
Instead, the high
demand for documenting
trace indoor VOC levels,
especially when dealing
with complaint or
health situations,
stems from an occupant
relations and/or a
litigious due-diligence
need -- not to mention
the desire to insure
a healthy working
environment.
How do you reduce VOC
levels?
While VOC concentrations can be
found in every indoor environment,
the ultimate goal is to keep those
concentrations at an acceptable
level, below which the majority
of the population is not likely
to experience health-related problems.
Ideally, the first step is to
prevent the introduction of VOCs.
This involves foresight and planning
prior to renovation or full building
construction. Reducing exposure
to existing VOCs can involve one
or more of the following: increasing
the outside air volume, boosting
exhaust, temporary re-location
of building occupants, or installing
carbon or potassium permanganate
filter systems. Using products,
which contain VOCs such as paints
or solvents, according to manufacturers
specifications can reduce the
concentration of the compounds
available to the environment.
VOC remediation by heated "bake-outs"
are controversial and should be
properly timed prior to the installation
of "sinks" (materials
that absorb VOCs) which can cause
extended outgassing after a "bake-out".
Federal regulation covering VOC
content in paints and other products
went into effect the Fall of 1999.
This regulation is certain to
affect litigious action with respect
to indoor air quality. Property
managers should be prepared to
insure that renovation contractors
abide by this regulation.
What sampling options are
available?
As with any contaminant, there are
several methods of sampling available
for a particular compound or group
of compounds. A VOC "screening"
can involve a qualitative measurement
(no specific concentrations) which
detects the total elevated concentrations
of numerous VOCs. This economical
screening method is acceptable in
many building investigations where
no significant complaints have been
noted and the objective is a proactive
assessment. A more intensive VOC
sampling methodology (EPA method
T017 - thermal desorption) and analysis
(GC/MS) provides specific concentrations
for identified VOCs as well as a
total VOC level. This information
is helpful in the investigation
of a related complaint or the establishment
of a baseline prior to a construction
or renovation project.
When should VOC sampling
be conducted?
Sampling and documenting VOC concentrations,
as well as other indoor air quality
indicators, helps demonstrate that
occupant and employee health is
a top priority, especially when
complaints or health concerns warrant.
Additionally, renovation activity,
printing processes, or placement
of new furnishings may warrant due-diligence
sampling.
