VOC / GAS TESTING FOR LA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, VENTURA COUNTY

VOC (volatile organic compounds) are often health hazards, as they are so common. VOC in the Los Angeles County home or office come from all sorts of commonly used materials (see list below). Therefore volatile organic compounds (VOC) gas testing is necessary on those occasions when our home or office may be causing inexplicable symptoms (see below). VOC gas testing for living or working facilities is another of our expert and fast-responding services.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) IN YOUR HOME

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. While most people can smell high levels of some VOCs, other VOCs are odorless. Odor does not indicate the level of risk from inhalation of this group of chemicals. There are thousands of different VOCs produced and used in our daily lives.

HOW DO I TEST MY HOUSE?

VOC gas testing is performed in a number of ways. There are instruments that provide direct reading of total VOC levels, and gas detector tubes that will detect specific gases at concentrations of parts per million. Many times these detection levels are above the detection level and an air sample must be collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Air samples can be collected in Tedlar bags, summa canisters or preferably in sorbent tubes. Affordable Inspection Services Inc. can determine the best method of sampling depending on the project and provide these services at a reasonable cost.

To contact us concerning these services please call 818-886-2070 or in California 800-761-1660.

WHERE DO VOCS IN THE HOME COME FROM?

With VOC testing we have identified many products in our homes that release or “off-gas” VOCs. Some examples of sources of VOCs are:

• Building Materials
• Carpets and adhesives
• Composite wood products
• Paints
• Sealing caulks
• Solvents
• Upholstery fabrics
• Varnishes
• Vinyl Floors
• Home and Personal Care Products
• Air fresheners
• Air cleaners that produce ozone
• Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals
• Cosmetics
• Fuel oil, gasoline
• Moth balls
• Vehicle exhaust running a car in an attached garage
• Behaviors
• Cooking
• Drycleaning
• Hobbies
• Newspapers
• Non-electric space heaters
• Photocopiers
• Smoking
• Stored paints and chemicals
• Wood burning stoves

Studies have shown that the level of VOCs indoors is generally two to five times higher than the level of VOC’s outdoors. VOC concentrations in indoor air depend on many factors, including the:

• Amount of VOCs in a product;
• Rate at which the VOCs are released;
• Volume of the air in the room/building;
• Ventilation rate or the area; and
• Outdoor concentrations of VOCs.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF VOC EXPOSURE?

For VOC gas the risk of health effects from inhaling any chemical depends on how much is in the air, how long and how often a person breathes it in. Scientists look at short-term (acute) exposures as hours to days or long-term (chronic) exposures as years to even lifetime.

Breathing low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems. Several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse in people who have asthma or are particularly sensitive to chemicals. These are much different exposures than occupational exposures to VOCs. VOCs refer to a group of chemicals. Each chemical has its own toxicity and potential for causing different health effects. Common symptoms of exposure to VOCs include:

Short-Term (Acute) to high levels of VOCs

• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Headaches
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Worsening of asthma symptoms

Long-Term (Chronic) to high levels of VOCs

Increased risk of:

• Cancer
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Central Nervous System damage

WHAT LEVELS OF VOCs ARE SAFE?

The best health protection measure is to limit your exposure to products and materials that contain VOCs when possible.  Various agencies and organizations maintain databases of health effects and recommended exposure limits. Some of these are as follows:

• US Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institute for Occupational Exposure (NIOSH)
  
• American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

If symptoms persist, consult with your doctor to rule out serious health conditions that may have similar symptoms.

ARE SOME PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK FROM VOC EXPOSURE THAN OTHERS?

Persons with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, elderly, and persons with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to irritation and illness from VOCs.