Get Certified VOC Indoor Air Quality Testing (IAQ).
If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, it’s important to know that it can be affected by a variety of common sources. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds which are airborne pollutants—like formaldehyde—that can be harmful to your health. The EPA states that harmful pollutants from combustion sources, cleaning products, deteriorated building materials, and even outdoor air pollution may contribute to hazardous, poor indoor air quality inside your building. This is why indoor air quality testing is critical.
Formaldehyde is one of the best-known VOCs—and a big reason to test.
Formaldehyde is a good example of why testing is important. This colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical can cause myeloid leukemia and other cancers—and it can be found in building materials such as particleboard, plywood, and other pressed-wood products. It’s used as a fungicide, germicide, disinfectant, and even as a preservative in mortuaries and medical labs. It even occurs naturally in the environment through decaying plants, and is found in tobacco smoke.
You can get exposed to formaldehyde by inhaling its vapors or by absorbing liquids containing formaldehyde through the skin. So contact with formaldehyde-laden items such as pressed-wood products, tobacco smoke, and automobile tailpipe emissions—as well as unvented fuel-burning appliances, like gas stoves, wood-burning stoves, and kerosene heaters, can be hazardous.
Adviro’s VOC testing uses the latest testing methods and equipment to measure VOCs precisely. Our team of technicians has the experience to correctly assess your indoor air quality needs—and is known for delivering the test results in an efficient and timely manner.
Get your office’s indoor air quality tested.
Our VOC indoor air quality testing service is for commercial, public and residential property owners. From small condos to corporate high rises, clients of all sizes rely on our team to get answers.
VOC screenings include the following:
- Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC)
- Total Mold Volatile Organic Compounds (TMVOC)
- Building Related Sources
– Coatings (Paints, Varnishes, etc.)
– PVC Cement
– HFCs and CFCs (FreonsTM) - Mixed Building and Lifestyle Sources
– Building Materials (Toulene based)
– Gasoline
– Fuel Oil, Diesel Fuel, Kerosene
– Mothballs (Napthalene Based)
– Moth Crystals (p-Dicholorbenzene Based)
– Light Hydrocarbons
– Light Solvents
– Methylene Chloride - Lifestyle Sources
– Personal Care Products
– Alcohol
– Odorants and Fragrances
– Dry Cleaning Solvents
– Medicinals - Formaldehyde (this testing requires additional sampling)
– Building Materials (Toulene Based)
VOC Testing and Reporting Process
When you contact us, we’ll discuss your needs and explain how our VOC-indoor air quality testing can help. Additionally, we’ll include an itemized proposal of our service.
Once you choose to work with Adviro by signing the proposal, we’ll immediately contact you to schedule your appointment.
Our VOC-IAQ technician will visit your property for environmental sampling, material identification, and documenting the process. They will take non-invasive air samples, and optional wipe samples or bulk dust debris samples, to identify contamination content levels. These samples will be prepared for independent laboratory analysis.
Once all results are gathered, we’ll deliver clear, concise, and detailed reports with pictures, diagrams, certifications, and documentation compliant for regulatory agencies. The detailed information provided in our reports delivers and shows due diligence for compliance as well as any possible future litigation.
Please review your report.
Our consultants/technicians are available or will contact you for further review of any specific details related to your project. At this point, with the specific details, we can consult regarding potential strategies for your next course of action.
*https://www.epa.gov/radon
VOC-IAQ Services
- Real Estate/Property
– Screening (for Health) - Clearance Post Mitigation
Why Go Adviro?
- Certified Environmental Experts
- Responsive Scheduling
- Quick Turn-Around Reporting
- Concise, Detailed Reports
- Transparent Package Pricing
- Courteous Professional Staff
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INDOOR AIR QUALITY FAQS
What kind of indoor air pollutants cause poor indoor air quality?
Biological pollutants can be a variety of elements such as dander, mildew, mold, viruses, pollen, cat saliva and more. These pollutants can cause several types of illnesses such as asthma, dizziness, shortness of breath, fever, allergic reactions and digestive issues, among other things.
Other pollutants include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and secondhand tobacco smoke.
What are VOCs? (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many are human-made chemicals that are used to manufacture paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. They are also are industrial solvents or by-products produced by chlorination in water treatment, such as chloroform. Plus, they are components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry cleaning agents. VOCs are common ground-water contaminants.
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. And, some may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. They become more concentrated indoors (up to 10x higher) than outdoors. That’s because VOCs are emitted by 1000s of products including: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them and when they are stored.
EPA’s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.
Can a new carpet affect my indoor air quality?
Yes, a new carpet may have a smell that can be hazardous to the health of those exposed. The chemicals used in the carpet can be released through the air into off-gassing. In addition to the carpet, its padding and adhesives all emit volatile organize compounds. Some people may report headaches, skin rash, fatigue and more when exposed to new carpet.
What can I do to improve my indoor air quality?
There are several things you can do yourself to improve your indoor air quality.
1. Change your AC filter inside.
2. Change other air filters.
3. Check you air ducts.
4. Use your cooking vents.
5. Keep rugs and carpets clean.
6. Control humidity in your home.
7. Buy indoor plants to freshen air.
How should I choose a company to test for indoor air quality problems?
One way to choose a company is to make sure it is a certified environmental consulting & testing company like Adviro. When you choose to work with a professional team, you benefit from their environmental expertise, knowledge, and comprehensive testing services. Plus, you gain peace of mind knowing the testing was done right, according to environmental regulations.
It also helps to check their reputation for service from companies like Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and more. Adviro has 5-star ratings at both Yelp and HomeAdvisor, so it has a good reputation for its services.
Where can I find more information on IAQ, especially from a technical point of view?
You can visit the EPA’s website page on Indoor Air Quality.