Li et al. (2020) identified the major sources of VOCs and evaluated their health risk in Zhengzhou, China. The result revealed that the main source of VOCs was solvent utilization, followed by industrial production, long-lived and secondary species, vehicle emissions, and biogenic emission.
What is the most common source of VOCs?
In fact, paint is one of the largest emitters of VOCs worldwide, after vehicles. These liquids contain chemicals, many of which may be toxic if humans sustain a high level of exposure. Lead is a well-known VOC, and lead exposure in the home used to come primarily from paint on walls and windowsills.
Can you measure VOCs?
The two most commonly used methods for VOC statistical analysis are Flame Ionisation Detection and Photo Ionisation Detection. Both methods measure the number of chemicals in the air on the assumption that most organic vapors produce positively charged carbon ions when they combust(1).
Where can I find VOC on SDS?
Section 9 of the SDS provides the physical and chemical properties of the material. The weight, density, and amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be found here.
What are the sources of VOCs in the atmosphere?
Burning fossil fuels also results in the release of VOCs into the atmosphere. Common emissions sources of VOCs include dry cleaners; auto body shops; cars, trucks, and buses; lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment; and industrial painting and coating operations.
What causes high VOC in house?
Unused chemicals stored in the home can sometimes “leak” and release VOCs into the air. Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people do not spend much time. Dispose of unused chemicals that are stored in your home or garage. Check with your city or county for household hazardous waste collection sites.
How can I reduce the VOCs in my house?
Top tips to reduce airborne chemical (VOCs) indoors
- Choose your paint wisely.
- The unseen benefits of used furniture.
- Cleaning products.
- Store your chemicals safely away.
- Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate!
How do you test VOC content?
This general technique involves using Headspace GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) analyzers to discover VOCs in samples of liquids or solid materials. In GC/MS Headspace Testing, a sample test product is heated at a specific temperature for a predetermined time length before the VOC content is determined.
How do you test for toxic fumes in your home?
How to Test The Air Quality in Your Home
- Purchase an indoor air quality monitor.
- Test for mold in the air.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms.
- Conduct a radon test.
What is VOC meter?
The HHAQ-107 VOC meter is ideal for making general measurements of mixed gas volatile organic compound (VOC) levels as part of an indoor air quality (IAQ) maintenance program. Much less expensive than photo-ionization meters designed to make precise measurements of VOC levels from a single gas.
Is mold a VOC?
Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs).
Why does VOC spike at night?
If VOC levels consistently spike at night, it’s probably CO2. If the VOC sensor goes off consistently in the basement near the furnace and water heater, it should be checked for carbon monoxide. If VOC levels spike during cleaning, the cleaner is probably loaded with VOCs.
Do air purifiers filter VOCs?
Electrostatic air purifiers capture particulates (solid particles and liquid droplets) by using an electrically charged screen or panel. However, they cannot remove gaseous molecules like VOCs, only larger particulates such as dander, dust and mold.
Can VOCs travel through walls?
In many cases, VOCs don’t even need to be introduced into homes, they are already there. Products such as glues, paints, sealants, and stains all emit VOCs into the air. Even sheetrock and plaster walls may continually emit VOCs.
How do you remove VOCs from air?
Activated carbon air purifiers and filters can remove any VOC concentration from the air in an enclosed space, such as your home, office, workplace, or an indoor public space. They work by chemically attracting organic contaminants to be absorbed by the carbon inside.
How long do VOCs stay in air?
The VOCs emanating from a product dissipate over time as the chemicals vaporize. VOCs from paint dissipate fairly quickly with most offgassing occuring during the first 6 months after application. Other sources, such as particle board may continue to offgas for 20 years or more.
Do VOC fumes rise or fall?
Because VOCs have a tendency to be heavier than air, they sink to the lower floors of your home. If you have VOCs in the air of your home, or are concerned about your indoor air quality, we can install an air exchange system where VOC concentrations are typically highest.
Is radon a VOC?
Health Risks of VOC’s
While radon is the most dangerous, there are some health risks associated with the other VOC’s. These can include cancer and organ toxicity. Gases, such as methane from landfills, can also present potential explosive hazards.
Do closed paint cans emit VOCs?
The EPA also warns against storing paint in your home. Paint cans may release chemicals gases or fumes even if they’re closed, and so a basement or closet full of old paint cans is bad news.
