Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that can evaporate into the air from many everyday materials and products.
Common sources include paint, adhesives, cleaning products, furniture, flooring, air fresheners and some office equipment. VOC levels can rise when several sources are present at the same time or when ventilation is not sufficient to remove the emissions.
1. New Paints, Coatings and Solvents
Painting and renovation work can temporarily increase VOC levels indoors.
Possible sources include:
• Paint
• Varnish
• Paint thinner
• Wood coatings
• Sealants
• Solvents
These materials can continue releasing VOCs after the work is finished. The amount and duration depend on the product, quantity used, ventilation and indoor conditions.
2. New Furniture and Building Materials
Some new furnishings and construction materials release chemicals into indoor air over
time.
Possible sources include:
• Pressed-wood furniture
• Cabinets
• Flooring
• Carpets• Composite wood products
• Adhesives
• Interior finishes
This process is often called off-gassing.
VOC levels may therefore increase after:
• Office fit-outs
• Home renovation
• New furniture installation
• Flooring replacement
• Major interior refurbishment
Building materials and furnishings are recognised indoor sources of VOCs.
3. Cleaning and Disinfection Products
Many cleaning products contain volatile chemicals.
Examples can include:
• Surface cleaners
• Disinfectants
• Degreasers
• Solvent-based cleaners
• Aerosol products
• Air fresheners
Using several products in a poorly ventilated room may temporarily increase VOC
concentrations.
4. Air Fresheners and Fragranced Products
Air fresheners do not remove indoor pollutants. Some fragranced products can
themselves release VOCs.
Sources may include:
• Spray air fresheners
• Scented products
• Fragrances
• Certain cleaning products
5. Adhesives and Fit-Out Materials
Commercial fit-outs can involve significant use of:
• Glues
• Sealants
• Flooring adhesives
• Wood products
• Paints
• Coatings
VOC levels may therefore be higher in newly completed offices or renovated properties. Good ventilation during and after fit-out work can help dilute emissions from these materials.
6. Office Equipment and Supplies
Some office equipment and supplies can release small amounts of VOCs.
EPA identifies sources such as:
• Printers
• Copiers
• Permanent markers
• Glues
• Correction products
• Graphics and craft materialsThe importance of these sources depends on the equipment, products used, room size and ventilation.
7. Stored Chemicals and Solvents
VOC levels can also be affected by chemicals stored inside or close to occupied spaces.
Examples include:
• Paint containers
• Cleaning chemicals
• Solvents
• Maintenance products
• Fuels
• Automotive products
Containers should remain properly sealed and stored according to manufacturer requirements.
8. Insufficient Ventilation
A room may contain normal indoor VOC sources but still develop higher concentrations if there is not enough fresh-air exchange.
Ventilation helps dilute indoor pollutants and remove them from occupied spaces. EPA identifies inadequate ventilation as one factor that can increase indoor pollutant levels because emissions remain inside rather than being carried outdoors.
This can be particularly relevant in:
• Meeting rooms
• Offices with high occupancy
• Sealed residential spaces
• Newly renovated areas
• Rooms where chemicals are frequently used
9. Temperature and Humidity Indoor conditions can also influence emissions.
VOC investigation should not focus only on the products inside a room. Ventilation and indoor environmental conditions should also be considered.
What Is TVOC?
TVOC means Total Volatile Organic Compounds.
It is a combined measurement of multiple volatile compounds detected in the air. A high TVOC reading can indicate that VOC sources are present, but it does not identify every individual chemical or automatically explain the level of risk.
When Should VOC Levels Be Investigated?
VOC testing may be useful when:
• A property has recently been renovated
• New furniture or flooring has been installed
• Strong chemical odours continue for an unusual period
• VOC readings from indoor monitoring remain elevated
• Employees report recurring odours in specific rooms
• Cleaning or chemical products are used frequently
• The source of an indoor air problem is unclear
Testing should be used to understand the indoor conditions and support further investigation, not simply to produce a single number.
How Can High VOC Levels Be Reduced?
The correct action depends on the source.
Possible steps may include:
• Removing or reducing the source
• Increasing appropriate ventilation
• Following product ventilation instructions
• Keeping chemical containers properly sealed
• Moving stored chemicals away from occupied areas
• Allowing new materials to off-gas with adequate ventilation
• Reviewing HVAC and fresh-air performance
When Is Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing Useful?
If VOC levels remain high or the source cannot be identified, professional testing can help assess the indoor environment.
Our indoor air quality testing service can measure indoor-air parameters and investigate possible pollutant sources within the property, including HVAC, ventilation and building conditions.
FAQs
What are the most common sources of VOCs indoors?
Common sources include paints, cleaning products, adhesives, furniture, flooring, air fresheners, solvents and some office equipment.
Can new furniture increase VOC levels?
Yes. Some furniture and pressed-wood products can release volatile compounds after installation.
Can renovation increase VOC levels?
Yes. Paints, adhesives, coatings, sealants and new building materials can release VOCs during and after renovation.
Can poor ventilation increase indoor VOC levels?
Yes. If pollutants are being released indoors and there is insufficient fresh-air exchange, their concentrations can increase.
Can air fresheners contribute to VOC levels?
Yes. Some fragranced and aerosol products can release volatile chemicals into indoor air.