Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, are produced in the form of potentially harmful gasses emitted from solids and liquids.

What are common volatile organic compounds?

Benzene 

Benzene is a highly flammable, light yellow or colorless, and sweet-smelling industrial chemical that is harmful to cell function. A main component of crude oil and gasoline, benzene can cause anemia and damage the immune system. It’s also used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. 

Ethylene Glycol 

Ethylene glycol is a flammable, colorless, and odorless industrial chemical used in the manufacture of polyester fibers, automotive antifreeze, coolant, and hydraulic brake fluid. It also notably has a sweet taste.

Formaldehyde 

Formaldehyde is a flammable colorless chemical with an extremely pungent odor. It’s widely used in building construction materials and household products, and is classified as a human carcinogen. 

Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride is a slightly sweet-smelling, colorless chemical used in paint strippers, aerosols, pesticides, photographic film, spray paints, automotive cleaners, and household products. Exposure has been linked to cancer, lung, heart, central nervous system, and liver damage, and eye and skin irritation. 

Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical widely used in the dry cleaning industry as well as metal degreasers. It’s classified as a likely human carcinogen and long-term exposure has been linked to damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, reproductive system, and unborn babies. 

Toluene 

Toluene is a flammable, colorless, smelly chemical used in oil refining, paint, lacquers, explosives, glues, paint thinners, paint brush cleaners, nail polish, inks, and stain removers. Exposure to toluene can cause eye and nose irritation, tiredness, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache, dilated pupils, tears, anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia, nerve damage, inflammation of the skin, and liver and kidney damage. 

Xylene

Xylene is a flammable, colorless, sweet-smelling chemical used in printing, rubber, leather manufacturing, and can also be found in varnishes, paint thinners, permanent markers, and adhesives. Exposure to xylene can irritate the eyes, nose, skin, and throat, and can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of muscle coordination, and in high doses, death.

1,3-Butadiene

1,3-butadiene is a colorless, highly flammable and potentially explosive chemical used in the production of synthetic rubber products such as tires, as well as resins and plastics. Acute high exposures may cause damage to the central nervous system or cause symptoms such as distorted blurred vision, vertigo, general tiredness, decreased blood pressure, headache, nausea, decreased pulse rate, and fainting.  

What are common sources of VOCs?

• Paint
• Varnishes
• Caulks 
• Adhesives
• Carpet 
• Vinyl flooring
• Composite wood flooring
• Upholstery 
• Furniture foam 
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products 
• Cosmetics 
• Fuel oil
• Gasoline 
• Dry cleaning 
• Photocopiers 

Our skilled team of trained air quality professionals test for the presence of volatile organic compounds with cutting edge detection technology. With locations in both Maine and Orlando, Florida, we work with commercial property owners, government entities, medical buildings and hospitals, schools, and residential property owners to resolve potential issues with VOCs.