Exposure to chemicals is more common than you think. Chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) can be emitted from building materials. VOC’s include a variety of chemicals, which have adverse health effects. Concentrations of VOC’s are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) suggests that levels greater than 500 ng/L (nanograms per liter) of VOC’s could pose a health hazard in homes. However, data from thousands of homes tested show the median value, more than twice the recommended level. Even slightly elevated levels of these airborne chemicals could produce health concerns for people, particularly young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Testing services in Virginia, Maryland, DC include the assessing the entire residence for total volatile organic compounds along with an additional specific compound testing such as formaldehyde and hydrocarbons.

Poor indoor air quality isn’t simply a matter of a bad smell. The real concern is the harm caused by repeatedly inhaling toxic vapors. Most VOCs cannot be detected by smell. Without testing the indoor air quality of your building, there’s no way of knowing if the air is potentially harmful or not.

Employees who are particularly sensitive to chemical or toxic compounds may complain of headaches and irritation of the eyes, nose or throat. Such complaints are typical of “sick building syndrome, which is also known as “tight building syndrome” in reference to a building’s lack of fresh air flow.

Reducing VOC levels benefits employees and property owners alike, both creating a healthier workplace environment and reducing owner liability from environmental legal issues. Employees experience fewer sick days and morale is generally improved just by knowing they are working in a place that cares enough to provide a healthy work environment in Virginia, Maryland, DC. Call AirMD regarding your commercial VOC Testing needs.

To ask an AirMD scientist a question about this service please Click Here or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD