What is TVOC in Air Quality? Understanding of Volatile Organic Compounds

When we talk about air quality, we usually picture what’s happening outside, like smog in the city and pollen in the spring. But the truth is, indoor air can be even more polluted, and since we spend about 90% of our time indoors, this is a big deal. Increasingly, experts are emphasizing the significance of indoor air quality, and a key player in this conversation is something called TVOC: Total Volatile Organic Compounds.

But what are TVOCs and why should we care? Let’s break it down, moving beyond technical jargon to understand how they affect our health and what we can do to reduce indoor air pollution.

What is TVOC?

TVOC stands for Total Volatile Organic Compounds, which refers to the total concentration of all VOCs detected in the air. It’s not one specific substance, but rather than a collective reading, similar to tallying all the different flowers in a bouquet. For context, that distinctive smell when you open a paint can or use a new cleaning spray is usually a mixture of several different VOCs floating in the air. Common examples of VOCs include:

• Benzene
• Ethylene glycol
• Formaldehyde
• Methylene chloride
• Tetrachloroethylene
• Toluene

TVOC vs. VOC

As mentioned above, TVOC represents the sum of all VOCs present in a given environment, while VOC refers to each individual volatile organic compound. Think of it like a fruit salad - if VOCs are separate fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes, then TVOC is the total weight of that salad. Therefore, understanding TVOC gives you an overall picture of the volatile organic pollution level in your environment.

Where Do VOCs Come From?

Volatile organic compounds can come from various sources, both human-made and natural. Even our own bodies emit VOCs, but they are usually less harmful than industrial compounds. Because manufacturers often use VOCs as inorganic solvents, most indoor VOCs are released from a multitude of everyday products and materials, including:

• Paints and varnishes
• Disinfectants, air fresheners, and detergents
• Pesticides
• Glues
• New carpets, particleboard furniture
• Perfumes, hairspray, and nail polish removers
• Scented candles
• Gas stoves, fireplaces, burning candles

In addition, outdoor sources like car exhaust and industrial emissions can raise VOC levels outside, and can potentially seep into your home if it’s not well-sealed or if you’re in a crowded or industrial area.

Are All VOCs Harmful?

Fortunately, not all VOCs are harmful, even though they come from many different sources. Most naturally occurring VOCs are harmless to humans. For example, the scent of pine trees comes from VOCs called terpenes, which are generally harmless in small amounts. Some VOCs from everyday products are also less toxic, such as ethanol or acetone in hand sanitizers and lemon-scented air freshers.

On the flip side, VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene, released from things like cigarettes, new furniture, and carpets, can be quite dangerous and linked to serious health issues such as cancer and leukemia.

Some studies have shown that even substances we naturally emit can cause a cortisol response. In other words, whether a VOC is harmful depends on how concentrated it is and how long you’re exposed to it. Even low concentrations of VOCs can be harmful if the exposure time is too long. So it’s best to limit exposure to these gases.

What Are Health Effects of VOCs?

Health effects from exposure to VOCs can range from mild and temporary to severe and long-term, depending on the type and concentration of VOCs, the duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory issues are particularly at risk. Short-term exposure can cause:

• Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat
• Headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue
• Asthma or allergies

Long-term exposure to high levels of certain VOCs can lead to more serious health problems, including:

• Respiratory disease
• Kidney and liver damage
• Central nervous system damage
• Increased risk of cancer, especially with substances like benzene and formaldehyde, which are known carcinogens.

How to Monitor VOCs?

Fortunately, there are many ways to monitor TVOC levels indoors, and we recommend two main options. One is to hire a professional indoor air quality testing service that can accurately measure TVOC levels and identify specific VOCs in your space. These services utilize top-notch sensors and tools for precise analysis, but they can be on the expensive side and may need regular check-ups.

Alternatively, you can invest in a consumer-friendly indoor air quality monitor, like the INKBIRD IAQM-129-W, which is great for both homes and offices. These devices not only provide real-time concentrations of VOCs, but also track other air quality data, such as PM2.5, PM10, and CO2. If your home is large, consider setting up multiple monitors in different areas, especially since activities like smoking can negatively impact indoor air quality.

What Are Safe Levels of TVOC?

TVOC is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3), milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3), parts per million (ppm), or parts per billion (ppb). There is no globally agree-upon standard for acceptable TVOC levels, but the WHO recommends keeping indoor TVOC levels below 0.25 ppm, or 500 µg/m³, to avoid potential health effects.

TVOC Safety Level Chart

How to Minimize TVOC Levels?

Reducing exposure to TVOCs is essential to improving indoor air quality and preventing health problems. To minimize VOCs in your home or workplace, try some simple tips here:

1. Ventilation: Open windows, use exhaust fans, and ensure proper airflow.
2. Choose natural or low-VOC products: Opt for paints, adhesives, cleaners, and furniture that are labeled “Low-VOC” or “VOC-Free.”
3. Avoid smoking indoors: Tobacco smoke contains a variety of harmful VOCs.
4. Use an air purifier: Choose a device with activated carbon filters, which are effective in removing VOCs.
5. Control temperature and humidity: At high temperature and humidity levels, VOCs have the potential to be released more. If you don’t know how to do it, check out: How to Reduce Indoor Humidity?
6. Store products properly: Store VOC-releasing products such as paints, solvents, and cleaners in sealed containers when not in use.
7. Let new product off-gas: Unpack new furniture and building materials in a well-ventilated area before bringing them indoors.