Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases released by many everyday products. Some are harmless at the levels found indoors, and others irritate eyes, nose and throat or cause odors and headaches. Control starts at the source. This guide covers what to know and what to do in a commercial building.
Common sources
| Source | Examples |
|---|---|
| Building materials and finishes | Paints, sealants, adhesives, flooring and ceiling products |
| Furniture and fit-out | Pressed wood products, fabrics and foam |
| Cleaning and maintenance products | Disinfectants, degreasers, air fresheners |
| Office equipment | Printers and copiers |
| Outdoor sources | Traffic and nearby industry drawn in at air intakes |
Emissions are highest when products are new and fall over time, which is why new or renovated spaces often smell and cause complaints early on.
Controls in order of preference
- Specify low-emitting products. Look for third-party certifications and testing to recognized emission methods, such as the one published by the California Department of Public Health.
- Sequence the work. Install absorbent materials after wet finishes have cured, and keep them dry.
- Ventilate. Run the system with outdoor air during and after finishing. Some programs, including LEED, include an option to flush the building with outdoor air before occupancy. Check the current guide for the details.
- Use local exhaust for copy rooms, print rooms and janitor closets.
- Choose cleaning products carefully and use them as directed.
- Filter if needed. Gas-phase filters can capture some VOCs, but they need to be matched to the pollutants.
When to test
Test when there are complaints that point to chemicals, when a specification requires it, or after a major fit-out. Define what you will measure and what you will compare it with, and have a qualified professional interpret the results. Many odors have causes other than chemicals, such as moisture, so check the basics too.
See air quality testing for commercial buildings, the ventilation standards guide and IAQ for general contractors.
A pre-occupancy VOC checklist
- Product emission documentation collected for finishes and furniture.
- Wet work finished and dried before soft materials are installed.
- Outdoor air verified at the design quantity.
- Ventilation run for the period the project requires.
- Complaint log opened for the first weeks of occupancy.
Common mistakes
- Relying on an air purifier to fix a chemical odor. Source control and ventilation come first.
- Turning ventilation down during fit-out. That is when it is needed most.
- Not asking for product data. Without it, you cannot compare options.
Questions building managers ask about VOCs
How long do new-building odors last?
It depends on the products, ventilation and conditions. Emissions generally fall over days to months, faster with good ventilation.
Are VOC monitors reliable?
Consumer monitors give a general indication. Use laboratory methods when you need defensible results.
Who verifies ventilation after fit-out?
A balancing contractor can measure outdoor air and airflow. See why air balancing matters for IAQ.
Related reading: How to Identify and Eliminate Common Indoor Air Pollutants.
To verify ventilation after a fit-out, call Ghazi Hussain at (908) 323-9780 for a quote.
