Hazards of VOCs

Among the more than 900 identified indoor chemical and biological substances, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) account for at least 350+ (concentration <1ppb), of which over 20 are carcinogens or mutagens. Although their individual concentrations are low, their wide variety leads to the collective term VOCs, with their total amount represented by TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds). When multiple VOCs coexist indoors, their combined toxic effects cannot be ignored.

Common TVOC Categories-Alkanes/cycloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alkenes, alcohols, phenols, ketones, terpenes, etc.

Health Impacts of TVOC

The most common hazards of TVOC include: Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat:

• • Eye stinging, dryness, increased blinking, and tearing;
  • Dryness, stinging, nosebleeds, nasal congestion in the nasopharynx, along with coughing, hoarseness, and altered sense of smell;
  • Sore throat, inflammation; dry, itchy, stinging skin, and erythema.
• Severe exposure risks-Neurological dysfunction, dementia, and allergic pneumonia.

China’s regulatory limits: The Indoor Air Quality Standard (GB/T 18883-2002) stipulates that the total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) must be <0.60 mg/m³.

Symptoms of VOC Exposure

The Main symptoms is Eye, nose, and throat irritation/dryness, fatigue, general discomfort, headache, memory loss, etc. Can not getting the right smell, dizziness, fatigue, dry eyes, dry nasopharynx, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, tearing, nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, irritability, restlessness, forgetfulness, dry skin, skin itching, dermatitis, rashes, menstrual irregularities, and in severe cases, asthma, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and reduced work efficiency.

Detection Methods and Product Recommendation

Common Domestic Detection Methods for VOCs-Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Photoionization Detection (PID), We solemnly recommend Germany SEC’s solid-state polymer VOCs sensors, which offer the following features. The measuring ranges are 0–200ppm, 0–1000ppm, 0–2000ppm, 0–5000ppm (multiple options). And it is easy to use and cost-effective. It is widely used in industries such as printing and dyeing and air quality monitoring.