Skip to content
Testor Technology Environmental Services
Testor Technology Environmental Services
contact@testortech.com
(929) 500-0106
  • About TESTOR
  • Residential Testing
    • Mold Testing
    • Lead Testing
    • Asbestos Testing
    • Special Services
  • Commercial Services
  • My Reports
  • Honor & Integrity
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About TESTOR
  • Residential Testing
    • Mold Testing
    • Lead Testing
    • Asbestos Testing
    • Special Services
  • Commercial Services
  • My Reports
  • Honor & Integrity
  • Blog
  • Contact

What are VOCs?

VOC air quality

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound which are compounds that are gases at room temperature.  They have a low boiling point – which is why they are called volatile.  There are more than 1700 VOCs but some of the most common ones are acetone, benzene, butanal, formaldehyde and xylene.  While they can be found indoors and outdoors, VOCs can be an issue when they are found in concentrated amounts indoors.

VOCs are all around us – they can be found in paint and varnishes, adhesives, carpets and pressed wood composites.  They can also come from the cleaners and disinfectants you use in your home.  Office and craft supplies are common sources.  Even air fresheners, colognes and deodorants can contain VOCs.  Other common sources are smoke (from both cigarettes and wood burning stoves), dry cleaning fluids and gasoline.

VOCs have varying degrees of toxicity.  Their impact on your health may also be influenced by the length of exposure – whether it is short term or chronic.  The effects can be mild:  irritation of the eyes, nose or throat, headaches and dizziness.  But they can also include more serious conditions including organ damage and even cancer in extreme cases.

In future posts we will look at how you can reduce your exposure to VOCs and how to test for them if you are concerned about your environment.

Category: HealthJuly 8, 2021

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:How is your water quality?NextNext post:How can I reduce my exposure to VOCs?
Blog categories
  • Family(7)
  • Featured Projects(3)
  • Health(13)
  • Real Estate(5)
  • Rules & Regulations(5)
  • Uncategorized(1)
  • Weather(3)
Recent posts
  • white walls with door ajar
    What is XRF testing and do I need it?
    February 4, 2022
  • picture of mold wall
    Mold Testing vs. Mold Assessment
    October 15, 2021
  • flooded streets
    Are you concerned about mold after the recent storms?
    October 6, 2021
  • How do you test for VOCs?
    September 13, 2021
CONTACT INFO
(929) 500-0106
contact@testortech.com

Testor Technology Environmental Services, Inc.
10-59 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
MAP

Find us on:

Facebook page opens in new window
SERVICES

TESTOR offers asbestos, mold, lead, IAQ, VOC, soil, water, PCB, oil tank testing as well as specialty services such as Phase I & II assessments.

Our technicians will respond promptly to discuss the project with you and deliver a proposal best-suited to your needs.

  • About TESTOR
  • Residential Testing
  • Commercial Services
  • My Reports
  • Honor and Integrity
  • Blog
  • Contact
SERVICE AREAS
Located in Long Island City, New York, our laboratory analyzes samples from the entire United States. Our Inspectors provide specialized advice and assistance to businesses and home owners across the New York Tri-State Area: NYC, Long Island, Westchester, Northern New Jersey and Connecticut.
© 2017 Testor Technology Environmental Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Legal