Measure VOC exposure with SG350ex, SG5100ex or SG5200 measuring devices
If health problems occur after a renovation, such as headaches, dizziness or similar, it is reasonable to suspect that this could be due to VOC exposure.
Measuring VOC exposure with GSA measuring devices
To verify this, an indoor air measurement can be carried out with our SG350ex measuring device. If larger volume flows are required, the SG5100ex or SG5200 measuring devices can be used.
The measurement results can be used to assess the VOC load caused by volatile organic compounds. This analysis can then be used to plan and implement measures to minimize or eliminate the hazard.
VOC definition
The abbreviation VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds in indoor air. This category includes hydrocarbons, alcohols and organic acids. They are considered to have a boiling point between 50 and 260° Celsius. A further distinction is made between very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs) andsemi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). The concentrations of both groups are combined to give the so-called TVOC value (Total Volatile Organic Compounds).
Occurrence of volatile organic compounds
Volatile organic compounds can be found in every home. They can be contained in adhesives, wall paint and furniture varnishes. During normal wear and tear or the time spent in the home, these are released into the room air over time. An increased concentration can be present after renovation work, for example, especially if there has been insufficient ventilation.
Danger from VOC exposure
The danger of volatile organic compounds lies in their absorption through the respiratory tract. The compounds can cause irritation of the lungs. The eyes may also be affected and allergic reactions may be triggered. Skin contact can also cause irritation or repeated contact can lead to sensitization and the resulting reactions. Further dangers such as damage to the genome or a carcinogenic effect cannot be ruled out, depending on the substance. Perhaps the greatest potential risk lies in unconscious contact. Exposure to VOCs is often not noticeable to the senses, i.e. you do not smell it (or not strongly) and are therefore exposed to the concentration for longer. Exposure is only noticed when symptoms occur.
Sources:
[1]: http://www.innenraumluft.nrw.de/4_schadstoffe/voc.php
[2]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/pdfs/Handreichung.pdf
[3]: https://www.dguv.de/ifa/praxishilfen/innenraumarbeitsplaetze/chemische-einwirkungen/fluechtige-organische-verbindungen-(voc)/index.jsp
[4]: https://www.bmu.de/themen/gesundheit-chemikalien/gesundheit-und-umwelt/innenraumluft/fluechtige-organische-verbindungen/
[5]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/gesundheit/kommissionen-arbeitsgruppen/ausschuss-fuer-innenraumrichtwerte-vormals-ad-hoc#textpart-3
[6]: https://www.gsa-messgeraete.de/