Volatile organic compounds are known in short form as VOC, which is formed from the initials of the English term Volatile Organic Compounds. Volatile organic compounds are particles that emit into the air as gases from certain solids or liquids. Some of these compounds contain some chemical substances that adversely affect human health in the short and long term. Many volatile organic compound concentrations are higher in working environments. This increase is tens of times higher in some working environments depending on the area of ​​operation of the enterprise.

In general, volatile organic compounds are spread by a very wide range of products from thousands of different products. Organic chemicals are widely used in household products. For example, paints, polishes, beeswax, many cleaning and disinfection products, cosmetic products, hobby products, and many other products include organic solvents. All of these products emit organic compounds in the area in which they are stored or to some extent.

According to the results of a survey conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the level of a dozen common organic pollutants detected in dwellings is five times higher than the open area. This shows that when people use products containing organic chemicals, they expose themselves and the people around them to very high levels of pollutants. Even higher concentrations remain in the air long after the activity is completed.

The major sources of volatile organic compounds known are:

  • Paints, paint removers and other solvents
  • Wood preservatives
  • Aerosol sprays, cleaners and disinfectants
  • Moth repellents and air fresheners
  • Stored fuels and automotive products
  • Hobby supplies
  • Clothes made of dry cleaning, and
  • Pesticides (pesticides).

Besides these, the following are also sources of volatile organic compounds:

  • Construction and building materials
  • Office equipment such as photocopiers, printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
  • Graphics and craft materials, including adhesives, stationary pens and some solutions

Volatile organic compounds generally irritate the eyes, nose and throat, cause headache, loss of coordination and nausea, damage the liver, kidney and central nervous system, cause visual disturbances and memory loss, and some species cause cancer in animals, suspected cancer. The ability of organic chemicals to threaten the health of people varies considerably from highly toxic to those whose effects are not yet known. Generally, as with other pollutants, the adverse effects of volatile organic compounds vary depending on the exposure level and exposure time.

Today, the health effects of volatile organic compounds found in houses are not fully established. However, volatile organic compounds are common in the workplaces of offices and enterprises, and some are health risks for employees. In general, the volatile organic compounds found in these environments are: sealing materials and coatings, paints and varnishes, cleaning agents, fuels and combustion products and fabric materials, furniture and carpets.

When businesses suspect that they are exposed to volatile organic compounds and therefore suffer from health problems, they must always ask for tests of volatile organic compounds from authorized laboratories. These tests should be done at regular intervals.

Our testing services include volatile organic compounds (VOC) testing services. Thanks to these services, enterprises are able to produce safe, fast and uninterrupted, more efficient, high performance and high quality.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) test services are just one of our test services. Apart from that, many other testing services are provided.