Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds (Chemicals)

Article Summary

This article describes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including our measurement methodology and common health effects associated with high VOC levels. 

Article Overview


VOCs Explained 

Awair Element measures and reports the concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds in your air, otherwise known as VOCs. VOCs are naturally occurring and man-made chemicals that have a range of health impacts. Products such as cigarettes, hair spray, building materials, and furniture all produce VOCs that range in severity and concentration. Awair devices all measure the total amount of VOCs (tVOCs) in the indoor area, which is the industry standard for measurement. This measurement should be understood as a hygiene metric: if VOCs are routinely high, you should identify the source to take action and consider ordering additional testing from specialized equipment. 


Health Effects of VOCs 

According to the EPA, “Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in industrialized nations spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. For infants, the elderly, persons with chronic diseases, and most urban residents of any age, the proportion is probably higher. In addition, the concentrations of many pollutants indoors exceed those outdoors.”  Because VOCs are such a common and prevalent indoor pollutant, exposure to them can have a variety of impacts on health and comfort. VOCs can contribute to a host of symptoms including headache, fatigue, eczema, and even cancer.


Higher levels of VOCs can include irritation of eyes and nasal passages, nausea and headaches, lethargy and malaise, rash, skin irritation, and eczema. 


Awair Element’s Total VOC index provides benchmarks to help you understand your daily exposure. 


Why are VOCs measured as a group instead of individually?




VOCs have a cumulative effect on health and comfort. For example, numerous VOCs are asphyxiants. Asphyxiants displace oxygen in the blood. If a person inhales multiple asphyxiants, each one is working to displace oxygen in that person’s blood and the effects that the chemicals have on that person are compounded. 



Which VOCs Can Awair Element Detect? 

Awair Element’s tVOC sensor is calibrated to detect the following chemicals;


Acetic Acid


m- & p-Xylenes



















Ethyl acetate









Butyl acetate





Texanol 1&3





3-Methyl pentane


Methylene chloride


t-Butyl methyl ether



Carbon tetrachloride


Carbon disulfide






What steps can I take to reduce my Chemical reading?

Ventilation: it’s important to have proper ventilation. If you are using cleaning products, adhesives, or paints it’s a good idea to open a window. Also, since VOCs slowly evaporate off of many things that will always be in your home or office, such as carpeting, it’s not a bad idea to ventilate once in a while even if you aren’t actively using products that produce VOCs.

Storage: materials that cause a lot of indoor pollution should be stored away from living and working areas. Make sure that heavy VOC contributors such as paint are stored outside of the home or tightly sealed in a garage if possible.

Air purification: air purifiers can drastically improve your air quality, especially if you have one that targets VOCs specifically. If you have an air purifier, make sure to check the filter regularly. Certain plants such as English Ivy or Boston Fern can also be helpful. Having two plants per 100 square feet can make a big difference.

Moderation: using perfumed substances, cleaning products, or other VOC contributors occasionally isn’t a bad thing. However, excessive use can contribute heavily to VOC pollution. For example, burning a scented candle once in a while is fine. Doing it daily can contribute heavily to the pollution in your home. The same goes for many of the materials listed above such as adhesives and cleaners.

It’s impossible to avoid all VOCs and all indoor air pollution. However, by making conscious choices about ventilation, the materials, and products you use, how often you use them and where you store them, you can drastically reduce the levels of VOC pollution in the air.

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