Volatile organic compounds, otherwise known as VOCs, are gases that are emitted from a wide array of solids and liquids in our households or business today. Because some of these known chemicals can cause serious health effects, many individuals choose to have their homes or businesses tested for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) levels.
At Florida Inspections Unlimited, we offer volatile organic compounds testing in order to detect any harmful chemicals in the indoor environment. Our professional VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) test your indoor air quality for the presence of these harmful chemicals that may be in your home or business that can be posing health risks to the people who spend time there.
Why You Should Test Your Indoor Air Quality
- Simple to understand comprehensive analysis
- Monitors for over 500 airborne chemicals (VOCs) and hidden mold (MVOCs)
- Rates air quality relative to recommend guidelines
- Interprets chemical information and maps this into easily understood categories
- Highlights each category’s contribution to the air quality
- Predicts sources of contaminant in each category
- Color-coded to easily understand areas of concern
- Graphical representation for easy interpretation
- Expert resources available to answer specific questions
- Peace of mind knowing the indoor air quality of my air
- All analysis and data interpretation done by and AIHA certified laboratory
The Health Risks of VOCs
Today we understand the health implications of many volatile organic compounds. As with many other pollutants and toxins in our environment, the nature and extent of exposure to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) depend on many factors including the duration of that exposure. The immediate symptoms many people have experienced include:
- Eye and respiratory irritations
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Visual disorders
- Memory impairment
But many VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) used in common household products today have been shown to create much more dangerous health risks. Studies have shown that long-term exposures to some VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) have resulted in liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
Common household products that have been proven to have harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are:
- Paints, paint strippers, and solvents
- Wood preservative
- Aerosol sprays
- Household cleaners and disinfectants
- Air fresheners
- Moth repellents
- Stored fuels
- Automotive products
- Dry cleaned clothing
- Pesticides
- Building materials
- Furniture
- Tobacco smoke
- Chemical smells
- Office equipment
- Graphics materials
- Glues and adhesives
- Photographic solutions
- Dimethylfuran
- Ethenylpyridine
- Nicotine
Unfortunately, this list is only a partial representation.
EPA Study & Florida Department of Health
All of these products release some form of organic compounds into the environment while they are used and, for some of them, even while they are being stored. According to an EPA study, levels of nearly a dozen common organic pollutants were found to be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outside. This was regardless of whether the home was in an industrial area or a rural one.
The study concluded that anyone using products containing these compounds exposes themselves to extremely high pollutant levels. And these levels can persist in the air long after the product has been used. In fact, during and for several hours after certain products were used, levels could be 1,000 times those of background outdoor levels. Many of these chemicals have what is known as a synergistic effect. While they have little risk on their own, when combined with other chemicals, they become far more toxic than they were individually.
Testing VOC Levels in Your Home
Testing your indoor air quality and levels of volatile organic compounds in your home or workplace is a way to ensure that your air quality is not negatively impacting your health or that of your family and employees. This can lead to a safer home or workplace and ensure that high levels of toxins are not a risk. We are experienced and trained to inspect for toxic chemicals and can help you implement a safe and healthy plan for your home or workplace.
Testing Air Samples for VOCs and Tobacco Smoke Test
At Florida Inspections Unlimited, we collect air samples and test them for individual VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in your indoor environment. We will often combine the use of several instruments in order to cover large areas. Laboratory-based samples are able to identify specific VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds; many of these chemicals can also be emitted by multiple sources. Tobacco Smoke Test examines a submitted air sample for the presence of certain chemical compounds that are used like tobacco smoke marker compounds, for the thousands of chemicals present in tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke marker compounds include, but not limited to, 2,5-Dimethylfuran, 3-Ethenylpyridine, and Nicotine.
Tobacco Smoke Test Miami Dade & Broward County
Tobacco smoke test includes air samples that detect residual tobacco smoke in indoor environments. The purpose of the tobacco smoke test is to define whether the indoor air quality is secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (the mixture of smoke generated by side stream smoke, like the burning end of tobacco products, and the mainstream smoke exhaled by smokers), as well as third hand smoke or stake tobacco smoke (the smoke residue that has off-gassed into the air and is still present after smoking has ceased.
- Detects presence of secondhand and third hand tobacco smoke in indoor air
- Examines air sample for tobacco smoke marker compounds
Enforcement and validation of smoke-free policies:
- Hotels
- Apartment buildings
- Senior living centers
- Rental car companies
- Restaurants
- Offices/commercial buildings
- Ideal for asthmatics or anyone concerned with exposure to tobacco smoke
- Life insurance companies needing proof of non-smoking applicants
Interpreting Results is Key
Other inspection services may conduct volatile organic compound inspections but collecting information is not enough. At Florida Inspections Unlimited, we interpret results and make professional recommendations in order to rid or maintain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) at a reasonable level in your home or workplace. Because of our years of experience, we can advise you about the levels of exposure and whether they are in a normal range.
At Florida Inspections Unlimited, we have been performing professional indoor air environmental testing and reporting since 2008. We take pride in our expert knowledge, our professionalism, and our dedication to our customers.
We provide expert inspection services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our service areas cover Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County. Miami, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, Homestead, South Miami, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Dania Beach, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Southwest Ranches, Davie, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura.
For fast, thorough, and professional volatile organic compounds test and environmental inspection services in Miami and throughout South Florida, call Florida Inspections Unlimited in Miami Dade County: 305-910-1171 or Broward County: 954-861-0666.