ABSTRACT
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous. They are outdoors in pristine rural environments, and they are indoors in occupied building environments. VOCs in indoor air, however, are compounded by confinement and the build-up of complex mixtures of chemicals that ultimately contribute to poor outdoor air and occupant complaints.
Total VOC screening is recommended in cases where organic chemicals are suspected of causing health and/or odor complaints or affecting the health of the building occupants. Should the total VOCs exceed a predetermined acceptable limit, component identification is indicated.
The best methods for identification of all possible VOCs in an indoor air quality study are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Methods TO-15 and TO-17. Performed simultaneously, these methods can identify a wider range of VOCs.
