Understanding VOCs: Why Indoor Air Quality Testing Matters in Homes and Offices

Everyday materials can silently release chemicals into the air we breathe — and these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can significantly impact our health and indoor air quality.

VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids and liquids, commonly found in products we use daily. Paints, cleaning agents, adhesives, carpets, furniture, office equipment, and even air fresheners can release VOCs into indoor air. Because Canadians spend close to 90% of their time indoors, exposure levels can build up far beyond outdoor concentrations, particularly in newer or tightly sealed buildings designed for energy efficiency.

Common Sources of VOCs Indoors

According to Health Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs are released from:

• Paints, varnishes, and solvents

• Common building materials, e.g., laminates, plywood, fibreboard, vinyl, and furnishings

• Cleaning products and disinfectants

• Office printers, copiers, and adhesives

• Scented products like candles and air fresheners

• Stored fuels and automotive products

Even at low levels, prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Some VOCs, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are known or suspected human carcinogens.

How VOC Testing Improves Indoor Air Quality

Professional VOC testing provides measurable insight into what’s circulating in your indoor environment. Using advanced scientific sampling instruments, certified indoor air quality technicians identify both specific VOCs and total VOC concentrations (TVOCs) to help assess:

• Whether levels exceed Health Canada’s or ASHRAE’s recommended limits

• If building materials or furnishings are off-gassing pollutants

• The impact of ventilation systems on chemical buildup

• The effectiveness of remediation or filtration efforts

Results are interpreted alongside other IAQ factors — such as carbon dioxide, humidity, particulate matter, and ventilation rates — to form a complete picture of your indoor environment.

Creating a Healthier Indoor Environment

Reducing VOC exposure involves both testing and proactive management:

1. Increase ventilation: Open windows or improve mechanical ventilation where possible.

2. Choose low-emission products: Look for paints, adhesives, and furnishings labeled “low-VOC” or “no-VOC.

3. Avoid overuse of fragranced or aerosol products.

4. Maintain temperature and humidity within optimal ranges (per ASHRAE 62.1 and 62.2 standards).

5. Store chemicals safely and dispose of old or unused products properly.

For office environments, Health Canada’s Guidance on Improving Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings (2025) highlights that regular air quality monitoring and HVAC maintenance are essential to minimizing VOC accumulation and protecting occupant comfort and  productivity.

Professional VOC Testing in the Toronto GTA

Envirotrak Analytics Ltd. offers certified indoor air quality testing and VOC analysis for both residential and commercial clients. Using modern calibrated instrumentation and accredited lab testing where required, our team identifies sources of VOCs and other airborne contaminants to ensure your home or workplace meets recognized indoor air quality standards.

Whether you’re experiencing odours, headaches, or simply want peace of mind about your air quality, a VOC assessment can reveal what’s in the air you breathe and how to make it healthier.

Envirotrak Analytics Ltd.
Certified Indoor Air Quality Test Technicians
Certified Infrared Moisture Surveyors
📍 Serving Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area
🌐 envirotrak.ca

Why You Should Assess Indoor Air Quality During and After Construction or Renovation

Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading an office space, or completing a major renovation, indoor air quality (IAQ) should be a top priority. During and after construction, airborne contaminants can accumulate to levels that affect health, comfort, and productivity if they’re not properly identified and controlled.

Construction Dust and Chemical Emissions

According to Health Canada’s Guidance for Indoor Air Quality Professionals (2025), construction and renovation projects can release a variety of pollutants — including fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO).
These contaminants originate from:

• New building materials such as flooring (all types), paints, sealants, adhesives, and insulation.

• Dust and debris from drywall sanding, concrete cutting, demolition and Asbestos fibres from old plaster and pipe insulation removal.

• Combustion byproducts from equipment and tools powered by gas or diesel.

• Moisture accumulation, which can lead to mould growth if surfaces are not properly dried.

Why Testing Matters

Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just create temporary odours or discomfort. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms — especially in people with asthma or allergies. Health Canada and ASHRAE (Standards 62.1 and 62.2) emphasize that proper ventilation and post-construction air testing are critical for maintaining healthy indoor environments.

Post-Renovation IAQ Assessment Steps

After construction or renovation, a certified Indoor Air Quality Test Technician (CIAQTT) should:

1. Measure airborne particulate and chemical pollutants, including VOCs, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.

2. Check ventilation performance against ASHRAE standards for airflow and filtration efficiency.

3. Inspect for hidden moisture or mould using infrared thermography and moisture mapping techniques.

4. Verify occupant safety by ensuring contaminant levels meet Health Canada exposure guidelines.

How Envirotrak Analytics Can Help

At Envirotrak Analytics Ltd., our Certified Indoor Air Quality Test Technicians and Certified Infrared Moisture Surveyors provide comprehensive IAQ assessments for homes and offices across the Toronto GTA and surrounding regions.
We use calibrated instruments and can deploy real-time monitoring to identify hidden air quality hazards and provide data-driven, action-based recommendations to ensure your space is healthy, compliant, and comfortable.

Protect your investment — and your health — by scheduling an indoor air quality assessment before moving back in.
📍 Visit envirotrak.ca to learn more or book a professional IAQ inspection.

When the Air Feels “Heavy”: How High Humidity Hurts Indoor Air Quality (and How to Fix It)

Why Humidity Matters

Relative humidity (RH) is more than a comfort factor—it’s a cornerstone of indoor air quality. When RH levels rise above 50–60%, homes and offices become breeding grounds for mould, bacteria, and dust mites. Health Canada and ASHRAE emphasize that excess humidity doesn’t just make a space feel muggy—it directly contributes to poor IAQ and health problems.

Indoor Air Problems Linked to High Humidity

• Mould Growth: Damp drywall, carpets, or insulation can quickly host mould colonies. Some moulds produce allergens or even mycotoxins that aggravate asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions.

• Musty Odours & Staining: Persistent dampness leads to odours, peeling paint, and warped wood surfaces.

• Allergic & Respiratory Issues: Occupants exposed to mould and dampness often report coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and worsening of asthma.

• Building Damage: Excess humidity can weaken structural materials, corrode metal, and promote rot.

Why Offices and Homes Are Vulnerable

• Sealed, Energy-Efficient Buildings: Tightly sealed spaces trap moisture indoors if ventilation isn’t properly managed.

• Everyday Activities: Cooking, showering, and even breathing add litres of water vapor into the air daily.

• HVAC Issues: Poorly maintained systems may recirculate moisture instead of removing it.

Solutions: How to Take Control of Humidity

1. Keep RH Between 30–50% ✅

   • Use a hygrometer to track indoor humidity.

   • Dehumidifiers are effective in basements and damp areas.

2. Ventilation is Key ✅

   • Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens that vent outside—not into the attic or wall cavity, which is against building code standards.

   • Consider heat recovery or energy recovery ventilators (HRVs/ERVs) for modern, airtight buildings.

3. Moisture Source Control ✅

   • Repair plumbing leaks immediately.

   • Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

   • Improve grading so water drains away from the building.

4. Regular Maintenance ✅

   • Clean and maintain HVAC systems, especially drip pans and humidifiers.

   • Use moisture-resistant finishes in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.

5. Professional Help for Persistent Issues ✅

   • If mould is visible or suspected behind walls, hire qualified IAQ professionals.

   • Certified technicians can conduct moisture surveys, microbial sampling, and remediation verification.

Final Takeaway

High humidity is often overlooked until it becomes a problem—but by the time you smell musty odours or see visible mould, damage has already started. Keeping your indoor RH in the healthy range (30–50%) is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your health, comfort, and property.

👉 If you’re concerned about indoor humidity and air quality, Envirotrak Analytics Ltd. provides certified moisture surveys, certified indoor air quality testing, and professional reporting so you can take action before issues escalate.