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