Detecting VOCs | Volatile Organic Compounds

Formulas and CAS Numbers

Overview

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are significant environmental and human health concerns. They are a broad group of highly volatile organic chemicals containing carbon atoms. These compounds are characterised by their high vapour pressure at room temperature and can easily evaporate into the air, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Some of the most common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and acetone.

Formation

VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids, including many industrial and household products, such as paints, solvents, and cleaning supplies. They can be formed through both natural and anthropogenic (human-made) processes.

Through natural sources, VOCs can occur through biogenic emissions. Plants and trees are major sources of VOCs, releasing isoprene, monoterpenes, and other organic compounds during the metabolic process. Furthermore, many industrial processes emit VOCs from anthropogenic sources. Combustion processes, such as the burning of fossil fuels in power plants, vehicles, and homes, produce incomplete combustion byproducts like benzene.

Several hazards can occur when a VOC evaporates into the air, depending on its specific properties and environmental conditions.  Depending on the type and concentration of VOCs, their presence in the air can have adverse health effects on humans and animals through inhalation. Certain VOCs also pollute the air, affect ecosystems, and form smog.

Health Effects

VOC exposure can pose significant short- or long-term health risks to humans and contribute to air pollution. Health effects of VOC exposure include:

• Respiratory irritation
• Eye and skin irritation
• Fatigue
• Central nervous system damage
• Liver and kidney damage
• Cancer

Detecting volatile organic compounds with a gas detector involves using specialised sensors that measure the concentration of different VOCs given the environment.

Conclusion

VOCs form through various natural and anthropogenic processes, primarily involving the breakdown and transformation of organic materials. Plants, microbes, industrial activities, combustion processes, and atmospheric reactions all contribute to the production and release of VOCs. Individuals and organisations can significantly reduce the health risks associated with VOCs by taking appropriate preventive measures.

What we recommend

Oldham OLCT 60 Series gas detector

The fixed Oldham OLCT 60 Industrial Gas Detector is ideal for VOC detection in industrial environments. Equipped with advanced sensors, this detector ensures precise and sensitive monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with environmental regulations. With features such as data logging and remote monitoring capabilities, the OLCT 60 facilitates proactive management of VOC levels, enabling quick responses to potential hazards.

For more information, see our product page here

MiniRAE® 3000 + Portable Handheld VOC Monitor

The MiniRAE® 3000 + is highly portable for applications requiring precise detection and measurement of VOCs. This portability is especially beneficial for applications where VOC monitoring needs to be conducted across different locations or in confined spaces where larger equipment might not be practical. It features an advanced photoionization detector (PID) technology that enables it to detect a wide range of VOCs with high sensitivity and accuracy, making it invaluable for industrial hygiene, environmental monitoring, and hazardous substance detection.

For more information, see our product page here

Dräger X-am 8000 Multi-Gas Detector

The Dräger X-am 8000 Multi-Gas Detector is highly effective for portable VOC detection. It is equipped with a Photoionization Detector (PID) that offers sensitive and accurate monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in various environments. The device is portable and rugged, designed for ease of use in diverse conditions. It provides real-time data on concentrations with audible and visual alarms for immediate response to unsafe levels.

For more information, see our product page here

Get in touch with our team today! We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Written by Megan Ellis