Protecting Building Occupants from Exposure to Chemical Odors and Airborne Pollutants

Building occupant inhalation hazards associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals are an issue in a number of workplaces and even people’s homes. VOCs include a wide range of chemicals, some of which may have short-term and long-term adverse health effects.

To help address this problem, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides information about indoor environmental quality (IEQ), including chemicals and odors specifically. The agency states, “There are a variety of chemical contaminants found in a variety of sources. Volatile organic compounds are common chemical contaminants found in office and home environments and are a source of odors. VOCs are organic (containing carbon) chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air. Many products found in the office environment may have the potential to release VOCs.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue and dizziness.

“Concentrations of some VOCs are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors according to the EPA,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Identifying indoor sources and reducing exposure to these in a home, work or school environment is an important step in creating a healthy indoor environment. At EMSL, our network of laboratories across the United States and Canada offers testing services to identify VOCs and other chemical hazards to help mitigate these exposure risks.”

EMSL has also recently sponsored an educational video about chemicals, odors and indoor environmental quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cbyiX4LTYUk.

To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, environmental and building science issues, or for access to air monitoring instruments and testing supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail