TVOC
Total Volatile Organic Compunds
The Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) level is a measurement of the sum of all of the volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in an air sample. The TVOC is an important indication of the overall air quality in a building because there has been so much information on the TVOC levels collected over the years, and using this data scientists have been able to put together the table shown below that provide a good indication of the overall indoor air quality.
It is important to also measure the individual VOC compounds in order to understand what is contributing to the TVOC if it is high, so action can be taken to reduce exposure and the TVOC level.
The TVOC
level does not distinguish between chemicals that may be toxic
and those that are not, so in addition to looking at the TVOC
levels, the levels of the individual chemicals found in the air
sample should be evaluated.
There are no regulatory standards for TVOC’s so these levels should serve as a guideline
|
TVOC Level ug/m3 |
Level of Concern |
Symptoms
|
Comments |
|
Less than 300 |
Low |
No irritation or discomfort is expected. |
There is a low likelihood that specific VOC sources are
present
|
|
300 to 500 |
Acceptable |
Occasional irritation or discomfort may be possible with
sensitive individuals. |
There is a low to moderate likelihood that specific VOC
sources are present |
|
500 to 1000 |
Marginal |
Complaints about irritation and discomfort are possible in
sensitive individuals |
A moderate likelihood that specific VOC sources are it is
recommended that steps be taken to identify the sources |
|
1000 to 3000 |
High |
Irritation and discomfort are very likely |
A high likelihood that specific VOC sources are present and
it is highly recommended that steps be taken to identify
them. |
|
More than 3000 |
Very High |
Irritation and discomfort are very possible. |
These levels are usually found in an industrial environment
where workers are exposed to chemicals |