Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

29-05-2024

Volatile Organic Compounds (in Dutch VOS, vluchtige organische stoffen) are a broad class of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are found in a wide range of products, including paint, solvents, cleaning agents, air fresheners, and pesticides. VOCs can also be emitted by natural sources, such as plants and volcanoes. What substances are there and with which gas bags can you sample VOCs? Read below.

What volatile organic compounds are there?

There are many types of VOCs. For example, hydrocarbon VOCs contain both hydrogen and carbon atoms and include benzene and toluene. Oxygenated VOCs contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and are the result of car exhaust and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Plants produce non-harmful VOCs, usually terpenes or oils that give some plants their characteristic scent, and forest fires also release VOCs. Some VOCs are toxic and negatively impact the atmosphere. VOCs can have both short-term and long-term health effects and can deteriorate air quality both indoors and outdoors. The most well-known are:

Benzene: Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is found in gasoline, cigarette smoke, and exhaust fumes. Benzene is a carcinogenic substance that can lead to leukemia and other health problems.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is used in the production of particleboard, adhesives, and cosmetics. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and can lead to cancer.

Toluene: Toluene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used in thinners, paint, and glue. Toluene can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and can lead to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Xylene: Xylene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used in thinners, paint, and glue. Xylene can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and can lead to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Acetaldehyde: Acetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is formed during the breakdown of alcohol and is found in cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. Acetaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and can lead to cancer.

In addition to these five well-known VOCs, there are many other VOCs that can be harmful to health.

Monitoring/Sampling of VOCs

Volatile organic compounds can be monitored in the air using various methods, including the use of air sampling bags (gas bags). We offer the following bags among others:

Tedlar Bags: These are flexible bags made of a fluoropolymer material used for collecting air samples. Tedlar Bags are inert to VOCs, meaning they will not absorb or react with the VOCs in the sample.
Kynar Bags: This is another type of flexible bag made from a fluoropolymer material (PVDF). Kynar Bags are also inert to VOCs and are often used to collect air samples for analysis.
FEP (Teflon) Bags: These are bags made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. FEP Bags are inert to VOCs and are commonly used to collect air samples for analysis.
Multi-Foil Bags: In addition to Tedlar Bags, Kynar Bags, and FEP Bags, multi-foil bags can also be used for air sampling. Multi-foil bags are made from a multi-layer material that forms a barrier against VOCs and other gases.

Air Sampling with Tedlar Bags, Kynar Bags, and FEP Bags

Air sampling with Tedlar Bags, Kynar Bags, and FEP Bags is a widely used method for monitoring VOCs in the air. These bags are easy to use and can be utilized to collect air samples at various locations. The bags are then transported to a laboratory for analysis. Keep in mind that the samples should be analyzed as soon as possible, as many gases are highly volatile and should be analyzed within 24 hours. Are you wondering which type of air sampling bag is most suitable for your needs? Let us know which type of gas you want to sample so we can check this for you.

Also, check the following page where we have compiled gases in combination with different bags. Based on this, you can see which bag is most suitable for each type of gas: Stability of samples in gas sample bags

VOCs Affect Air Quality

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have a significant impact on air quality, both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor Air Quality

Sources of VOCs: VOCs are released from a wide range of products, such as paint, cleaning agents, furniture, carpets, electronics, and cosmetics.

Health Effects: Exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, and even long-term cancer risk.

Impact on Indoor Air Quality: VOCs contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause and exacerbate respiratory problems, especially in individuals with asthma or COPD.

Outdoor Air Quality

Sources of VOCs: VOCs are released from combustion processes, such as vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and natural sources like plants.

Formation of Smog: VOCs react with sunlight and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to form smog, which can lead to reduced visibility, respiratory issues, and heart diseases.

Contribution to Acid Rain: VOCs contribute to the formation of acid rain, which can be harmful to ecosystems and water quality.