VOC Testing in the Oxnard Region
It is a wonder that the pleasant smell of your air fresheners, the subtle smell left after the use of paint, and the scent of many products you use at home might turn out to be harmful if you have a high concentration of them indoors.
In addition to Oxnard, we also perform VOC Testing in the surrounding communities including Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Oak Park, Port Hueneme, Fillmore and Ojai.
Call to set an appointment: 888-217-2719
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, which are organic compounds released from products used indoors. And when subjected to room temperature with high vapor pressure, they evaporate and get released into the air.
VOCs do not get harmful to your health immediately after you get exposed to them, but after an extended time of exposure, the accumulation can cause harm to your health. And even more harmful if they react with water.
Common Sources of VOCs
- Pesticide, repellants, and insecticides
- Automotive products and stored fuels
- Paints and paint strippers
- Washer and disinfectants
- Air fresheners
- Preservatives and aerosol sprays
- Dry cleaned clothes (caused by dry cleaning products)
- New carpets
- Alcohol-based products
These products release VOCs like Benzenes, Acetones, Toluene, Ethylene Glycol, Chlorocarbons, Methylene Chloride, Xylenes, Perchloroethylene, and similar compounds.
In addition to VOC Testing, we also perform Mold Testing and Indoor Air Quality Testing in the entire California region.
Why Test for VOCs?
VOCs can be found in many manufactured and household products, so, it is easy to have them in the home. However, you and your family should not be exposed to it for a long while, as it can cause harm to your health. Some of the gases have been said to cause cancer of the respiratory organs, nervous systems, kidneys, and livers.
- It's important to test the air to prevent the side effects caused by VOCs
- If you have children or aged members as occupants, you should regularly check for VOCs
- To prevent allergic reactions or asthmatic attacks
Effects of VOCs
Have you ever felt a headache or migraine after spending the day painting, and you feel you need to lay down for a while to feel better? That could be an effect of the VOCs in the paint.
Here are some other minor symptoms of illnesses in the home might be due to exposure to VOCs but you might not realize, such as:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Triggered asthmatic attacks and breathing difficulties
- Eyes and throat burn
- Skin irritation
- Lethargy
If nothing is done about these symptoms, in the long run they can lead to:
- Migraine or constant headaches
- Respiratory system diseases
- Liver and kidney problems
- Cancer
- Serum Cholinesterase level decline
- Dyspnea
- Epistaxis
It can also affect the environment by:
- Damaging materials and buildings
- Depleting ozone layer
- Pollution of the environment
How to reduce exposure to VOCs
- Keep products that release VOCs out of the reach of children.
- While making use of products containing VOCs (like paints, disinfectants), ensure cross ventilation in the home. Let in enough fresh air during and after the use.
- Get rid of partially or completely used containers of VOC sources.
- Keep the use of VOC sources products to a minimum, and if there is a safer alternative, go for that instead.
- Identify sources of VOCs and remove them if possible. If it's not possible, cover all exposed surfaces of these sources.
- Use other alternatives instead of these products, for example, instead of using insecticides and pesticides, make use of pest management techniques.
- Adhere to the precautions stated for each product.
- Use products according to the directions given.
- Get rid of waste causing pollution near your home.
- Test for VOCs regularly.
How much exposure to VOCs can cause harm?
Each individual can tolerate different levels of exposure to harmful substances before they are affected. However, tolerance can be lower in children, the elderly, and people with existing conditions. So, it's best to limit exposure to VOCs if you have any of these people in your home.
Some of the symptoms might not be noticed until it has reached the chronic stage. At this time, your tolerance is low, and you are more prone to other forms of illnesses. Strive to prevent it rather than treat it.
Accumulated exposure to VOCs can be tolerated until it causes a fatal disease or illness. If you feel frequent symptoms similar to those stated in this article, visit medical personnel as soon as you can. You should then also plan on making arrangements for VOC testing.
How to get rid of VOCs
It's better to prevent and minimize the cause of the VOCs rather than get rid of them. To minimize the cause of VOCs, you should minimize the use of products that cause VOCs.
Get rid of containers that can emit VOCs and get rid of half-used products that no longer have a use in your homes. Or store them outdoors with their lids tightly connected.
If you are just installing carpets or vinyl flooring, do so during the warm weather in California and ensure there is enough ventilation during and after the installation.
If you are already experiencing some symptoms caused by VOCs or you want to prevent the harm VOCs can cause, it's best to test for it in your home. Call on A-1 Certified Environmental Services in California to test for VOCs and other pollutants.
Air Scrubbers and Hydroxyl generators are known to help get rid of humid air, dirt, and pollutants including VOCs.
When to do VOC testing?
VOC testing should be done every couple of years, but you can do it in less than that if you deem it necessary. For example, after doing some renovations in the home, you might need to do VOC testing to make sure the air is safe. Or if you are moving to a new place in California, you might want to ask questions or get VOC testing done to avoid moving into a contaminated environment.
A VOC testing procedure will take several days to get the result. The normal level expected should be around 500ng/L. If it's less than 1500ng/L, it is considered moderate. However, any result higher than 3000ng/L is extreme and should be mitigated as soon as possible.
A-1 certified environmental services is a trusted company in California to help you test for VOCs in your indoor air. We have qualified professionals who have quality experience and knowledge of VOC testing in California.
Sometimes, the need for VOCs can be a case of emergency, especially when it poses a serious health risk to humans and pets. Hence, we answer your call promptly and swing into action as soon as possible. If necessary, we can also help you with air purifying by using our hydroxyl air scrubbing machines.
Please call us to make an appointment at: 888-217-2719
If you'd prefer to email us, click on the Contact Us link.
As well as the major city of Oxnard, we also perform VOC Testing in the surrounding regions such as Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Camarillo, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Oak Park, Port Hueneme, Fillmore and Ojai. We look forward to hearing from you!