VOC Test: Testing for VOCs in Your Home

DoGoodHQ.co Editorial Team
DoGoodHQ.co Editorial TeamLast Updated: January 13, 2025

VOC Test: Testing for VOCs in Your Home

White Breathe Airmonitor Plus testing device in a home

There are a lot of things you already do to keep your home healthy, happy, and safe. You’re probably aware of the dangers of air pollution in the environment, but what about inside your home? Common household products can release harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come with a laundry list of health concerns. An at-home VOC test is a simple way to monitor potential hazards so you can take action for a safer, healthier home environment.  


What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are human-made chemicals used in the production of many common household products. These include formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, chloroform, and many other industrial solvents. 

VOCs in the home can come from cleaning supplies, paint, furniture, building materials, and even craft products like glue and markers. They are hard to detect without proper equipment because they do not emit odors, or the scents are so subtle that they’re easy to miss. 

The Connection Between VOCs and Health

Exposure to VOCs in the home has been linked to a wide range of health issues, some mild and others more serious. Short-term exposure can result in symptoms like headaches and dizziness, or irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory problems and certain types of cancer.

Children, pets, and people with respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Children exposed to VOCs may develop asthma, allergies, or eczema. Pets can show signs of respiratory distress or allergic reactions like skin rashes and hives.


VOC Test: Is it Necessary?

We spend much of our lives indoors. Unfortunately, air pollution isn’t something that only exists outside of our homes. 

In fact, a study by the EPA found that exposure to VOCs was 2-5 times higher inside homes than outdoors. The lack of air circulation and ventilation, plus a high concentration of VOC-leaching household products, means a consistently higher risk of harmful chemicals in the air.

Aside from the numerous health concerns that come with exposure to VOCs in the home or office, once they escape into the environment, they contribute to local air pollution and ground-level smog—bad for plants, animals, and people alike.

So, is a VOC test necessary? We’d say so. We take about 20,000 breaths every day, so it’s worth making sure that they are as clean and clear as possible.


Common Sources of VOCs in Your Home

Because VOCs cover a wide range of industrial chemicals, they are found in all manner of objects and materials. Some common culprits include:

  • Household Products: Cleaning sprays, fabric softeners, air fresheners, and personal care items like nail polish remover, hair sprays, aftershave, or spray-on deodorant.
  • Furniture: Carpeting, upholstery, and particle-board or pressed-wood products. 
  • Building Materials: Paints, paint-thinners, wallpaper, varnishes, adhesives, and caulking agents.

These products tend to off-gas, leaking volatile compounds into the air. Some may only release VOCs for a few days, but others may leak them for weeks or even years.


Why Should You Test for VOCs?

Testing for VOC can offer you some peace of mind, providing useful insight for maintaining a safe, healthy home environment. Testing can help you identify potential sources of VOCs in the home, alerting you to issues that can affect your family’s health. 

With the right information in your hands, you can take steps to protect those who may be more vulnerable, like pets, children, elderly people, and people with respiratory concerns.  


How to Test for VOCs in Your Home

There are a few ways to measure VOC levels at home. Consumer testing kits and air quality monitors can be bought in stores or online and are fairly simple to use. These can report on a number of factors, letting you see if the air around you meets VOC standards for safety.

DIY VOC Testing Kits & Tools

VOC monitors come in a variety of styles with features and tools that can help you keep your home safe. Some measure a number of variables like temperature, humidity, and carbon monoxide, as well. Here are some air quality monitors that can help you test VOC levels in your home: 

  • Breathe Airmonitor Plus ($89.99) – View eight different air quality factors on one device, either through the comprehensive display or on your phone. It also comes with free 30-day data storage so you can spot trends in your home for more in-depth analysis. 
  • Temptop M10 Air Quality Monitor ($89.99) – Continuously monitor the air in any room with this compact tabletop device. It has an easy-to-read display with large numbers and the option to toggle between different readings.
  • Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor ($69.99) – This device tracks five factors that impact air quality, including VOCs and particulate matter, so you can check levels at any time in your Alexa app.

When to Seek Professional Air Quality Testing

In some cases, at-home VOC tests may not be enough. At-home tests are more convenient for regular use, but they have their limitations. It’s worth consulting a professional if you experience:

  • Persistent respiratory symptoms, headaches, or signs of allergies
  • Chemical odors in enclosed spaces like garages, closets, and bathrooms
  • Recent construction or renovation in or around the home, including painting, installing new carpeting, or new furnishings.

Interpreting the Results of a VOC Test

Because there are so many different VOCs, you’ll often see them grouped together as TVOCs (total volatile organic compounds). These are reported in mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic meter). 

Some products have their own reporting metrics, like a color-coded index or numerical score, so it’s important to read the instructions of any new device.

When looking at specific VOC concentrations, here are the numbers to know: 

  • Low: 0.3 mg/m3 and below
  • Acceptable: 0.3 – 0.5 mg/m3
  • Considerable: 0.5 – 1.0 mg/m3
  • High: 1 – 3 mg/m3

Tips to Reduce VOCs in Your Home

If a test in your home is reading above 0.5 mg/m3 or you’re worried about VOCs accumulating in your home, there are some things you can do to help.

  • Use low- or no-VOC products. There are paints and cleaning products available that are created to reduce dangerous off-gassing.
  • Limit the use of aerosols and chemical air fresheners. Opt for non-toxic alternatives.
  • Increase ventilation. Open windows and doors, or use exhaust fans to air out confined spaces. 
  • Store chemicals safely. Keep hazardous materials in a cool, dry place, as higher temperatures and humidity cause more off-gassing. They should be stored away from living spaces in tightly sealed containers. 
  • Add indoor plants. Some popular houseplants like peace lilies, snake plants, pothos, and aloe vera can help remove VOCs from the air while adding a little color to your home.

Final Thoughts on Testing for VOCs

There’s a lot to worry about when it comes to safeguarding our health, especially when it comes to the air we breathe. 

VOC testing is one of the many important steps you can take to maintain a healthier home. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so start small: open more windows, try an easy-to-use test kit, and focus on one room at a time. 

With thoughtful action and gradual changes, you can help everyone in your home breathe a little easier.

Featured image via Amazon

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