Air Pollutants in New Homes and Recently Renovated Buildings

Indoor air quality can be significantly impacted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted after construction and renovation activities. Numerous chemicals are released into the indoor air from a large number of sources including construction materials, paints, polyurethane insulation, varnishes, adhesives, coatings, caulking, and flooring materials (carpet, linoleum, laminates and vinyl). Materials involved in the construction may include concrete, particle boards, acoustic ceiling files, fibreboards, gypsum boards, plywood and plastic laminates, all of which have their individual VOC emissions in additional to the other substances such as coatings and adhesives. Application of insulation materials, for instance, Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) frequently requires the use of blowing agents and a large number of polymerization agents, catalysts and additives. The large arrays of airborne organics in the confine of a building structure eventually causes elevated contaminant concentrations that creates discomfort, odour complaints and health problems.

CASSEN Testing Laboratories has a wealth of experience in solving air quality problems in many indoor settings (e.g. public buildings, workplaces, schools, health care). For such environments, up to 350 VOCs are detected in a single sample. Our technique captures and identifies the major VOCs in the air. In addition, we also provide semi-quantitative concentrations of each compound identified, their relevant sources in indoor air, odour description and TWA value. The total concentration of all the VOCs detected (TVOC) in the sample is also provided to assist comparison of typical levels and between samples.

For odour problems or more complex issues, you can choose CASSEN’s interpretation service, with which we will review all the compounds detected; checking the pattern of VOCs and meticulously constructing the many sources of emissions using our in-depth experience. An interpretative report will be issued that outlines any issues of the indoor air through the submitted samples.

For odour problems or more complex issues, you can choose CASSEN’s interpretation service, with which we will review all the compounds detected; checking the pattern of VOCs and meticulously constructing the many sources of emissions using our in‐depth experience. An interpretative report will be issued that outlines any issues of the indoor air through the submitted samples.