Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases, containing primarily carbon and hydrogen, that are emitted into the air from products or processes. VOCs have become of particular interest in the last decade because our homes have become more energy efficient while building materials have become inorganic or man-made. The chemicals in these building materials along with common household products (ranging from air fresheners to spray foam) ‘off-gas’ or emit toxic gases into our airtight homes trapping these pollutants indoors. To make matters worse, The EPA has reclassified Colorado’s Front Range, including Fort Collins and Greeley, as a “severe” violator of federal air quality standards, so our once pristine mountain air is less helpful than ever to ventilate our homes. Add to that, the pandemic, wildfires, and we are spending most of our time is indoors, so it is more vital than ever to manage our indoor air quality.
VOCs can cause a wide range of problems, ranging from an unpleasant odor to physical symptoms. Exposure commonly causes:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
- Nose, eye, and throat irritation
- Aggravation to/and Respiratory diseases
- Dizziness and loss of coordination
- Immune system diseases
Fortunately, ProCheck partners with leading IAQ experts, Enthalpy Labs (https://www.Enthalpy.com) to identify VOCs in your home. The IAQ Home Survey™ Predict is one of the most advanced, trusted air testing products on the market today for identifying chemical sources and active mold growth in a home. The report monitors 500+ most common airborne chemicals and hidden mold growth with a single air sample. The test is done in 2 hours and costs $395.00. Many indoor air quality (IAQ) issues identified by the IAQ Home Survey can be easily remediated or eliminated.
The main sections of Your Indoor Air Quality Report are:
- The Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) level: a general indicator of the IAQ in your home. Typically, a lower TVOC means better IAQ in your home.
- The Total Mold Volatile Organic Compound (TMVOC) level: an assessment of the actively growing mold in your home. Levels above 8 ng/L indicate that there is a source of actively growing mold in your home.
- The Contamination IndexTM (CI): shows the types of air-contaminating products and materials that are present in your home. The CI is divided into 3 main sections: Building-Related Sources, Mixed Building and Lifestyle Sources.
- Significant Vocs: The top chemical compounds found in your home indicative of specific types of products or problems.
See sample report! This test is an invaluable tool for homebuyers, homeowners, and renters because it provides important information on potential contamination issues in the home that cannot be detected by a visual inspection alone. Acting upon the information in this report will enable you to dramatically improve the air quality in your home, creating a healthier environment for you and your family. It’s so easy. ProCheck Inspection Services can help you breathe easy.