What is TVOC?

TVOC stands for ​Total Volatile Organic Compounds, which refers to the combined concentration of all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Key Points About TVOC:

1. ​Definition:

   • ​VOCs are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, emitted from various solids and liquids.
   • ​TVOC is the aggregate measure of all detected VOCs in a given environment, providing a holistic view of air quality.

2. ​Sources:

   • ​Indoor Sources: Paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, adhesives, carpets, furniture, printers, and cosmetics.
   • ​Outdoor Sources: Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and natural sources like vegetation.

3. ​Health Impacts:

   • ​Short-Term Exposure: Eye/nose/throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.
   • ​Long-Term Exposure: Potential respiratory issues, liver/kidney damage, or cancer (depending on specific VOCs present).

4. ​Measurement:

   • ​Units: Typically measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) or parts per billion (ppb).
   • ​Tools: Sensors or air quality monitors estimate TVOC levels, often using a baseline comparison rather than identifying individual compounds.

5. ​Regulations/Guidelines:

   • Organizations like the WHO and EPA provide guidelines, though standards vary. For example, the WHO recommends indoor TVOC levels below 300 µg/m³.
   • No universal safe threshold exists, as toxicity varies by compound.

6. ​Mitigation:

   • ​Ventilation: Increase fresh air circulation.
   • ​Low-VOC Products: Use paints, adhesives, and furnishings labeled as low-VOC.
   • ​Air Purifiers: Activated carbon filters can adsorb VOCs.
   • ​Source Control: Remove or reduce emission sources (e.g., stored chemicals).

7. ​Limitations:

   • TVOC does not differentiate between individual VOCs (some are more harmful than others).
   • Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), like pesticides, are excluded due to lower volatility.

Why It Matters:

TVOC serves as a practical indicator of overall air quality, helping identify pollution hotspots and guiding interventions to reduce health risks. While not a perfect metric, it simplifies complex mixtures of pollutants for actionable insights.