Research Associate Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that are commonly found indoors, and exposure to VOCs can contribute to a range of adverse health outcomes. Insight and guidance on how to assess whether VOCs are contributing to unacceptable indoor air quality or posing health risks is scarce. Our session will present a thorough review of what is known about the presence, prevalence, and concentrations VOCs in residential and residential-like environments, complemented by our findings from a large field study of VOCs in fifty diverse settings including spaces for assisted living and shelters for the unhoused, as well as non-residential locations. We will relate these findings to what is commonly measured – total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) – to discuss and suggest reasonable practices to measure VOCs in residential environments. The combination of reviewed literature with our measured data will inform guidance for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality. The goal of this session is to equip attendees with new insights to support healthy, residential environments through tactful VOC measurement and management.
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, attendees will:
Review the latest research findings on VOCs in non-residential indoor environments and their implications for indoor air quality standards
Discuss appropriate updates needed for indoor air quality guidance based on the latest evidence on VOCs
Be able to Identify practical strategies for VOC management in indoor environments to improve air quality
