Chemical Indoor Contaminants
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) comprise a large number of individual substances that are present in gaseous or vapor form at room temperature and can accumulate in indoor air. VOC can be of synthetic or natural origin. Common indoor sources include cleaning agents, varnishes, paints, adhesives, furniture, disinfectants, cosmetics, and liquid fuels. In addition, tobacco smoke, cooking odors, and human metabolism also contribute to VOC levels indoors.
If odors, irritation, or symptoms occur indoors that are suspected to be related to VOC exposure, potential contamination can be assessed using indoor air and emission measurements.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a highly volatile organic compound with a pungent odor that is present in numerous materials used indoors. In particular, particle boards and other wood-based materials used in veneered furniture, panels, and flooring, as well as foams and adhesives, are potential sources of formaldehyde emissions. Formaldehyde is also used as a preservative in many cosmetic and cleaning products (e.g. nail hardeners, antiperspirants, shampoos, etc.). It is released both outdoors and indoors during combustion processes (e.g. tobacco smoking).
As a gaseous substance, formaldehyde primarily causes local irritation of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. In June 2014, formaldehyde was classified under the 6th CLP Regulation as “Carcinogen Category 1B and Germ Cell Mutagen Category 2”.
Wood preservatives (PCP and lindane)
Particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, wood preservatives often contained a combination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane). Wooden components such as timber frames, doors, window frames, and floorboards were frequently treated with these products.
In 1986, the use of PCP-containing wood preservatives in indoor environments was prohibited by the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. However, PCP and lindane can continue to off-gas for long periods after application and may lead to adverse health effects.
If contamination with wood preservatives is suspected, we offer expert consulting, sampling, analysis, and evaluation in accordance with current assessment criteria (e.g. PCP Guideline NRW).
Chloroanisoles
In older prefabricated houses or pavilion structures, a characteristic musty odor (“cork odor”) may occur, caused by the degradation of PCP by moisture-loving microorganisms. The resulting chloroanisoles are not harmful to health but can cause a very unpleasant odor nuisance.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- BTEX and chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) (active and passive sampling)
- Asbestos, synthetic mineral fibres (MMF)