Sorry for the dramatic headline, but today we’re talking about VOC’s, and they could indeed be out to kill us.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be found almost anywhere, common in industrial areas like pharmaceutical manufacturing and refineries they can also be found in our home from the aerosols, cleaners and paints we use in everyday life.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are compounds that contain carbon atoms that easily evaporate at room temperature.

They can be inhaled in normal breathing and are pretty much everywhere.

Breaking it down: “Volatile” means the compound vaporises. “Organic” means “containing carbon molecules” and also usually means “naturally occurring,” but many VOCs are manufactured.

Examples of Common VOCs

• Acetone (nail polish removers,furniture polish)
• Formaldehyde (pressed-wood products,insulation, and synthetic fabrics)
• Chloroform (as a byproduct of water chlorination)
• Benzene (paint, glue, petrol, cigarette smoke)
• Butanal (released by stoves, candles, and cigarettes)
• Dichlorobenzene (air fresheners and mothballs)
• Ethanol (glass cleaners and detergents)
• Ethylene glycol (paint and solvents)
• Propane (heaters and gas BBQ's)
• Xylene (petrol, adhesives, lacquers)

What are the health implications?

The most common way to be exposed to VOC gases is inhaling the airborne molecules.

Sometimes symptoms are immediately felt, but repeated low level exposure has a cumulative effect and can lead to illness weeks, months and even years later.

VOC’s have a TLV (Threshold Limit Value) which is the limit of exposure a person can have without feeling adverse effects.

Acetone for instance has a TLV of between 750 and 1,000 ppm (part per million) but things like Benzene or Formaldehyde, which can be found in paint, glues and moulded plastics has a TLV of just 0.1ppm which demonstrates how extremely low level exposure can still have adverse effects.

Health effects may include:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea
• Damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system
• Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure include:

• Nose and throat discomfort
• Headache
• Allergic skin reaction
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Declines in serum cholinesterase levels (these help the nervous system work properly)
• Feeling like you're going to vomit (nausea)
• Actually vomiting (emesis)
• Nose bleeds (epistaxis)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Please note that the above exposure is at low levels (ppm), even the smallest levels can cause the signs and symptoms listed above - please can you re-word this to make it make sense?

What can we do?

There are two factors at play here - level, and length of exposure.

Variations can result in symptoms ranging from minor irritations all the way to organ damage and cancers, so it is critical VOCs are monitored with the proper gas detection equipment to ensure any potential risks to workers is minimised, and that’s where we come in.

In industries such as petrochemicals, there are multiple points during the process where the levels of VOCs are highest; these include vacuum distillation, refining and wastewater treatment.

It is therefore important to have the correct levels of protection in place. Depending on the environment, you may need fixed or portable detection equipment (or both). Our engineers are highly trained and experienced in advising on what is required.

Work with Point Safety

Point Safety engineers are highly experienced in advising on the gas detection systems best suited for various industries. We carry out an assessment of your particular needs and install and commission the ideal solution for you.

We have a wealth of understanding of the systems and various industry specific practices. That means you can have total peace of mind that the gas detection system installed is perfect for you, and with our bespoke calibration and service contracts, you’ll know your equipment is running at its optimal levels. We’ll also make sure you’re aware of the latest innovations in technology.

Using PID Sensors to detect VOCs

We can’t avoid VOCs, but can take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our workers from their harmful effects.

Gas Safety Point supplies of a wide range of personal detection equipment with PID sensors such as the ToxiRAE Pro PID Personal Monitor for Volatile Organic Compounds (PGM-1800)

PIDs use UV light to break down VOCs into positive and negative ions, then detect or measure the charge of the ionised gas.

The charge is a function of the concentration of VOCs in the air; PIDs don't burn or permanently change the sampled gases.

Is a PID detector a good choice for me?

The Point Safety team is here to help you answer that question.

Using decades of knowledge and experience in gas detection equipment, we'll look at your needs and help you to decide what the correct choice is for you.

If a different type of detector is better suited to your particular operation, or you'll need various types of monitoring equipment, we'll advise accordingly.

For more information or to discuss any of your gas detection requirements contact us today