VOC sampling for indoor air quality
IRIS laboratory team · EPA TO-15 / TO-17 · 13:25
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IRIS VOC investigations start in the field, and move to the lab only when the readings call for it. VOCs off-gas from building materials (flooring adhesives, paints and coatings, composite wood), furnishings and finishes (new furniture, carpet, cleaning products) and HVAC components (duct linings, sealants, insulation, combustion byproducts).
Two service levels
| Service | What it gives you | Best for | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOC Index screening | Real-time PID readings room by room, source ID by VOC signature, written field findings | Initial investigations, complaint response, pre-renovation | Same day |
| Tedlar bag sampling and lab analysis | Compound-specific ID by GC/MS, concentrations against OSHA, EPA and NJ DEP limits, full chain of custody | Compliance, litigation support, high or repeated readings | Up to 5 business days |
How it runs
- A certified field professional scans the property with a SentinelAir Pro™ PID, logging VOC Index readings room by room against an outdoor baseline.
- Elevated zones are matched to likely sources such as adhesives, flooring, cabinetry, paints and cleaning agents. Many cases close here.
- Where compound-level analysis is needed, Tedlar bag samples are collected at the flagged locations under chain of custody.
- The lab analyses the bags by GC/MS. The report gives compound ID, concentrations, a comparison with health standards and remediation guidance.
Reading the VOC Index
The index is a 0 to 500 score derived from TVOC field readings (mg/m³, PID isobutylene equivalent), read against the outdoor baseline. It is a field screening guide only.
| Score | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0 to 50 | No action required |
| 51 to 150 | Monitor conditions |
| 151 to 300 | Elevated, investigate |
| 301 to 500 | High, laboratory sample recommended |
To schedule screening or a laboratory analysis, contact the lab or email support@irislaboratories.com.
Chain of custody
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