The term VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. It also plays a crucial role in the communication between plants and animals. It has a high vapor pressure at room temperature and also can vapourize harmful chemicals at room temperature.
This can be caused by large manufacturing plants which release the smoke into the air, which can contribute to the level of VOC in the air. Indoor VOC is the gas that is given off by indoor things. Such gases are more concentrated indoors than outdoors.
How is the VOC determined?
VOC is determined by the VOC sensors. These sensors measure the VOC available in the air. Depending upon the gases available in the air and the type of sensor that is for detecting, each sensor can detect a particular VOC or group of gases in the air.
Types of VOC detectors
There are mainly three types of detectors. Each has its specialty and feature to detect the VOC level in the air. The three detectors are:
Photoionization detector - they can detect very vast chemicals including methylene chloride. They break down compounds into ions using UV light to detect VOC.
Flame ionization detectors - they are mainly detected hydrocarbons. As the name flame, the hydrogen flame interacts with hydrocarbons to produce ions.
Metal oxide semiconductor sensor - they use a thin sheet to detect or a thin film to detect. It can also operate in low humidity.
Flame ionization detectors - they are mainly detected hydrocarbons. As the name flame, the hydrogen flame interacts with hydrocarbons to produce ions.
Metal oxide semiconductor sensor - they use a thin sheet to detect or a thin film to detect. It can also operate in low humidity.
VOCs are emitted in the form of gases. It can emit from any solid or any liquid. And being a gas, it can have some serious health effects that can be long-term or short-term. It is responsible for the odor and scents.
Sources from where the VOCs can be released
- Woods waste/preservatives
- Paints
- Any sprays
- Industrial gases
- Pesticides
- Cleansers
- Any waste building material or furniture
- Craft materials such as glue etc.
- Graphics material such as photographic solutions etc.
- Office equipment such as markers, pens, copies, etc
Some health effects include
- Any eye, nose irritation
- Headaches
- Difficulty in breathing
- Damage to the liver, kidney, etc.
- Skin allergies
- Nausea
- Etc.
Summary
As mentioned, it could be dangerous and can cause many serious health issues so, we should be careful when using such chemicals near us. Common examples of VOC are benzene, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, etc.
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