What are the main indoor air pollutants?

What are volatile organic compounds or VOC?

They are various types of organic compounds that are in a gaseous state at normal temperatures. It is estimated that there are around ten thousand types of volatile organic compounds.
VOCs can have a negative impact on health and well-being.

They can simply be divided into two groups:

1. Bio-waste substances – produced during the metabolic activity of living organisms (breath, sweat, etc.) or, for example, during cooking, baking, etc.
2. Emissions from building materials, furniture, carpets, cleaning agents, or cosmetic products, paints, etc.

Main manifestations include:

• discomfort
• decreased concentration ability
• drowsiness, fatigue
• headaches
• irritation of the eyes or even dizziness

These are essentially the pollutants for which ventilation is primarily needed (odors). VOC sensor is therefore most similar to the perception of odors by the human nose. In the table on the right, take a look at the main sources of VOC.

What to do in a space where there is an odor, but the CO₂ concentration may be fine?

It is always necessary to choose the type of sensor according to the predominant use of the specific space. For example, in restrooms, kitchens, locker rooms, or fitness centers, the CO₂ level is often fine despite unpleasant odors, thus necessitating ventilation.

A similar situation can also occur in new buildings, where upon entering you can smell odors from paints, furniture, etc. This phenomenon is called SBS = Sick Building Syndrome (for more on SBS, see here).

*CO₂ = carbon dioxide, a colorless gas with no odor
*VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds