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Help for optimizing the indoor climate
What is TVOC and why is it important?
TVOC is a collective term for gases and vapors emitted from various sources, such as:
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Building materials (e.g. paint, varnish, glue)
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Furniture and carpets
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Cleaning products and perfumes
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Cooking and human activity
Long-term exposure to high TVOC levels can lead to health problems such as headaches, fatigue, eye and respiratory irritation, and decreased cognitive performance. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and reduce TVOC levels in indoor air.
SKYEN's scale for TVOC levels
SKYEN uses a scale from A to G to assess the TVOC content in the air. This scale is based on international recommendations and research on the health effects of TVOCs. The letter in front of your TVOC parameter is based on the time setting you have set. For example, if you have set "now" it will show your scale with your current indoor climate. If you set it to "week" it will show your average scale for the time of use of the room in the past week.
A – Perfect air quality
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Almost no presence of VOCs.
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Indicates an optimal indoor climate with minimal impact from building materials and pollution sources.
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Typically found in newly renovated or well-designed buildings with good ventilation and low use of chemical products.
B – Very good
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The air quality is excellent and generally without any inconvenience to residents.
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The level may be affected by minimal emissions from people or slight fluctuations from furniture and materials.
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Suitable for schools, offices and homes with good ventilation.
C – Optimal
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The TVOC level is slightly elevated, but still acceptable.
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May be caused by normal human activity, use of perfumes or slight evaporation from furniture.
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Sensitive people may experience mild discomfort such as dry eyes or slight headaches.
D – Medium
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Beginning signs of poorer air quality, which may lead to short-term discomfort for people with sensitive respiratory systems.
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Typically, this is caused by cleaning agents, newly applied paint, or poor ventilation.
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It is recommended to improve air exchange by ventilating or adjusting ventilation.
E – Below average
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Air quality is significantly affected, and prolonged exposure to this environment can lead to fatigue, irritation, and decreased cognitive performance.
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Common sources include harsh chemicals, lack of ventilation, and a high population density in the room.
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Ventilation should be increased and sources of VOCs should be identified and minimized.
F – Bad
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The health risk is increased and stay in this environment should be limited.
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Typical causes are building materials with high off-gassing, cleaning agents with strong solvents or poor air circulation.
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Here, rapid action is recommended with improved ventilation, air purification and possible replacement of harmful materials.
G – Very bad
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Health risk. Staying in this environment may cause headaches, dizziness and irritation of the respiratory tract.
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May be caused by heavily polluted indoor environments, e.g. places with smoke, solvent vapors or industrial pollution.
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Immediate action required – improving ventilation, using air purifiers and removing sources of pollution.
Conclusion
The TVOC level in your indoor climate has a direct impact on your health and well-being.
SKYEN makes it easy to monitor and improve air quality through data and behavioral changes. By understanding the scale of TVOC levels, users can take informed action to create a healthier indoor environment.
This article has been prepared as part of ÅBN's knowledge articles on indoor climate in Denmark, based on the latest research and current regulations.
