TVOC stands for "Total Volatile Organic Compounds" – the sum of all volatile organic compounds in the air. These substances come from building materials, furniture, cleaning products and human activity, among other things. Although some VOCs are harmless, high concentrations can cause headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and, in the worst case, affect health.
TVOC is typically measured in ppb (parts per billion) or mg/m³ . At ÅBN we use a scale with 7 levels, which gives a clear picture of when the air quality is optimal – and when to react.
|
Step |
TVOC level (ppb) |
TVOC (mg/m³) |
Designation |
Recommendation |
|
1 |
0 – 75 |
0 – 0.3 |
Optimal |
Ideal level. No action required. |
|
2 |
76 – 160 |
0.31 – 0.65 |
Low load |
Slightly elevated, but still without health risk. Normal ventilation is sufficient. |
|
3 |
161 – 245 |
0.66 – 1.0 |
Acceptable level |
Still acceptable, but indicates increased strain. Increased ventilation is recommended. |
|
4 |
246 – 750 |
1.01 – 3.07 |
Monitoring level |
Temporarily acceptable for up to 12 months. Source investigation and improved ventilation should be initiated. |
|
5 |
751 – 2,000 |
3.08 – 8.18 |
Critical load |
May only occur for a maximum of 1 month. Intensive ventilation and source identification required. |
|
6 |
2,001 – 6,112 |
8.19 – 25 |
Serious pollution |
Only short stays with intensive ventilation. The room should not be used continuously. |
|
7 |
> 6,112 |
> 25 |
Acute pollution |
Air harmful to health. Use of the room must cease immediately. Remediation necessary. |
The scaling is based on a molar mass of 100 g/mol and the conversion formula: mg/m³ = (ppb × 100) / 244.5
An acceptable TVOC level (level 3) means that you are not in danger – but that the air is starting to show signs of a build-up of pollutants. It is a warning . Here it is obvious that:
Increase ventilation (e.g. open windows or ensure good operation of mechanical ventilation)
Investigate whether there are new sources of contamination (e.g. new paint, furniture or cleaning products)
Measure again over time to follow progress
A good rule of thumb: If you are often in step 3 – or moving upwards – it is time to take action.
There is no single legal requirement for maximum TVOC values in schools and institutions. However, both national and international guidelines, including UBA (Germany) and ASHRAE works with limit values to prevent nuisance and health effects.
In Denmark, the focus Building Regulations (BR18) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration on CO₂ as the primary indicator of air quality, but TVOC is gaining ground as a supplementary and important measurement parameter.
At ÅBN we use SKYEN , a visual sensor solution that continuously measures TVOC and CO₂ and displays air quality in real time. When levels rise, the sensor lights up – so you know when it’s time to take action.
We combine technology with behavioral design and pedagogy so that children and adults learn to take responsibility for the air they share.
What is the difference between TVOC and CO₂?
Why is my TVOC suddenly high?
What should I do if my TVOC level is bad?
What is an acceptable TVOC level?
Are you still interested in knowledge about your indoor climate? Find similar articles below or check out our entire indoor climate universe here:
