TVOC stands for "Total Volatile Organic Compounds" , i.e. the sum of all volatile organic compounds in the air. These compounds evaporate at room temperature and are found in everything from paint and furniture to perfumes and cleaning products.
TVOC is not one specific gas, but a whole cocktail of substances that can individually – and collectively – affect your health and indoor climate.
High levels of TVOC indoors can be a sign of poor ventilation, contamination from materials and lack of ventilation. This not only affects air quality, but also:
Your concentration and energy
Sleep quality
Allergies and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract
Long-term health risks such as headaches, fatigue and, in rare cases, organ damage at very high levels.
VOCs such as formaldehyde and benzene are known to be irritating and, in the worst case, carcinogenic. Others are less dangerous but still affect your well-being. Therefore, it is not the amount of a single VOC, but the total load (TVOC) that is important to monitor.
At ÅBN we use a 7-point scale, where levels 1–3 are considered safe , and anything above level 4 should lead to action:
|
Step |
TVOC (ppb) |
Designation |
Recommendation |
|
1 |
0–75 |
Optimal |
No action |
|
2 |
76–160 |
Low load |
Easy ventilation |
|
3 |
161–245 |
Acceptable level |
Increased ventilation |
|
4 |
246–750 |
Supervision |
Source tracing |
|
5 |
751–2,000 |
Critical load |
Quick action |
|
6 |
2,001–6,112 |
Serious pollution |
Avoid staying |
|
7 |
>6,112 |
Acute pollution |
The room must not be used. |
Air out several times a day
Use environmentally friendly and perfume-free products
Avoid scented candles, incense and aerosols
Install mechanical ventilation or use air measurement with sensors such as THE CLOUD from ÅBN
Consider air purifiers with activated carbon filters – they can remove certain VOCs
Paint and varnish
Cleaning products and perfumes
Furniture and flooring
Electronic devices
Mold and building materials
