Episode #68: How to Test & Reduce VOCs In Your Home's Air with Sarah Mack

Is there a reliable way to find out which VOCs are lingering in your indoor air, and in what amounts? 

Sarah Mack of Enthalpy Analytical joins us to explain how to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), how to interpret the results, and what to do about their presence in your home. Sarah breaks down the differences between VOCs, SVOCs, and VVOCs, and outlines common sources and health effects of chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and household cleaners. You’ll learn why total VOC (TVOC) numbers can be misleading, how your body’s ability to detoxify may influence symptom presentation, and how removal, containment, and dilution can make a big difference in your indoor air quality. 

Whether you’re chemically sensitive or seeking to improve your overall well-being, this interview will equip you with tools and science-backed strategies to make safer choices as you take control of your indoor air quality.

Episode Highlights:

• What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and how do they differ from semi-volatile (SVOCs) and very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs)? (2:24)
• Why is formaldehyde a concern, and where is it found in our homes? (4:33)
• Why isn’t formaldehyde always included in VOC testing? (6:31)
• Which VOCs show up most often in residential lab tests? (7:45)
• What are Total VOCs (TVOCs), and what do they reveal about air quality? (11:07)
• Are there limits set for VOC levels indoors? (13:57)
• What are common indoor sources of benzene? (15:50)
• What health effects occur with high indoor VOC levels? (16:39)
• What are MVOCs? (18:48)
• How can you test your home for VOCs, and what can testing tell you? (20:04)
• Sarah explains sample lab reports. (23:06)
• What steps can you take to reduce VOC exposure? (32:02)

Links mentioned in interview:
The Truth About VOCs, Greenwashing, & Healthy Homes: Part 1 Interview With Andy Pace: https://changetheairfoundation.org/the-truth-about-vocs-greenwashing-and-healthy-homes-part-1/

Flame Retardants, Formaldehyde & Your Indoor Air Interview With Lara Adler: https://changetheairfoundation.org/flame-retardants-formaldehyde-your-indoor-air/

What’s That Smell? mVOCs & Mold Interview With Jason Earle: https://changetheairfoundation.org/whats-that-smell-mvocs-mold/

The Hidden Dangers of Moldy Smells Interview With Dr. Joan Bennett: https://changetheairfoundation.org/the-hidden-dangers-of-moldy-smells/

Start Here tab: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/

Understanding Air Cleaners & Purifiers Interview With Carl Grimes: https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-air-cleaners-purifiers-with-carl-grimes/

Ventilation Designs for Healthy Homes Interview With Corbett Lunsford: https://changetheairfoundation.org/ventilation-designs-for-healthy-homes/

Get in touch with our guest:
Home Air Check: https://www.homeaircheck.com
Enthalpy Analytical: https://enthalpy.com
Sarah Mack’s email: Sarah.Mack@enthalpy.com

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the A