What Are VOCs and Where Do They Come From?

Indoor air can contain pollutants from sources we encounter every day. One important group is volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. 

What Are VOCs? 

VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air from certain products and materials. Indoors, they may be released while a product is being used or, in some cases, continue to be emitted from materials and furnishings over time. 

Understanding potential VOC sources is an important part of evaluating and managing indoor air quality. 


Where Do VOCs Come From? 

VOCs can come from a wide variety of products and materials commonly found in homes, schools, offices, and other buildings, including: 

  • Paints, coatings, adhesives, and solvents 
  • Cleaning and disinfecting products 
  • Air fresheners, fragrances, and personal care products 
  • Furniture and cabinetry 
  • Flooring and carpets 
  • Building and renovation materials 
  • Stored fuels, chemicals, and hobby products 

Renovation activities may temporarily introduce additional VOC sources as new paints, flooring, adhesives, furnishings, and other materials are brought into a building. 


How Can VOC Exposure Be Reduced? 

Managing VOCs begins with understanding and controlling their sources. Building occupants and managers can consider increasing ventilation when appropriate, following manufacturer instructions, properly storing chemicals, and selecting lower-emitting products when practical. 

Because indoor environments vary, the presence of an odor does not necessarily tell you which VOCs are present or at what concentration. 


When Should You Consider an IAQ Professional? 

If there are persistent odors, occupant concerns, or questions about potential indoor pollutant sources, an indoor air quality professional can help evaluate the building, identify possible sources, and determine whether additional investigation or testing is appropriate. 

Learning where indoor pollutants come from is an important first step toward creating healthier indoor environments. 



Looking for more information about indoor air quality? Visit IAQA for educational resources and information from the indoor air quality industry.

IAQ Professional vs. DIY Testing: When Should You Call an Expert?

October 27, 2026
Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays an important role in maintaining comfortable, healthy indoor environments. From airborne particles and moisture to ventilation problems and chemical pollutants, many factors can affect the air inside homes, offices, and commercial buildings. With affordable air quality monitors and DIY testing kits widely available, it's easier than ever to collect information about indoor conditions. But how reliable are these tools, and when is it time to consult an indoor air quality professional? Understanding the difference between DIY testing and professional IAQ investigations can help you make more informed decisions. What Is DIY Indoor Air Quality Testing? DIY indoor air quality testing involves using consumer-grade devices or testing kits to check certain indoor environmental conditions without hiring a professional. Common DIY tools include: Air quality monitors: Track indicators such as particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature, and humidity, depending on the device. Mold testing kits: Collect samples that may be analyzed for mold, although results can be difficult to interpret. VOC monitors: Provide estimates or indicators of certain volatile organic compounds. Humidity meters: Help identify moisture conditions that may contribute to mold growth. Radon monitors: Measure radon gas (which is odorless, colorless and radioactive) concentrations indoors, either with short-term tests or long-term monitoring. These tools can be useful for observing trends and identifying conditions that may need further attention. However, they have limitations, particularly when it comes to accuracy, sampling methods, and interpreting results. What Does an IAQ Professional Do? An indoor air quality professional takes a more comprehensive approach to evaluating indoor environmental concerns. Rather than relying on a single reading or test result, a qualified professional considers multiple factors, including building history, ventilation, moisture conditions, occupant activities, and potential pollutant sources. A professional IAQ investigation may involve: Evaluating HVAC systems and ventilation performance. Inspecting for moisture intrusion and conditions that support microbial growth. Using appropriate instruments and sampling methods. Reviewing occupant concerns and patterns. Interpreting findings within the context of building conditions. Recommending practical next steps based on the available evidence. The goal is not simply to collect numbers. It is to understand what those numbers mean and how they relate to the building and its occupants. 

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When Outdoor Air Becomes Uncertain: Why Indoor Air Quality Control Matters More Than Ever

By Admin User • September 11, 2026
Ventilation is essential to good indoor air quality. But that strategy depends on an important assumption: the outdoor air entering a building is reasonably clean and understood. In the United States today, that assumption cannot always be taken for granted. Wildfire smoke, industrial emissions, traffic pollution, chemical releases, construction activity, and other outdoor events can affect indoor environments. Some hazards are obvious. Others may be difficult to detect or may not be captured by nearby monitoring. That uncertainty makes indoor air quality control increasingly important. Lessons From 9/11