Concerns about indoor air quality are common in new construction homes, especially when a home smells new or occupants notice irritation or discomfort after moving in. One topic that often comes up is VOCs and whether elevated levels are something to worry about.
In the FM area, this is a normal conversation with newer, tighter homes. Understanding what VOCs are, why they are present, and how they are managed helps put these concerns into perspective.
What VOCs Are
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are gases released from many everyday materials and products. VOCs exist in both indoor and outdoor air and are a normal part of the environment.
Common sources include:
- Building materials and finishes
- Paints, sealants, and adhesives
- Flooring and cabinetry
- Furniture and fabrics
- Cleaning products and personal care items
- Outdoor air that enters the home
VOCs are not inherently unusual or unexpected. They are part of modern construction and daily living.
Why VOCs Are Found Everywhere
VOCs are not unique to homes and are not limited to newer buildings. They are released from many manufactured products used in construction and everyday life. Vehicles, fuel, and industrial activity also contribute VOCs to outdoor air, which then enters homes through normal ventilation and air leakage.
Because VOCs are so widespread, their presence alone does not indicate a problem. What matters is concentration, duration of exposure, ventilation, and how the home is used.
Why VOC Levels Can Be Higher in New Construction
It is common for newer homes to show higher VOC levels compared to older homes. This is typically due to off gassing from new materials such as paint, flooring, cabinets, and finishes.
Modern homes are also built tighter for energy efficiency. This reduces natural air exchange unless mechanical ventilation systems are running consistently.
In most cases, VOC levels naturally decrease over time as materials cure and off gas. This process is expected and does not usually indicate a defect or unsafe condition.
How VOC Levels Can Be Reduced
The most effective way to manage VOC levels is ventilation. Introducing fresh outdoor air helps dilute indoor air contaminants and speeds up the off gassing process.
Helpful strategies include:
- Running the home ventilation system regularly
- Using bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
- Opening windows when weather allows
- Maintaining moderate indoor temperatures and humidity
- Avoiding unnecessary use of scented or chemical based products
In many newer homes, properly operating HRV or ERV systems play a key role in maintaining good indoor air quality.
Health Considerations and Individual Sensitivity
One of the most challenging aspects of VOC exposure is that people respond differently to the same environment. Some individuals may notice symptoms at relatively low concentrations, while others may not experience noticeable effects at all.
Differences in response can be influenced by:
- Individual sensitivity and genetics
- Preexisting conditions such as asthma, allergies, or migraines
- Length of exposure and time spent indoors
- Overall indoor air quality and ventilation
- Stress, sleep quality, and other health factors
Because of these variables, there is no single VOC level that causes symptoms for everyone. It is also common for people living in the same home to have very different experiences.
Common Symptoms Sometimes Associated With VOC Exposure
When symptoms are reported, they are typically nonspecific and can overlap with many other environmental or lifestyle factors.
Commonly reported symptoms may include:
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sinus congestion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Worsening of asthma or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals
These symptoms are not unique to VOCs and do not automatically mean VOCs are the cause. Temperature, humidity, ventilation, and other indoor air conditions often play a role.
Important Perspective on Health and VOCs
Most new construction homes experience some level of VOC off gassing, and for most occupants this does not result in illness. In many cases, symptoms improve as materials cure and fresh air exchange increases.
Nordic Inspections does not diagnose medical conditions. When health symptoms are present or ongoing, homeowners should always discuss concerns with their healthcare provider. From a building perspective, our role is to help identify environmental contributors, explain how the home operates, and recommend practical steps such as improving ventilation when appropriate.
How VOCs Can Be Tested Using TO 15
When testing is desired, one commonly used method is TO 15 air sampling. This type of testing collects an air sample that is analyzed by a laboratory to identify and quantify specific VOC compounds present at the time of sampling.
TO 15 testing provides a snapshot of indoor air conditions. Results are best interpreted alongside building conditions, ventilation practices, and occupancy patterns rather than viewed in isolation.
Our General Perspective
VOCs are a normal part of modern indoor environments, especially in new construction homes. Elevated levels shortly after construction are common and typically decrease over time with proper ventilation.
When concerns exist, focusing on fresh air exchange and understanding how the home operates is often more effective than relying on testing alone. Testing can be useful when it supports decision making, not when it creates unnecessary concern.
If you have questions about indoor air quality in a new home in Fargo ND or the surrounding area, Nordic Inspections is always available to help explain what is typical, what can be improved, and how to approach concerns in a practical, informed way. Call us today at (701) 566-1446 ext. 0