That Chemical Smell in Your Home or Building: When Should You Test the Air?
An unexplained chemical odor inside a home, office, condominium, or commercial building can be difficult to track down. The source may be obvious, such as recent painting or flooring, or it may require a more systematic indoor air quality investigation.
Common Sources of Chemical Odors
Indoor odors may come from:
- Paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants
- Flooring, carpeting, cabinets, and furniture
- Cleaning products and disinfectants
- Roofing and waterproofing materials
- Pesticides
- Fuels, solvents, or vehicle exhaust
- Construction or renovation work
- Nearby businesses or industrial sources
Many of these materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Why Testing Can Help
A strong odor does not automatically mean the air is hazardous, and a weak odor does not mean there is no problem.
The first step is usually to determine when and where the odor occurs and whether it changes with HVAC operation, weather, or building activities.
A Certified Industrial Hygienist may use direct-reading instruments to screen the building and laboratory air sampling when specific chemicals need to be identified.
Finding the Source Matters
Simply obtaining a total VOC reading may not answer the real question.
A useful investigation should help determine:
What is present? Where is it coming from? Is it elevated? What should be done next?
Background or outdoor samples may also be useful when comparing indoor results with normal environmental conditions.
When Should You Consider Professional Testing?
Professional indoor air testing may be appropriate when an odor is:
- Persistent or unexplained
- Associated with construction, roofing, flooring, or chemical use
- Affecting multiple occupants
- Entering from another property or outdoor source
- Part of an insurance claim, workplace complaint, or legal dispute
Indoor Air Quality Investigations
IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. investigates indoor air quality and environmental exposure problems in homes, workplaces, and commercial buildings.
Investigations are conducted by Stuart D. Bagley, MS, CIH, CSP, a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional with more than 30 years of environmental health and occupational safety experience.
If you are dealing with an unexplained chemical odor or suspected indoor air contaminant,
Contact IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. to discuss whether professional indoor air testing is appropriate.
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