The Air Quality Sciences (AQS) chemical laboratory is specifically designed for the identification and quantification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) taken from air, surface or dust samples in non-industrial indoor environments.

Unlike industrial environments, where pollutant sources are obvious, environments like schools, offices, hospitals and homes often have elusive sources of pollution that cause discomfort and less specific health symptoms. Traditional OSHA and NIOSH chemical sampling and analysis methods are ineffective for identifying these pollutants, which are present at extremely low levels.

AQS offers analytical methods and an extensive database of VOCs that enable detection of the full range of VOCs found in indoor air. We analyze air samples using thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to discern individual VOCs down to the parts per billion range. Additionally, the AQS chemical laboratory uses high performance liquid chromatography to measure common pollutants such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and phthalates. Results provide a complete picture of indoor air and help to locate sources of chemicals and odors.

AQS specializes in the analysis of microbial VOCs (MVOCs), which often cause building odors. MVOCs can also be an indicator of building mold growth, Through multiple years of research (much of it conducted for ASHRAE and other organizations), AQS developed techniques for accurately measuring MVOCs and determining their sources. As a result, AQS is home to the nation’s only extensive database of MVOCs, which can be used to quickly and accurately identify them in building air samples. Professionals can easily measure MVOCs in a typical air sample, which also enables them to search for hidden mold within wall cavities and HVAC lines.