Odors are one of the most common indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints, and among the most elusive to resolve. It's important to remember that bad odors indicate the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other substances in the air---a direct warning sign of IAQ trouble.

The concentration of VOCs may be very low, in the parts per billion (ppb) level or even parts per trillion (ppt) quantities, which makes them very difficult to detect. Even at these very low levels, some VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation; cough; headache; general flu-like symptoms; and skin irritation.

What most people don’t know is that source control is the primary solution to IAQ and odor concerns. Choosing low-emitting products for any space will go a long way to preventing IAQ issues altogether.

Have you ever notified a manufacturer about a smelly product?