What VOCs Are (and Why You Should Monitor Them in Cleaning Environments)
- Carlos Stanza
- May 24
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever walked into a freshly cleaned office and thought, "Wow, it smells clean," you might’ve actually been inhaling something far less pleasant: VOCs.
VOCs—or Volatile Organic Compounds—are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. They’re emitted by a wide range of everyday office materials and cleaning supplies. While they may not be immediately visible or detectable by smell, they can have serious effects on health and indoor air quality.
In my experience, VOCs are one of the most overlooked hazards in commercial spaces—largely because they’re invisible, subtle, and misleading. Many emit scents we associate with cleanliness or freshness, which may give you a false sense of security. That crisp lemon smell? Often a chemical compound. That “new paint” scent? More VOCs! While these aromas might feel reassuring, they’re often signals of elevated chemical levels in the air—not signs of a truly clean environment.
So I’ll break down for you what VOCs are, where they come from, why they’re a problem, and how Jan-Ex monitors and minimizes them in the spaces we clean.
Where Do VOCs Come From in the Office?
You’ll find VOCs in more places than you might think. They’re not limited to industrial chemicals—they’re hidden in plain sight in almost every commercial building. Common sources include:
Cleaning products – Especially those with strong fragrances, solvents, or petroleum-based ingredients. Many conventional disinfectants, degreasers, and air fresheners emit high levels of VOCs during and after application.
Office furniture – Particularly new or recently assembled items made from particleboard, MDF, plastic, or synthetic materials. These items often release formaldehyde and other VOCs through a process called off-gassing.
Paints, varnishes, and sealants – Even after drying, these coatings can continue to emit VOCs for days or weeks. Low-VOC or no-VOC alternatives are available, but many older buildings still contain traditional coatings.
Adhesives and glues – Found in carpet backing, furniture, wall coverings, and laminates. These adhesives can release VOCs like benzene and toluene into the air, especially when newly applied or exposed to heat.
Carpeting and flooring materials – Synthetic carpets and vinyl flooring are often treated with stain guards and flame retardants that emit VOCs over time. Even the padding underneath can be a source of off-gassing.
Printers, copiers, and other office equipment – Toner and ink cartridges emit VOCs when in use, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Ozone emissions can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.
And yes—that "new car smell" everyone loves? That’s VOCs. It’s a mix of off-gassed chemicals from plastics, adhesives, and textiles, and it’s a perfect example of how pervasive VOC exposure can be in modern interiors. In short, even a brand-new office that looks clean and modern may be filled with sources of VOCs that impact occupant health and comfort.
Why VOCs Are a Problem
While short-term exposure may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health effects, especially in enclosed environments. This includes:
Headaches and dizziness
Allergic skin reactions
Asthma
Liver and kidney damage (in high or prolonged exposures)
Central nervous system effects
For healthcare environments, daycares, and offices with sensitive populations, controlling VOC levels isn’t just a best practice—it’s a health requirement.
Why VOCs Are So Common
One reason VOCs are so widespread is that they’re emitted by countless materials we use every day—often without even realizing it. From cleaning supplies and office furniture to building materials and electronics, VOCs are released into the air through a process called off-gassing, where volatile compounds transition from a liquid or solid into a gas at room temperature.
Compounding the issue is modern architectural design. Buildings today are constructed to be airtight for the sake of energy efficiency. While this reduces heating and cooling costs, it also significantly limits fresh air exchange, allowing VOCs to accumulate over time. According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and VOCs are a major contributor to that imbalance!
These emissions don’t just vanish after the first week. Materials like floor adhesives, vinyl wall coverings, and particleboard furniture can off-gas for months or even years (think about how long that 'new car smell' takes to go away!). A 2023 study from the National Institutes of Health found that emissions from some synthetic carpets persisted for up to 24 months post-installation.
Newly renovated offices are especially susceptible. Freshly painted walls, new carpets, or recently installed furniture often introduce a cocktail of VOCs that linger long after the visible work is done. Even routine activities like printing or daily cleaning can reintroduce and amplify VOC levels in poorly ventilated areas. In effect, VOCs build up not just because of what we use—but how our buildings are designed. And without proper ventilation, air purification, or cleaning strategies in place, these compounds become a truly harsh part(icles) of the daily air we breathe.
How We Minimize VOCs at Jan-Ex
At Jan-Ex, we don’t just clean—we can track what’s in your air. Here’s how:
1. Using Low-VOC or VOC-Free Products
We source cleaning solutions that are certified by EPA Safer Choice and Green Seal, ensuring we’re not introducing unnecessary chemicals into your workspace. These products are specifically formulated to reduce off-gassing while still meeting high-performance standards for sanitation and disinfection. In environments like schools and healthcare clinics, we rely on botanical or hydrogen-peroxide-based cleaners with low odor and rapid evaporation rates to further minimize VOC buildup.
2. Monitoring with Indoor Air Quality Devices
We use air quality monitoring tools like the Awair Element and IQAir AirVisual Pro, which measure VOC levels alongside CO2, humidity, temperature, and PM2.5. These devices allow us to identify VOC hotspots and patterns over time—such as whether VOC levels spike after deep cleanings, new furniture installations, or HVAC maintenance. The data helps us tweak our approach in real time, increasing ventilation, adjusting products, or recommending schedule changes for high-impact areas.
3. Ventilation Awareness
Ventilation is one of the most effective tools against indoor air pollution. Our teams are trained to understand airflow patterns and identify spaces that may lack adequate circulation. After any deep cleaning service—especially those involving carpet shampooing, floor waxing, or bathroom sanitization—we recommend a minimum ventilation period and, when needed, deploy HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to accelerate air exchange. In older buildings or during winter, we suggest running the HVAC system on fresh-air mode for at least 30–60 minutes post-cleaning.
4. Post-Project Air Quality Audits
For larger-scale projects or recurring service clients, we offer post-cleaning air quality assessments using VOC meters or continuous monitoring tools. These audits provide a data-backed look at how the cleaning program affects indoor air quality and help facility managers make adjustments where needed. We document VOC trends over time, highlight key problem zones, and include recommendations for materials, ventilation, or alternative products. These reports are also valuable for compliance with WELL Building Standards or OSHA Indoor Air Quality guidelines.
Why You Should Care as a Facility Manager or Anyone Managing Building Operations
Monitoring VOCs gives you more than peace of mind—it helps:
Ensure compliance with OSHA, WELL, or LEED standards
Improve employee wellness and reduce sick days
Demonstrate environmental responsibility to clients and tenants
Make smarter product and vendor choices
Respond quickly to complaints about air quality or chemical odors
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Jan-Ex specializes in commercial cleaning that prioritizes air quality, health, and transparency. Whether you manage a school, clinic, or corporate office, we’re ready to show you how modern cleaning can improve both cleanliness and indoor air. Schedule a Free Walkthrough or email cstanza@jan-ex.com to learn how we can help assess and reduce VOCs in your space.
Need Office Cleaning Services in Massachusetts or Rhode Island? Call us for immediate assistance: (617) 294-9815
Works Cited
EPA. (2024). Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
OSHA. (2023). Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances. https://www.osha.gov/chemical-hazards
Green Seal. (2024). Safer Cleaning Products Guide. https://www.greenseal.org
Awair. (2024). Understanding VOCs in the Workplace. https://www.getawair.com
NIH. (2023). Health Risks Associated with VOC Exposure. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
LEED v4.1 Standards. (2023). Indoor Environmental Quality. https://www.usgbc.org/leed/v41
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