Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate into the air, causing pollution and health risks. Common VOCs, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are found in products like paints and adhesives and are linked to serious health issues, including cancer. Reducing VOC exposure, especially indoors, is vital to protecting health.

Why Reducing VOCs is Crucial 

1.  Carcinogenic Risks - Some VOCs are directly linked to cancer. Chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene are known to be carcinogenic, meaning they increase the risk of certain cancers. Exposure to these substances, even in small amounts over time, can harm health. Reducing their presence in products is essential for mitigating these risks. 
2. Respiratory and Health Issues - In addition to their carcinogenic properties, VOCs can cause a range of health problems. Short-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, eye and throat irritation, and nausea. Long-term exposure can contribute to respiratory problems, neurological effects, and even cardiovascular issues. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at greater risk from VOC exposure.
3. Environmental Impact - VOCs not only affect human health but also contribute to air pollution. When VOCs are released into the atmosphere, they can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. This worsens air quality and exacerbates environmental issues like climate change. Reducing VOC emissions from products helps reduce their environmental footprint. 
4. California's CA 01350 Standard - One of the main ways to minimize VOC exposure is through California's Department of Public Health VOC standard, CA 01350. This testing protocol is specifically designed to measure the number of VOCs emitted by products used indoors, such as furniture and building materials. While VOCs cannot be eliminated, this test helps ensure that products meet air quality standards that reduce harmful emissions. 

What is CA 01350? 

CA 01350 (also known as CDPH V1.2 (2017)) is a testing protocol used to evaluate VOC emissions from indoor products. The test places products in environmental chambers that simulate real-world conditions to determine how much VOC is emitted over time. The emissions are measured over several days (typically 11, 12, and 14 days), and the results are modeled to classroom and office environments and compared to California's Chronic Reference Exposure Levels (CRELs). Testing Labs such as Berkeley Analytical test for CA 01350.

Key Elements of CA 01350 Testing: 

• The Test Procedure - The sample was tested in The Emission Test Chamber. After Defined Times, Samples of The Chamber Air Were Collected on Sorbent Tubes (Tenax TA & DNPH cartridge) VOCs were detected by Automatic Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography /Mass Spectrometric (ATD-GC/MS). Aldehydes were collected on treated DNPH cartridges and analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). 

• Compounds Evaluated - The test evaluates thirty-five priority VOC compounds. The standard also requires reporting of any other chemicals of concern (VOCs only) including known or probable human carcinogens, reproductive/development toxins, and systemic toxins with noncancer chronic effects or CRELs on the following lists:   

http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/chronic_rels                          

http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/newlist.html 

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/carb-identified-toxic-air-contaminants 

• VOC and TVOC Measurement - The test measures both individual VOCs and Total VOCs (TVOCs), which include both identified and unidentified VOCs. These levels are compared to California's CRELs to ensure the product is safe for indoor environments. 

• Air Quality Standards - In environments like classrooms and offices, the TVOC level is also set to be 0.5 mg/m3 or lower as a precautionary approach to meet the air quality standards set by green building rating systems and building codes such as CAL green, ASHRA 189.1 and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).   

• Real-Life Application - The test evaluates VOC emissions in practical indoor scenarios, ensuring that products will not compromise air quality in everyday spaces like homes, schools, and workplaces. 

Certifications Based on CA 01350 

Several widely recognized certification programs and industry labels use CA 01350 as the basis for evaluating VOC emissions. Products that meet the criteria for these certifications can be trusted for their safety and sustainability: 

• SCS Indoor Advantage Gold 

• GREENGUARD Gold 

• BIFMA ANSI e3 sustainability Standard level rating system for furniture  

• ClearChem by Berkeley Analytical  

•  FloorScore
  

These certifications verify that a product meets rigorous VOC emissions standards, making them safer for use in indoor environments, particularly in spaces like schools, hospitals, and offices. 

CA 01350 and Environmental Sustainability Certifications 

In addition to its role in improving indoor air quality, CA 01350 also supports eco-friendly practices. Products that pass CA 01350 testing can contribute to obtaining Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) credits in sustainability certifications such as: 

• LEED v4/v4.1  (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 

• WELL Building Standard 

• Living Building Challenge (LBC)  

These certifications recognize and reward products that promote sustainability by reducing their environmental impact, particularly in terms of VOC emissions. 

Conclusion 

Testing products for low VOC emissions is vital for creating healthier indoor environments and reducing environmental impact. Standards like CA 01350 ensure products meet strict safety guidelines while promoting sustainability. By selecting products that meet these standards, individuals and organizations can contribute to better health outcomes and a more sustainable future, where safer, greener options are the norm.