PCE Instruments PCE-VOC 1 Manual

Formaldehyde Meter PCE-VOC 1
Formaldehyde Meter PCE-VOC 1
Portable handheld volatile organic compound (VOC) and formaldehyde (HCHO) gas meter for indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring
PCE-VOC 1 is a portable handheld volatile organic compound (VOC) and formaldehyde (HCHO) meter or gas leak detector for indoor air
quality (IAQ) monitoring applications. This easy-to-use VOC meter is ideal for measuring total volatile organic compound (TVOC) and
formaldehyde (HCHO) levels in homes, offices, factories, laboratories, hotels, schools and other indoor environments. The VOC meter's long-
lasting rechargeable lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery and included 9V power adapter/charger ensure uninterrupted IAQ monitoring.
Featuring a compact and lightweight yet heavy-duty design, the VOC meter displays units in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic
meter (mg/m³). In addition to emitting an audible alarm, the device's large, easy-to-read LCD screen turns red when a critical VOC or HCHO
level is reached.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
VOCs are airborne gaseous or vaporous substances of organic origin. Examples of VOCs include hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes and organic
chemicals.
Where do VOCs come from?
Many detergents, solvents, paints, varnishes, adhesives and other synthetically manufactured substances can produce VOCs. In addition,
numerous naturally occurring organic compounds formed by biological processes such as plant metabolism, decay and degradation can create
VOCs.
How do VOCs get into the air?
VOCs can become airborne through evaporation or emission. Evaporation sources can include household cleaning products, construction and
building materials, and indoor furnishings, flooring and decor. Emission sources can include traffic exhaust, tobacco or cigarette smoke and
industrial pollution. Even food preparation and human metabolism can be sources for airborne VOCs.
Less obvious is the proliferation of various impurities not firmly embedded in products. These impurities can be slowly released from the
product's surface into the air. This applies, for example, to residual solvents in plastics (monomers), auxiliaries such as plasticizers, solubilizers,
antioxidants, stabilizers and catalysts used in the production process, as well as by-products such as fragrances, flame retardants and biocidal
agents. VOCs called terpenes can be released from materials of natural origin, like wood. VOCs also can be formed during reactions between
oxygen, ozone or water with natural ingredients in wood and vegetable oils.
What are the health effects of VOCs?
Usually, indoor VOC concentrations are low and present little risk to human health or safety. However, prolonged or excessive exposure to
VOCs can lead to adverse health effects including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, liver and kidney damage, and cancer. Occupants
worried about the presence of VOCs in homes, schools and businesses should seek advice from IAQ experts such as industrial hygienists and
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals.