In modern households, an array of pollutants poses a persistent challenge to indoor air quality. Materials emitting sulfurous fumes and formaldehyde from building materials and furnishings are among the culprits causing structural and health concerns. Given the potential impacts on health, it is imperative to efficiently eliminate these substances from indoor environments through energy-efficient ventilation strategies.
With individuals inhaling approximately 40 pounds of air daily, maintaining fresh indoor air quality requires substantial ventilation. However, achieving the recommended flow of at least 2000 pounds of outdoor air per person daily necessitates careful design consideration of ventilation ductwork, prioritizing its integration into home design rather than relegating it to secondary importance during installation.
The CERV fresh air ventilation system addresses this challenge by incorporating air pollution sensors capable of detecting pollutants, including odorless hydrocarbon gases like methane and propane. These sensors extend beyond human olfactory capabilities, ensuring continuous monitoring and protection against harmful airborne contaminants.
The CERV’s VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sensor, a comprehensive detector, can identify even minute amounts of reactive compounds. While some VOCs may emanate pleasant odors, prolonged exposure leading to absorption into furnishings and surfaces can impact cognitive performance and potentially pose health risks. Build Equinox maintains a comprehensive library detailing the CERV’s sensitivity to VOCs emitted by various substances, aiding in informed decision-making regarding indoor air quality management.
Substances are categorized based on their detection levels, ranging from “High” to “No” detection, with assessments grounded in extensive measurement experience. Continuous updates to the library accommodate new listings and user suggestions, fostering ongoing improvement in indoor air quality management practices.
| Substance | Form | VOC (N/L/M/H) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | liquid | H | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| Ajax “triple action” dish detergent | liquid | H | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| Bourbon (80 Proof) | liquid | H | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| Easy-Off No Fume Oven Cleaner | liquid | H | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| Human Breath | gas | H | 2 breaths exhaled into test box |
| Isobutane | gas | H | 6″ diameter balloon released into box; common aerosol propellant |
| Isopropyl Alcohol (50%) | liquid | H | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| Murphy Oil Soap | liquid | H | 4g in bowl, “Tall” Oil Fatty Acid and potassium hydroxide |
| Office Max “Gasduster” | gas | H | 6″ diameter balloon released into box; aerosol for cleaning computer keyboards; also called 1,1-difluoro-ethane and refrigerant R152a |
| Pine-Sol | liquid | H | ~ 4g of cleanser in a ceramic bowl |
| Renuzit Super Odor Neutralizer | liquid | H | ~4g in ceramic bowl |
| Staples Blue Marker | liquid | H | cap removed from permanent marker |
| Walgreens Lighter Fluid | liquid | H | 4g of lighter fluid (naptha; petroleum distillates) in ceramic bowl |
| Windex | liquid | H | ~8g in ceramic bowl |
| Zep Heavy Duty Foam Degreaser | liquid | H | 4g of foam in ceramic bowl |
| Chlorox (6% sodium hypochlorite) | liquid | M | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| ipd Duct Tape | solid | M | 30ft of 2″ wide tape; noticeable odor |
| Sun “oxy” gen dish detergent | liquid | M | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| White Vinegar | liquid | M | ~4g in ceramic bowl |
| Dirty teeshirt and socks | solid | L | worn for one day |
| Laminate Countertop | solid | L | 52g laminate covered particleboard |
| Max Block 30SPF Sunscreen | liquid | L | 4g of sunscreen in ceramic bowl |
| Sauder Bookshelf “B” | solid | L | 36g of low density particleboard from bookshelf |
| Sauder Bookshelf “C” | solid | L | 50g of high density particle board; low reading but higher than part “B” low density particleboard piece |
| Shaw Laminate Floor | solid | L | 16g of glueless (floating) laminate floor materials |
| Vinyl Floor Tile | solid | L | 12″ x 12″ Peel-n-stick vinyl tile with adhesive back exposed |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) | liquid | N | 4g in ceramic bowl |
| Polypropylene | solid | N | Empty plastic tub used for VOC measurements. No measurable TVOCs with CERV sensor. |
| Scotch 395 Duct Tape | solid | N | 80 sq in of duct tape |
| Scotch Packaging Tape | solid | N | 80 sq in of heavy duct packaging tape |
| Water | liquid | N | No noticeable reading, but humidity increase due to water can mobilize other VOCs |
