VOC Testing

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) testing services from SGS can help you ensure that your products comply with international VOC requirements that safeguard the environment and human health.

Because of their potential adverse impact on the environment and on human health, VOC are regulated in the manufacture of many products, especially those for indoor use where concentrations can be highest but also on paints and lacquers. The environmental effects of VOC include:

• Direct effects and after photochemical conversion to secondary pollutants
• Ground ozone formation
• Damage to materials and buildings

Effects on human health from VOC tend to be chronic, rather than acute, but can include:

• Skin and eye irritation
• Respiratory illness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cancer

As a result more and more countries have opted for guidelines to reduce concentrations of VOC in consumer products. You need to be aware of the VOC requirements for your products and be sure that you comply.

VOC testing services from SGS offer proven experience and expertise. We carry out the following:

• Consumer products testing
  Paints and inks
  Furniture and wood products
  Footwear and textiles
  Electrical and electronic appliances
  Aerosol products
• Environmental testing
• Automotive testing
  Car compartment air quality
  Car interior components

VOC testing for furniture

Our testing for furniture can make homes and offices safer environments. We carry out:

• Formaldehyde emission testing for wooden furniture and its components
• Formaldehyde and Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) emissions of low-emitting office furniture, systems and seating
• Tailor-made VOC emissions from office furniture systems, components and seating testing according to buyer’s standard

VOC testing for paints and inks

We test inks and paints according to recognized standards:

• TVOC
• Water content 
• Density
• Exempted solvent content

You can trust SGS to ensure you comply with international VOC directives and standards. With our worldwide industry presence, network of laboratories and experienced staff, we have the expertise you need to be sure your products will comply wherever in the world they will be sold.

Contact SGS to find out how you can benefit from our VOC testing expertise.