Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Testing and Analysis

Volatile organic compound testing is crucial across various scientific applications, demanding adaptive analytical approaches. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, typically characterised by high vapour pressure and low water solubility and are often organic chemicals used in or resulting from manufacturing processes. Their release into the environment can occur during product use or storage. Monitoring human exposure to VOCs is a significant concern, with multiple industry sectors establishing methods, standards, and acceptable VOC levels including automotive, plastics and polymer applications, pesticides, cleaning products, paints and adhesives.

Our scientists employ VOC testing to tackle complex issues such as identifying odours, emissions, or deposits formed under specific conditions, such as hazing in polymer films during processing. This analytical tool aids in understanding intricate processes, resolving contamination issues, conducting failure analysis, and ensuring stringent quality control. VOC testing plays a pivotal role in validating materials and processes, ensuring the safety and reliability of products, materials, and environments. Its versatility extends to supporting sourcing decisions and validating compliance with regulatory standards, making it indispensable in modern scientific and industrial practices.

VOC Testing Methods 
It is important to select the most suitable VOC analysis approach for the sample and situation in question. We apply several laboratory techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We use VOC test methods such as headspace or thermal desorption GC-MS and can also apply accurate mass determination approaches, which provide a greater chance of providing a positive identification. The capability of dynamic headspace is also available, which further concentrates the sample before being injected into the GC, again boosting sensitivity.  Headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID) can be used in certain cases where a rapid screen is required for certain anticipated volatile organic chemicals. 

We also use a pyrolizer combined with thermal desorption which enables precise control over specific temperatures or temperature ranges, allowing researchers to replicate processing conditions accurately. This setup facilitates the identification of substances released at defined temperatures, making it possible to compare samples from successful and problematic processes. By mirroring real-world conditions, this technique supports targeted analysis and enhances understanding of material behavior during thermal events. 
 
VOC methods can be challenging as these substances are typically present at low levels in samples. Our scientists use techniques such as Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (QToF), mass spectrometry (MS), and dynamic headspace to help overcome this problem. We can also deploy tandem MS (or MS/MS) for analysis of complex sample matrices, which is ideal for targeting specific compounds of interest with high levels of sensitivity.

Volatile Organic Compounds Examples  
VOC analysis plays a vital role in assessing material safety, product performance, and regulatory compliance across a range of industries. It can serve as a rapid screening tool for detecting monomers or low molecular weight (LMW) compounds in materials intended for food contact migration studies.
 
Residual solvent determination is equally important for high-value chemicals, specialty chemicals, coatings, and agrichemicals, where trace solvent residues from manufacturing processes must be identified and the VOC content controlled. Techniques such as headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) are widely used for this purpose and are also critical for detecting regulated substances like 1,4-dioxane in shampoos and cosmetics to ensure adherence to safety standards, particularly where some sample types are challenging to analyse using conventional GC-MS. 

As regulations evolve, for example, for cosmetics or food contact compliance, our experts can tailor robust analytical methods for your products, so that you can demonstrate continued compliance and ongoing regulatory submissions.  

In the medical field, VOC detection via HS-GC enables precise determination of ethylene oxide (EO) residues from sterilisation processes, ensuring medical devices meet stringent safety and regulatory thresholds.  
 
Beyond these targeted applications, our VOC analysis expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of capabilities, testing plastics and polymers, automotive interiors, and supporting standards like ISO, ASTM, JEITA and ECMA protocols. It also extends to indoor air quality certification, evaporative emission testing, and assessments of both aqueous and non-aqueous mixtures. 

By applying a suite of VOC testing services, our global team of analysts are able to develop methods tailored to your needs. We support product safety, regulatory compliance, and process optimisation across a broad range of industries. Using a diverse suite of advanced analytical techniques and expert interpretation, we are equipped to meet the most challenging VOC monitoring requirements. 

Contact us today to discuss your specific VOC testing needs and find out how our tailored analytical solutions can support your products, processes, and compliance goals. 

VOC Measurement Expertise

• Volatile Organic Compounds in Pesticides Analysis
• Plastics and Polymers Volatile Organic Compounds Testing
• Automotive Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Testing
• VOC/VOC+ Indoor Air Quality Certification