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Introduction»Articles»The impact of VOCs on health and productivity in the workplace
The Influence of VOCs on Health and Productivity in the Workplace
The quality of the air we breathe directly affects not only our health but also our ability to concentrate, make decisions, and work efficiently. One of the key parameters is the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs / TVOCs).
What risks does a high level of VOCs in the workplace pose, and how can VOC sensors help improve the health and performance of employees?
Why are VOCs a Problem in the Workplace?
\nIn indoor environments, there are many sources of VOCs, such as: new furniture, flooring, adhesives, paints and varnishes, cleaning agents, printers, carpets, or even perfumes and cosmetics. We also release VOCs through biological respiration and other biological processes. In enclosed spaces with insufficient ventilation, concentrations rise quickly.
Short-term high levels of TVOCs cause:
irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
headaches
fatigue and drowsiness
dizziness or nausea
VOCs and Productivity – The Numbers Speak Clearly
The most well-known research from Harvard (COGfx Study) showed a dramatic impact:
In environments with high VOCs (typical for conventional buildings), cognitive (thinking) performance of employees was up to 61% lower than in an optimized “green” environment.
With even better ventilation and low VOCs, scores improved by as much as 101%.
Other studies link an increase in TVOCs of 500 µg/m³ to a 13% decrease in cognitive scores across all tested areas (decision-making, reaction speed, concentration).
This means slower decision-making, more mistakes, lower creativity, and overall lower performance.
Companies thus lose tens of percent of productivity – and employees are unaware of the cause (“just” feeling tired or having a headache).
Long-term exposure can lead to allergies and asthma. Studies show that in many offices, TVOC values exceed the recommended limits of the WHO (World Health Organization) – ideally below 0.25 mg/m³ or 250 µg/m³) or stricter standards like RESET – below 0.20 ppm for high-performance buildings.
The Role of VOC Sensors – Real-Time Prevention
VOC sensors monitor TVOC concentration in real-time and allow for immediate response:
They detect an increase in concentration (e.g., after painting, new furniture, or intensive cleaning).
They trigger automatic ventilation increase (demand-controlled ventilation).
They send alerts to the facility manager or directly to the BMS system.
They help meet WELL, LEED, or RESET certifications, which emphasize monitoring TVOCs.
This helps keep TVOCs below 400–500 µg/m³ (recommended for a healthy and productive environment) and minimizes the risks of SBS – sick building syndrome
Why Recommend Placing VOC Sensors in Workspaces?
High concentrations of VOCs in the workplace are not just a health risk – they are direct losses in productivity, higher absenteeism, and costs for sick leave. VOC sensors allow these problems to be detected and addressed before employees start experiencing symptoms.
Check out our offer of [combined VOC + CO₂ sensors] or [sensors for offices and open spaces](https://www.cidla.cz/cidla-pro-kancelare/). We are happy to advise you on selecting the right solution for your project – from a small office to an administrative building.
