(ANSI: Washington, D.C.) -- What do freshly painted walls, cosmetics, desk chairs, and dry cleaning have in common? Each of these items can give off dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that decrease the air quality in our homes and workplaces.

Emitted as gases from both solids and liquids, VOCs are present in a wide array of products from paints and fuels to building materials and furnishings.

Two new standards from the American National Standards Institute and the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association provide users with a basis for characterizing the initial release of VOCs from office furniture systems. ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007—“Standard Test Method for Determining VOC Emissions from Office Furniture Systems, Components and Seating” and ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2007—”Standard for Formaldehyde and TVOC Emissions of Low-emitting Office Furniture Systems and Seating” harmonize VOC emissions testing standards, creating benefits that will also extend into other industries.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VOCs are the primary cause of sick building syndrome, where occupants experience acute health and wellness effects that are linked to their time spent inside a particular building.

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