Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath samples

VOCs are organic substances that evaporates easily. They are produced in fuel combustion and are also released by solvents, paints and other products.

The presence of some VOCs in exhaled breath has been related to diseases such as lung cancer and may also indicate high levels of exposure to these chemical agents.

The lab of the National Institute for Silicosis carries out the analysis of VOCs at trace (ppm or μg / g) and ultratrace (ppb or ng / g) levels in samples of exhaled breath collected in sorbent tubes by Thermal Desorption / Gas Chromatography / Spectrometry of Mass (TD / GC / MS).

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in biological tissues

VOCs are organic substances that easily evaporate. They are produced in fuel combustion and are also released by solvents, paints and other products.

Exposure to high concentrations of some VOCs may cause skin irritation, central nervous system depression, effects on the respiratory system and, after prolonged exposure, harmful effects on kidneys, liver and blood system. There is evidence that benzene is a carcinogenic in humans.

The lab of the National Institute for Silicosis undertakes the analysis of VOCs at trace (ppm or μg / g) and ultratrace (ppb or ng / g) levels in samples of biological tissues by solvent extraction and analysis by Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC / MS).