Today, regulations to limit emissions of volatile organic compounds into indoor air are being developed, but there is still much work to be done. So it’s up to you to take the initiative!

This test kit allows you to measure your daily exposure to pollutants in the aldehyde family, including formaldehyde. Aldehydes come primarily from particleboard furniture, building and decorative materials, household products, children’s toys, and cosmetics, and they can be harmful to your health.

Ubiquitous in homes, aldehydes—and more broadly, VOCs (volatile organic compounds)—are now a major public health concern. Only laboratory analysis provides the sensitivity required to detect pollutants at levels corresponding to indoor air quality guidelines and to perform an accurate assessment of indoor air quality.

The laboratory’s Cofrac accreditation under the NF EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard is third-party recognition of our competence to perform the analyses included in our scope of accreditation (Test No. 1-10086, available at www.cofrac.fr). By choosing this analysis kit, you will receive two types of reports:

Do you notice a strange odor after buying new furniture or following home renovations? Do you experience respiratory symptoms (irritation, asthma, coughing, runny nose), or headaches and fatigue?

This kit will allow you to test for indoor air pollutants belonging to the aldehyde family. Many aldehydes have characteristic odors. If you notice unusual odors and/or experience respiratory irritation—especially inside your home—it’s possible that your indoor air is contaminated with aldehydes. Since we spend an average of 80 to 90% of our time indoors, air quality is essential for a healthy life.

There are many sources of aldehyde emissions within a home: furniture, paint, adhesives, decorative materials, candles, household products, and more. Some of these compounds are known to be harmful to health.

You can also test your exposure to VOCs using our Indoor Air VOC Kit.

Also available in an “Aldehydes + VOCs” bundle with the Indoor Air DUO Kit.

If you operate a public building and wish to conduct measurements in accordance with the decree on indoor air quality, check out our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Self-Assessment Kit for Public Buildings.

• Formaldehyde (or formalin): Formaldehyde is a volatile chemical at room temperature. Found in 100% of indoor environments, it comes primarily from furniture (particleboard), adhesives, construction and renovation materials (paints), household products, and the combustion of fossil fuels and organic matter. The presence of formaldehyde in indoor air poses a health risk, as this pollutant is classified by the IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen. It is also believed to contribute to sensitization to certain common allergens (dust mites, pollen, pets, mold, etc.) and the development of respiratory diseases.
• Hexaldehyde: Hexaldehyde, also known as hexanal, is primarily used in perfumes. It is also emitted by wooden structural framing and flooring materials. Hexaldehyde is harmful to health.
• Acetaldehyde: Acetaldehyde, also known as ethanal, is a colorless volatile pollutant. It has a slightly fruity odor (green apple) and becomes irritating at high concentrations. This compound is toxic and a suspected carcinogen.
• Benzaldehyde: Benzaldehyde is a colorless gas with a bitter almond odor. It can cause coughing, dizziness, headaches, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
• Acrolein: Acrolein is toxic if inhaled or ingested. This acrid-smelling pollutant is an irritant. Acrolein can result from the combustion of certain materials, rotting fruit, or the decomposition of fats.

The molecules selected by Kudzu Science are all classified as priority pollutants by the Indoor Air Quality Observatory (OQAI) and are subject to the mandatory labeling requirements for construction and renovation materials implemented in 2012.

See the complete list of analyzable compounds below:

List of molecules based on the kit version

Everything is included in your analysis kit:

• A single-use passive sampling device(SKC UMEx-100 badge);
• Detailed instructions to guide you step by step through the process.
• A sample collection form to help us interpret your results.
• A prepaid return envelope for sending your samples to the laboratory (from mainland France only).
• Analysis of your sampleusing chemical desorption and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.
• And a detailed analysis report interpreted according to reference values available in the literature.

Your report will be available for direct download from the“My Kudzu Kit” sectionof our website within 10 business days after your sample is received at the laboratory. This turnaround time is reduced to 5 days if you select the “express” option.

You will receive a comprehensive, personalized, and interpreted analysis report with details of your results, precise and exhaustive information on the detected pollutants, and advice on how to improve indoor air quality in your living spaces. It is designed to quickly and easily show the pollution levels of each measured compound and to determine whether or not the measured concentrations pose a risk to your health.

Example of an interpreted analysis report (excerpt)