Regulations to limit emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air are evolving every year, 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 and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) families, such as formaldehyde, benzene, tetrachloroethylene, and others. These indoor and/or outdoor air pollutants are volatile at room temperature and can be harmful to your health and the environment.

Aldehydes come primarily from particleboard furniture, building and decorative materials, household products, children’s toys, and cosmetics.

Whether of natural or anthropogenic origin, VOCs stem primarily from domestic or industrial activities, where they are used as solvents (cleaners and degreasers, household products, paints, inks, decorative materials, essential oils, etc.). The use of residential heating (furnaces, fireplaces, tobacco smoke, etc.) and internal combustion engines (road transport), as well as any other combustion of organic materials (fires), is also responsible for the emission of certain VOCs, notably BTEX compounds.

Ubiquitous in indoor environments, aldehydes and VOCs 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.

Do you notice a strange odor and suspect that the air you’re breathing is polluted? Have you recently had renovations done or installed new furniture? Are you experiencing respiratory symptoms (irritation, asthma, coughing, runny nose), or headaches and fatigue?

This kit will allow you to test for up to 34 pollutants in your indoor air. Many aldehydes and VOCs have distinctive 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 and/or VOCs. 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 aldehydes and VOCs within a home: furniture, paint, adhesives, solvents, smoke, candles, household products, toys,and more. Some of these compounds are known to be harmful to health.

This DUO testing kit combines theIndoor Air Aldehydes Kitand the Indoor Air VOC Kitto allow you to conduct a comprehensive assessment of indoor air quality.

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

• Aldehydes:
  - Formaldehyde (or formalin), 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 as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. 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, also known as hexanal, is primarily used in perfumes. It is also emitted by wooden structural elements and flooring. Hexaldehyde is harmful to health.
  -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.

• VOCs:
  -Benzene, a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon at room temperature, is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-rich compounds. It comes mainly from industrial activities, vehicle traffic (exhaust fumes), and the combustion of fossil fuels and organic materials (internal combustion engines, wood-burning heating, smoking, etc.). The presence of benzene in indoor air poses a health risk, as this pollutant is classified by the IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen.
  -Toluene, used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, inks, and adhesives, as well as in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and petroleum industries. It can cause nausea, stomachaches, vomiting, memory problems, fatigue, dizziness, or even heart problems.
  - Perchloroethylene (or tetrachloroethylene), a solvent that does not occur naturally. It is widely used, primarily for dry cleaning fabrics, degreasing metals, and in printing. The presence of this volatile organic compound in indoor air poses a health risk, as this pollutant is classified as a probable carcinogen by the IARC (Group 2A).

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.

Aldehydes, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, terpenes, alkanes, glycol ethers… discover all the analyzable compounds in the complete list below:

List of molecules based on the kit variant

Everything is included in your analysis kit:

• Two single-use passive sampling devices:
  • An SKC UMEx-100 badge for measuring aldehydes;
  • A G.AB.I.E. badge for measuring VOCs;
• Detailed instructions to guide you step by step through the process.
• A sampling 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 samples using chemical desorption and liquid chromatography (aldehydes) or gas chromatography (VOCs) coupled with mass spectrometry.
• And a detailed analysis report interpreted according to reference values available in the literature.

Instructions for use of the DuoIndoor Airkit

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 detailing your results, providing precise and exhaustive information on the detected pollutants, and offering 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)