Introduction to BTEX & VOC Testing

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including BTEX compounds, originate from fuels, solvents, coatings, adhesives, industrial processes, and building materials. These chemicals can accumulate in indoor or outdoor air, contributing to odor complaints, health irritation, and environmental compliance concerns. AGT Labs provides precise VOC testing and analytical evaluation using EPA TO-15 and TO-17 methods to evaluate VOC exposure, identify emission sources, and ensure regulatory compliance.

VOC Sources & Emission Pathways

BTEX and VOCs are released through evaporative losses, leaks, material off-gassing, fuel transfers, industrial coatings, and chemical processes. Fugitive emissions may occur from valves, flanges, tanks, and ventilation systems. Identifying source pathways helps determine where controls, monitoring, or ventilation improvements are required.

Purpose of BTEX & VOC Testing

Testing for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) provides essential data to evaluate chemical emissions, inhalation hazards, and indoor/outdoor air quality.

These compounds originate from fuels, solvents, paints, adhesives, and process exhaust. Continuous monitoring helps organizations comply with EPA Clean Air Act, OSHA 1910.1000, and NIOSH 1501 exposure limits while identifying fugitive sources and optimizing ventilation performance.

BTEX / VOC Testing Overview

AGT Labs performs advanced VOC analysis using EPA Method TO-15 (whole-air SUMMA canisters) and EPA Method TO-17 (sorbent-tube thermal desorption GC-MS).

TO-15: Detects over 60 VOCs down to <0.5 ppbv using evacuated canisters.
TO-17: Compound-specific quantification for occupational settings using sorbent tubes.

All samples are analyzed on high-resolution GC-MS instruments under strict ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory quality systems.

BTEX & VOC Testing Service Options

Ambient & Indoor Air Monitoring

Baseline BTEX and total VOC profiling in workplaces, warehouses, or residential structures.

Occupational Exposure Monitoring

Personal and area sorbent-tube sampling per NIOSH 1501 for compliance and process checks.

Industrial Process Emission Studies

Capture and quantify emissions from coating, degreasing, and fuel-handling operations.

Complaint & Incident Investigations

Short-term canister grab samples for odor or leak events.

Ventilation Efficiency Checks

Compare upstream and downstream VOC loads across control devices.

Sampling Media & Equipment Supply

AGT Labs supplies both canister and sorbent-tube kits tailored to method and environment. Kit contents include:

SUMMA canisters (6 L or 3 L) with certified flow controllers
Sorbent tubes (Tenax TA, Carbopack B/C, activated charcoal)
Calibrated low-flow pumps (50–200 mL/min)
Stainless-steel or PTFE tubing assemblies
Field data sheets & chain-of-custody forms

Sampling Guidelines

Choose TO-15 for broad ambient surveys; TO-17 for targeted occupational sampling.
Maintain sampling times of 30 min to 8 h depending on objective.
Record temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Seal and ship samples within 48 h for optimal stability.
Include ≥10% field blanks for QA/QC.

Exposure Monitoring During VOC-Generating Work Activities

Task-based VOC monitoring evaluates short-term peak exposures during high-emission activities such as solvent use, coating applications, equipment cleaning, fuel transfers, thermal operations, and maintenance work. These assessments help determine whether short-term exposure limits (STELs) or ceiling limits are exceeded during critical activities. Results support engineering control validation, ventilation adjustments, and respiratory protection program requirements.

Accreditation & Standards

EPA TO-15 / TO-17 NIOSH 1501 OSHA Method 12 ISO/IEC 17025 AIHA-LAP Industrial Hygiene Program

Deliverables & Value-Added Services for BTEX / VOC Testing

Compound-specific concentrations (µg/m³ / ppbv)
Full VOC & BTEX tables with detection limits & QA data
Comparison to OSHA, NIOSH & EPA exposure limits
Source identification & mitigation recommendations
VOC profile charts & trend analysis
Real-time PID/FID screening options
IAQ complaint investigation packages

Summary

AGT Labs’ BTEX and VOC Testing delivers accurate, traceable data for regulatory compliance and source control. Our turnkey sampling kits and expert interpretation support safe, compliant, and healthy environments.

BTEX & VOC Testing (TO-15 & TO-17)