Microbial VOC (mVOC) Sampling Strategies

It has been shown that certain microorganisms produce characteristically unique microbial volatile organic compounds also known as MVOCs. The odors that microorganisms produce may be attributable to distinct MVOCs produced by certain species of microorganisms.

Microorganisms grown in the laboratory may produce different MVOCs than those that grow wild in building material substrates. mVOC production can be highly variable depending on growing conditions such as substrate, temperature, and competition from other microorganisms.

MVOCs from fungi and bacteria have been shown to enter a home thru defects in the plastic barrier or poorly taped penetrations but not through the plastic. VOCs can also originate from non-living sources due to the fact that some VOCs are used as common solvents for the home, office and in industry. MVOCs can also be common compounds found in cleaners, paints, adhesives, and gasoline. There are many indoor VOC sources other than microorganisms such as paints, varnishes, cleaning materials, solvents, fabrics, carpets, plastics, building materials, and indoor combustion.

There is one main method for the collection of MVOCs. It is a collection of a whole air sample in a stainless steel sampling vessel such as a SUMMA canister or mini-can. The air sample is sampled easily at the client’s home or office and shipped to the laboratory for subsequent analysis by cryogenic preconcentration coupled with GC/MS (TO-15).