The effect of ventilation on indoor exposure to semivolatile organic compounds

A mechanistic model was developed to examine how natural ventilation influences residential indoor exposure to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) via inhalation, dermal sorption, and dust ingestion. The effect of ventilation on indoor particle mass concentration and mass transfer at source/sink surfaces, and the enhancing effect of particles on mass transfer at source/sink surfaces are included. When air exchange rate increases from 0.6/h to 1.8/h_, the steady‐state SVOC (gas‐phase plus particle phase with log K_OA varying from 9 to 13) concentration in the idealized model decreases by about 60%. In contrast, for the same change in ventilation, the simulated indoor formaldehyde (representing volatile organic compounds) gas‐phase concentration decreases by about 70%. The effect of ventilation on exposure via each pathway has a relatively insignificant association with the K_OA of the SVOCs: a change of K_OA from 10⁹ to 10¹³ results in a change of only 2–30%. Sensitivity analysis identifies the deposition rate of PM_2.5 as a primary factor influencing the relationship between ventilation and exposure for SVOCs with log K_OA = 13. The relationship between ventilation rate and air speed near surfaces needs to be further substantiated.     

A general mechanistic model for predicting the fate and transport of phthalates in indoor environments

A mechanistic model that considers particle dynamics and their effects on surface emissions and sorptions was developed to predict the fate and transport of phthalates in indoor environments. A controlled case study was conducted in a test house to evaluate the model. The model‐predicted evolving concentrations of benzyl butyl phthalate in indoor air and settled dust and on interior surfaces are in good agreement with measurements. Sensitivity analysis was performed to quantify the effects of parameter uncertainties on model predictions. The model was then applied to a typical residential environment to investigate the fate of di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and the factors that affect its transport. The predicted steady‐state DEHP concentrations were 0.14 μg/m³ in indoor air and ranged from 80 to 46 000 μg/g in settled dust on various surfaces, which are generally consistent with the measurements of previous studies in homes in different countries. An increase in the mass concentration of indoor particles may significantly enhance DEHP emission and its concentrations in air and on surfaces, whereas increasing ventilation has only a limited effect in reducing DEHP in indoor air. The influence of cleaning activities on reducing DEHP concentration in indoor air and on interior surfaces was quantified, and the results showed that DEHP exposure can be reduced by frequent and effective cleaning activities and the removal of existing sources, though it may take a relatively long period of time for the levels to drop significantly. Finally, the model was adjusted to identify the relative contributions of gaseous sorption and particulate‐bound deposition to the overall uptake of semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) by indoor surfaces as functions of time and the octanol‐air partition coefficient (K_oa) of the chemical. Overall, the model clarifies the mechanisms that govern the emission of phthalates and the subsequent interactions among air, suspended particles, settled dust, and interior surfaces. This model can be easily extended to incorporate additional indoor source materials/products, sorption surfaces, particle sources, and room spaces. It can also be modified to predict the fate and transport of other SVOCs, such as phthalate‐alternative plasticizers, flame retardants, and biocides, and serves to improve our understanding of human exposure to SVOCs in indoor environments.     

Determining source strength of semivolatile organic compounds using measured concentrations in indoor dust

Consumer products and building materials emit a number of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the indoor environment. Because indoor SVOCs accumulate in dust, we explore the use of dust to determine source strength and report here on analysis of dust samples collected in 30 US homes for six phthalates, four personal care product ingredients, and five flame retardants. We then use a fugacity‐based indoor mass balance model to estimate the whole‐house emission rates of SVOCs that would account for the measured dust concentrations. Di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di‐iso‐nonyl phthalate (DiNP) were the most abundant compounds in these dust samples. On the other hand, the estimated emission rate of diethyl phthalate is the largest among phthalates, although its dust concentration is over two orders of magnitude smaller than DEHP and DiNP. The magnitude of the estimated emission rate that corresponds to the measured dust concentration is found to be inversely correlated with the vapor pressure of the compound, indicating that dust concentrations alone cannot be used to determine which compounds have the greatest emission rates. The combined dust‐assay modeling approach shows promise for estimating indoor emission rates for SVOCs.     

Growth of organic films on indoor surfaces

We present a model for the growth of organic films on impermeable indoor surfaces. The model couples transport through a gas‐side boundary layer adjacent to the surface with equilibrium partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) between the gas phase and the surface film. Model predictions indicate that film growth would primarily be influenced by the gas‐phase concentration of SVOCs with octanol‐air partitioning (K_oa) values in the approximate range 10≤log K_oa≤13. Within the relevant range, SVOCs with lower values will equilibrate with the surface film more rapidly. Over time, the film becomes relatively enriched in species with higher log K_oa values, while the proportion of gas‐phase SVOCs not in equilibrium with the film decreases. Given stable airborne SVOC concentrations, films grow at faster rates initially and then subsequently diminish to an almost steady growth rate. Once an SVOC is equilibrated with the film, its mass per unit film volume remains constant, while its mass per unit area increases in proportion to overall film thickness. The predictions of the conceptual model and its mathematical embodiment are generally consistent with results reported in the peer‐reviewed literature.     

Semi‐volatile organic compounds in heating,ventilation, and air‐conditioning filter dust in retail stores

Retail stores contain a wide range of products that can emit a variety of indoor pollutants. Among these chemicals, phthalate esters and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are two important categories of semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Filters in heating, ventilation, and air‐conditioning (HVAC) system collect particles from large volumes of air and thus potentially provide spatially and temporally integrated SVOC concentrations. This study measured six phthalate and 14 PBDE compounds in HVAC filter dust in 14 retail stores in Texas and Pennsylvania, United States. Phthalates and PBDEs were widely found in the HVAC filter dust in retail environment, indicating that they are ubiquitous indoor pollutants. The potential co‐occurrence of phthalates and PBDEs was not strong, suggesting that their indoor sources are diverse. The levels of phthalates and PBDEs measured in HVAC filter dust are comparable to concentrations found in previous investigations of settled dust in residential buildings. Significant correlations between indoor air and filter dust concentrations were found for diethyl phthalate, di‐n‐butyl phthalate, and benzyl butyl phthalate. Reasonable agreement between measurements and an equilibrium model to describe SVOC partitioning between dust and gas‐phase is achieved.     

Sources and dynamics of semivolatile organic compounds in a single‐family residence in northern California

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) emitted from building materials, consumer products, and occupant activities alter the composition of air in residences where people spend most of their time. Exposures to specific SVOCs potentially pose risks to human health. However, little is known about the chemical complexity, total burden, and dynamic behavior of SVOCs in residential environments. Furthermore, little is known about the influence of human occupancy on the emissions and fates of SVOCs in residential air. Here, we present the first‐ever hourly measurements of airborne SVOCs in a residence during normal occupancy. We employ state‐of‐the‐art semivolatile thermal‐desorption aerosol gas chromatography (SV‐TAG). Indoor air is shown consistently to contain much higher levels of SVOCs than outdoors, in terms of both abundance and chemical complexity. Time‐series data are characterized by temperature‐dependent elevated background levels for a broad suite of chemicals, underlining the importance of continuous emissions from static indoor sources. Substantial increases in SVOC concentrations were associated with episodic occupant activities, especially cooking and cleaning. The number of occupants within the residence showed little influence on the total airborne SVOC concentration. Enhanced ventilation was effective in reducing SVOCs in indoor air, but only temporarily; SVOCs recovered to previous levels within hours.     

Emissions of VOCs,SVOCs, and mold during the construction process: Contribution to indoor air quality and future occupants’ exposure

Building materials and human activities are important sources of contamination indoors, but little information is available regarding contamination during construction process which could persist during the whole life of buildings. In this study, six construction stages on two construction sites were investigated regarding the emissions of 43 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 46 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and the presence of 4 genera of mold. Results show that the future indoor air quality does not only depend on the emissions of each building product but that it is also closely related to the whole implementation process. Mold spore measurements can reach 1400 CFU/m³, which is particularly high compared with the concentrations usually measured in indoor environments. Relatively low concentrations of VOCs were observed, in relation to the use of low emissive materials. Among SVOCs analyzed, some phthalates, permethrin, and hydrocarbons were found in significant concentrations upon the delivery of building as well as triclosan, suspected to be endocrine disruptor, and yet prohibited in the treatment of materials and construction since 2014. As some regulations exist for VOC emissions, it is necessary to implement them for SVOCs due to their toxicity.     

Measurements of semi‐volatile organic compounds in settled dust: influence of storage temperature and duration

Indoor dust samples cannot always be analyzed immediately after collection. However, little information is currently available on how storage conditions may affect measurements. This study was designed to determine how sample storage conditions may affect the concentration of semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the dust. A composite dust was prepared using a Standard Reference Material (SRM 2585) with real indoor dust samples. The composite dust was stored in various types of packaging, at different temperatures (?18°C, 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C), and in different light conditions. The concentration of SVOCs was measured after various storage durations. No effect on SVOC concentrations was observed for the composite dust stored in an amber glass vial at ?18°C for 36 months. At 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C, losses occurred for the more volatile compounds. The experimental storage conditions clearly showed that temperature and duration affected the concentrations of SVOCs in the composite dust. The type of packaging material (polyethylene zip bag or polyethylene garbage bag) did not seem to have a systematic effect on the preservation of SVOCs in the composite dust. Maximum storage duration times are proposed for each compound at various temperatures. For most compounds, samples can be stored for 2 months at 20°C. For samples that cannot be analyzed immediately, we recommend to store them in the dark at ?18°C to ensure a good recovery of all tested compounds.     

SVOC exposure indoors: fresh look at dermal pathways

Abstract This paper critically examines indoor exposure to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) via dermal pathways. First, it demonstrates that - in central tendency - an SVOC's abundance on indoor surfaces and in handwipes can be predicted reasonably well from gas-phase concentrations, assuming that thermodynamic equilibrium prevails. Then, equations are developed, based upon idealized mass-transport considerations, to estimate transdermal penetration of an SVOC either from its concentration in skin-surface lipids or its concentration in air. Kinetic constraints limit air-to-skin transport in the case of SVOCs that strongly sorb to skin-surface lipids. Air-to-skin transdermal uptake is estimated to be comparable to or larger than inhalation intake for many SVOCs of current or potential interest indoors, including butylated hydroxytoluene, chlordane, chlorpyrifos, diethyl phthalate, Galaxolide, geranyl acetone, nicotine (in free-base form), PCB28, PCB52, Phantolide, Texanol and Tonalide. Although air-to-skin transdermal uptake is anticipated to be slow for bisphenol A, we find that transdermal permeation may nevertheless be substantial following its transfer to skin via contact with contaminated surfaces. The paper concludes with explorations of the influence of particles and dust on dermal exposure, the role of clothing and bedding as transport vectors, and the potential significance of hair follicles as transport shunts through the epidermis. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Human exposure to indoor pollutants can occur through dietary and nondietary ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Many factors influence the relative importance of these pathways, including physical and chemical properties of the pollutants. This paper argues that exposure to indoor semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) through the dermal pathway has often been underestimated. Transdermal permeation of SVOCs can be substantially greater than is commonly assumed. Transport of SVOCs from the air to and through the skin is typically not taken into account in exposure assessments. Yet, for certain SVOCs, intake through skin is estimated to be substantially larger than intake through inhalation. Exposure scientists, risk assessors, and public health officials should be mindful of the dermal pathway when estimating exposures to indoor SVOCs. Also, they should recognize that health consequences vary with exposure pathway. For example, an SVOC that enters the blood through the skin does not encounter the same detoxifying enzymes that an ingested SVOC would experience in the stomach, intestines, and liver before it enters the blood.     

Measurement of semi-volatile organic compounds emitted from various types of indoor materials by thermal desorption test chamber method

This paper presents measurements on semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) emitted from building materials, household electric appliances, and indoor products. It is extremely difficult to apply the emission test chamber method to the accurate measurement of SVOCs because they are absorbed by the internal walls of the chamber. The authors have reported on the development of the thermal desorption test chamber method that can measure correctly the emission rates of SVOCs emitted from materials under actual room-air temperature conditions. This method is composed of two measurement steps. In the first step we capture organic compounds emitted as gaseous matter. After removing the test piece from the chamber, in the second step we continuously gather the organic compounds absorbed by the chamber's internal walls while heating the chamber. We have used this method to measure emissions from various objects, and have confirmed that most SVOCs are caught in the second step. In this paper, we also report on our verification of the accuracy of SVOC measurements taken using an emission chamber and describe the emission characteristics of SVOCs.     

Oxygenated VOCs,aqueous chemistry,and potential impacts on residential indoor air composition

Dampness affects a substantial percentage of homes and is associated with increased risk of respiratory ailments; yet, the effects of dampness on indoor chemistry are largely unknown. We hypothesize that the presence of water‐soluble gases and their aqueous processing alters the chemical composition of indoor air and thereby affects inhalation and dermal exposures in damp homes. Herein, we use the existing literature and new measurements to examine the plausibility of this hypothesis, summarize existing evidence, and identify key knowledge gaps. While measurements of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are abundant, measurements of water‐soluble organic gases (WSOGs) are not. We found that concentrations of total WSOGs were, on average, 15 times higher inside homes than immediately outside (N = 13). We provide insights into WSOG compounds likely to be present indoors using peer‐reviewed literature and insights from atmospheric chemistry. Finally, we discuss types of aqueous chemistry that may occur on indoor surfaces and speculate how this chemistry could affect indoor exposures. Liquid water quantities, identities of water‐soluble compounds, the dominant chemistry, and fate of aqueous products are poorly understood. These limitations hamper our ability to determine the effects of aqueous indoor chemistry on dermal and inhalation exposures in damp homes.     

Analysis of indoor particles and gases and their evolution with natural ventilation

The air composition and reactivity from outdoor and indoor mixing field campaign was conducted to investigate the impacts of natural ventilation (ie, window opening and closing) on indoor air quality. In this study, a thermal desorption aerosol gas chromatograph (TAG) obtained measurements of indoor particle‐ and gas‐phase semi‐ and intermediately volatile organic compounds both inside and outside a single‐family test home. Together with measurements from a suite of instruments, we use TAG data to evaluate changes in indoor particles and gases at three natural ventilation periods. Positive matrix factorization was performed on TAG and adsorbent tube data to explore five distinct chemical and physical processes occurring in the indoor environment. Outdoor‐to‐indoor transport is observed for sulfate, isoprene epoxydiols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy alkanes. Dilution of indoor species is observed for volatile, non‐reactive species including methylcyclohexane and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane. Window opening drives enhanced emissions of semi‐ and intermediately volatile species including TXIB, DEET, diethyl phthalate, and carvone from indoor surfaces. Formation via enhanced oxidation was observed for nonanal and 2‐decanone when outdoor oxidants entered the home. Finally, oxidative depletion of gas‐phase terpenes (eg, limonene and α‐pinene) was anticipated but not observed due to limited measurement resolution and dynamically changing conditions.     

Analysis of the build-up of semi and non volatile organic compounds on urban roads

Vehicular traffic in urban areas may adversely affect urban water quality through the build-up of traffic generated semi and non volatile organic compounds (SVOCs and NVOCs) on road surfaces. The characterisation of the build-up processes is the key to developing mitigation measures for the removal of such pollutants from urban stormwater. An in-depth analysis of the build-up of SVOCs and NVOCs was undertaken in the Gold Coast region in Australia. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multicriteria Decision tools such as PROMETHEE and GAIA were employed to understand the SVOC and NVOC build-up under combined traffic scenarios of low, moderate, and high traffic in different land uses. It was found that congestion in the commercial areas and use of lubricants and motor oils in the industrial areas were the main sources of SVOCs and NVOCs on urban roads, respectively. The contribution from residential areas to the build-up of such pollutants was hardly noticeable. It was also revealed through this investigation that the target SVOCs and NVOCs were mainly attached to particulate fractions of 75-300 μm whilst the redistribution of coarse fractions due to vehicle activity mainly occurred in the >300 μm size range. Lastly, under combined traffic scenario, moderate traffic with average daily traffic ranging from 2300 to 5900 and average congestion of 0.47 were found to dominate SVOC and NVOC build-up on roads.     

Semi‐volatile organic compounds in the air and dust of 30 French schools: a pilot study

The contamination of indoor environments with chemical compounds released by materials and furniture, such as semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), is less documented in schools than in dwellings—yet children spend 16% of their time in schools, where they can also be exposed. This study is one of the first to describe the contamination of the air and dust of 90 classrooms from 30 nursery and primary schools by 55 SVOCs, including pesticides, phosphoric esters, musks, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and polybromodiphenylethers (PBDEs). Air samples were collected using an active sampling method, and dust samples were collected via two sampling methods (wiping and vacuum cleaning). In air, the highest concentrations (median >100 ng/m³) were measured for diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and galaxolide. In dust, the highest concentrations (median >30 μg/g) were found for DEHP, diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), DiBP, and DBP. An attempt to compare two floor dust sampling methods using a single unit (ng/m²) was carried out. SVOC concentrations were higher in wiped dust, but frequencies of quantification were greater in vacuumed dust.     

Semivolatile organic compounds in French schools: Partitioning between the gas phase,airborne particles and settled dust

The indoor environmental quality in classrooms can largely affect children's daily exposure to indoor chemicals in schools. To date, there has not been a comprehensive study of the concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in French schools. Therefore, the French Observatory for Indoor Air Quality (OQAI) performed a field study of SVOCs in 308 nurseries and elementary schools between June 2013 and June 2017. The concentrations of 52 SVOCs, including phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), synthetic musks, and pesticides, were measured in air and settled dust (40 SVOCs in both air and dust, 12 in either air or dust). The results showed that phthalates had the highest concentrations among the SVOCs in both the air and dust. Other SVOCs, including tributyl phosphate, fluorene, phenanthrene, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH, lindane), galaxolide, and tonalide, also showed high concentrations in both the air and dust. Theoretical equations were developed to estimate the SVOC partitioning between the air and settled dust from either the octanol/air partition coefficient or the boiling point of the SVOCs. The regression constants of the equations were determined using the data set of the present study for phthalates and PAHs.     

The influence of ammonia and carbon dioxide on the sorption of a basic organic pollutant to a mineral surface

Indoor surfaces have a sorptive capacity for organic pollutants which may be significantly influenced by other gases and the pH of the surface. In this research, we examine the influence of a common indoor gaseous acid, CO2, and base, NH3, on the adsorption of a volatile organic base, trimethylamine (TMA), to a mineral surface, zirconium silicate beads. Varying ammonia and CO2 within concentration ranges of indoor relevance substantially influences the sorptive capacity of this mineral surface. Increasing the CO2 mixing ratio to 1000 p.p.m. enhances surface capacity of TMA by 40-50%; increasing the NH3 mixing ratio to 10 p.p.m. decreases the TMA surface capacity by approximately 5-80% depending on relative humidity. The phenomena of dissolution of TMA into bulk surface water and acid-base chemistry in the surface water do not adequately describe equilibrium adsorption on this surface. Instead, adsorption to the dry solid or to adsorbed water layers appears to dominate. Reduction in the equilibrium partition coefficient, ke, in the presence of NH3 is due to a competition between TMA and ammonia molecules for adsorption sites. Site competition appears to follow the Langmuir competitive model and most ke values range from 0.003-0.045 m. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sorptive interactions with indoor surfaces strongly influence indoor exposure to pollutants. For basic or acidic compounds, these interactions are themselves influenced by surface pH and competition with other acidic or basic gases such as CO2 and NH3. We show that CO2 tends to cause mineral surfaces to store more amines but NH3 tends to decrease this surface capacity. Given the typical range of indoor CO2 and NH3 concentrations, the indoor sorbtive capacity of amines on mineral surfaces may vary by greater than an order of magnitude.     

集中空调系统控制室内污染物的非稳态模型

本文综合考虑室内污染源散发,室外污染物进入,净化器效率等因素对室内污染物浓度的影响。对采用集中空调系统的房间,建立了非稳态模型,以可挥发性有机物为例,理论分析了净化器效率和室外VOCs浓度对室内VOCs浓度的影响。该模型可为净化器效率的选择提供理论依据。     

A SPME‐based method for rapidly and accurately measuring the characteristic parameter for DEHP emitted from PVC floorings

Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are present in many indoor materials. SVOC emissions can be characterized with a critical parameter, y₀, the gas‐phase SVOC concentration in equilibrium with the source material. To reduce the required time and improve the accuracy of existing methods for measuring y₀, we developed a new method which uses solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) to measure the concentration of an SVOC emitted by source material placed in a sealed chamber. Taking one typical indoor SVOC, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), as the example, the experimental time was shortened from several days (even several months) to about 1 day, with relative errors of less than 5%. The measured y₀ values agree well with the results obtained by independent methods. The saturated gas‐phase concentration (y_sat) of DEHP was also measured. Based on the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, a correlation that reveals the effects of temperature, the mass fraction of DEHP in the source material, and y_sat on y₀ was established. The proposed method together with the correlation should be useful in estimating and controlling human exposure to indoor DEHP. The applicability of the present approach for other SVOCs and other SVOC source materials requires further study.     

装饰材料引起室内VOC污染的防治

论述了室内空气质量的重要性以及室内挥发性有机物（VOC）对健康的危害,介绍了评价VOC污染的量化指标TVOC和减少室内VOC污染的技术和措施。