Airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and ammonia in Finnish office buildings with suspected indoor air problems
Salonen, HJ; Pasanen, AL; Lappalainen, SK; Riuttala, HM; Tuomi, TM; Pasanen, PO; Bäck, BC; Reijula, KE
HERO ID
990469
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
2009
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 990469 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2009 |
| Title | Airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and ammonia in Finnish office buildings with suspected indoor air problems |
| Authors | Salonen, HJ; Pasanen, AL; Lappalainen, SK; Riuttala, HM; Tuomi, TM; Pasanen, PO; Bäck, BC; Reijula, KE |
| Journal | Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Page Numbers | 200-209 |
| Abstract | A database of indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (n = 528), formaldehyde (n = 76), and ammonia (n = 47) in office environments was analyzed to suggest interpretation guidelines for chemical measurements in office buildings with suspected indoor air problems. Indoor air samples were collected for VOCs from 176 office buildings, 23 offices for formaldehyde, and 14 office buildings for ammonia in 2001-2006. Although the buildings had reported indoor air complaints, a walk-through inspection by indoor air specialists showed no exceptional sources of indoor air pollutants. The measurements of chemical pollutants did not indicate any clear reason for the complaints. The geometric mean concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) was 88 microg m(-3) in office rooms and 75 microg m(-3) in the open plan offices. The mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation significantly (p < 0.004) decreased the indoor air concentration of TVOC. The highest mean concentration and frequency distributions were determined for the individual VOCs. The most common VOCs found in > or = 84% of the indoor samples include toluene, xylene (p,m), 1-butanol, nonanal, and benzene. According to concentrations, the most abundant VOCs were 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and toluene. The geometric mean concentration of formaldehyde and ammonia in the office buildings was 11 microg m(-3) (3-44 microg m(-3) and 14 microg m(-3) (1-49 microg m(-3), respectively. On the basis of statistical analyses, the guideline value indicating a usual concentration of the pollutant in office buildings is 70 microg m(-3) for TVOC, 7 microg m(-3) for most individual VOCs, 10 microg m(-3) for formaldehyde, and 12 microg m(-3) for ammonia. The guidance value suggested for TVOC is 250 microg m(-3), for formaldehyde 15 microg m(-3), and for ammonia 25 microg m(-3). If the guidance value is exceeded, this may indicate the existence of an exceptional source and the need for additional environmental investigations. The levels should not be used for the evaluation of health risks. The guideline values are applicable in a subarctic climate for modern, urban office buildings. |
| Doi | 10.1080/15459620802707835 |
| Pmid | 19152165 |
| Wosid | WOS:000262719100007 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>breathing atmosphere</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>computerized data bases</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>Finland</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>limitation of exposure</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>office work</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>organic compounds</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>threshold limit values</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>volatile substances</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>acetic acid</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>benzene</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>butyl alcohol</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>ethoxyethoxyethanol</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>propylene glycol</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>statistical evaluation</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>toluene</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>m-xylene</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>p-xylene</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>Toxic and dangerous substances</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>Chemical safety</kw>; <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><kw>Periodical articles</kw> |
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