Long term diffusive sampling of volatile organic compounds in indoor air

Abstract

Measurements of the diffusive uptake rate of six volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by Perkin Elmer type adsorbent tubes packed with Tenax using an exposure period of 4 weeks is described. Environmental chambers are applied to generate appropriate standard atmospheres containing the VOCs of interest to which the diffusive samplers are exposed. The diffusive uptake rates derived show good agreement between tests and are in accordance with results of field trials in non‐industrial indoor air previously reported. Compounds of higher volatility, such as benzene have a considerably lower diffusive uptake rate than compounds such as undecane and 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene. The diffusive samplers are used to measure the concentration of six VOCs in the living room and main bedroom in 100 homes using a 4 week exposure period. Outdoor concentrations are also recorded at 10 locations. Indoor concentrations exceed those outdoors and are similar to those reported in four other major studies.