Factors Effecting the Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) Concentrations in Slovak Households.

Ľudmila Mečiarová,Silvia Vilčeková,Eva Krídlová Burdová,Jozef Kiselák

doi:10.3390/ijerph14121443

Abstract

Thirty five Slovak households were selected for an investigation of indoor environmental quality. Measuring of indoor air physical and chemical factors and a questionnaire survey was performed during May 2017. The range of permissible operative temperature was not met in 11% of objects. Relative humidity met the legislative requirements in all monitored homes. Concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) were significantly higher in the apartments than in the family houses. The average TVOC levels in the apartments and family houses were 519.7 µg/m3 and 330.2 µg/m3, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed the effect of indoor air temperature, relative humidity and particulate matter (PM0.5 and PM1) on the levels of TVOCs. Higher TVOC levels were observed also in homes where it is not a common practice to open windows during cleaning activities. Other factors that had a statistically significant effect on concentrations of volatile organic compounds were heating type, attached garage, location of the apartment within residential building (the floor), as well as number of occupants. Higher TVOC concentrations were observed in indoor than outdoor environment, while further analysis showed the significant impact of indoor emission sources on the level of these compounds in buildings. The questionnaire study showed a discrepancy between objective measurement and subjective assessment in the household environment, and pointed to insufficient public awareness about volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Highlights

When we count the hours spent sleeping, working or at school, we find that humans spend most of their time in confined spaces
Statistical analysis confirmed the effect of indoor air temperature, relative humidity and particulate matter (PM0.5 and PM1 ) on the levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs)
Dodecane, decane, methylcyclopentane, triethyltoluene as well as trichloroethylene prevailed in the outdoor environment, while methyl cyclohexane, triethyltoluene, nonane, octane, tetraethyl toluene, and undecane had the highest concentrations in the offices and whereas a group of terpenoides such as 3-carane, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and the aromatic compounds toluene and styrene had the greatest impact in households [3]

Summary

Introduction

When we count the hours spent sleeping, working or at school, we find that humans spend most of their time in confined spaces. This time amounts to around 90% of the time for people in developed countries, and is even greater for vulnerable sectors of the population (young children, people with weakened health, or seniors). Gokhale et al studied the exposure to VOCs in homes, offices and outdoor in Leipzig (Germany). The highest proportion of personal exposure was from households (42–73%), followed by the outdoor environment (18–34%), and offices (2–38%). Several other studies [4,5,6] have pointed to the fact that at home

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Conclusion