Volatile organic compound emissions from markers used in preschools, schools, and homes

Abstract

ABSTRACTThere is little published research examining volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from art markers. In this study, we characterised VOC emission rates from markers commonly used by children at home and in school, and by teachers in their classrooms. We developed a method to measure standardised emission rates under controlled laboratory conditions, focusing on four major marker types: permanent, dry erase, highlighter, and washable. Emission rates for other less common marker types were also measured. We conducted additional experiments determining changes in emission profiles over short and long time periods (several hours up to daily use over about 2 months), as well as during periods of active drawing. We tested a total of 101 markers and report emission rates for 60 chemicals. Permanent and dry erase markers had average total VOC emissions more than 400 times higher than highlighters and washable markers. Alcohols were the most highly emitted class of VOCs from permanent and dry erase markers. Some chemicals associated with potentially serious health concerns were also identified. Future studies that employ full-scale chamber experiments and personal monitoring in classrooms to measure children’s actual exposures are recommended.