Variability of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) in the Indoor Air of Retail Stores.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 16(23)2019 11 21.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31766339
ABSTRACT
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released to the indoor air of retail stores from numerous products and activities, but available literature lacks a systematic understanding of the variability of VOC concentrations. In this study, we measured concentrations of total VOCs (TVOC) in 32 retail stores using a high-sensitivity photoionization detector (PID). Indoor thermal comfort parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity, were simultaneously measured using an anemometer. The store-level TVOC concentrations ranged from 30 to 869 ppb and exceeded the LEED guideline in 31 stores. TVOC levels were notably high in hardware stores (median = 536 ppb, p = 0.0002) and paints, household, and home accessories sections within stores (p < 0.05). TVOC levels were elevated in mornings and evenings, possibly due to low ventilation and cleaning activities at the beginning and end of business hours. The between-store, within-store, and temporal variations accounted for 85%, 0.5%, and 14% of the total variance, respectively. The variance structure suggested that in-store VOC concentrations were predominantly driven by their source location, and representative monitoring should first consider covering various store types. Current store VOC levels present health concerns, but further studies are needed to evaluate risks among customers.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Monitoramento Ambiental
/
Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados
/
Poluentes Atmosféricos
/
Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos