Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are present in indoor air at concentr
ations generally higher than in outdoor air. In this study VOC concent
rations in the air of two classrooms differing in insulation, and in t
he expired air of children in them, were investigated. Qualitative and
quantitative determinations were done by gas chromatography-mass spec
trometry techniques. Differences in the concentrations of VOC in indoo
r air and in the expired air of the children were linked to the endoge
neous or exogeneous origin of the compounds, to the activities of the
children and to the quality of indoor-outdoor air exchanges.