LONG-TERM DIFFUSIVE SAMPLING OF VOLATILE ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS IN INDOOR AIR

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