Indoor volatile organic compounds in Australia

Nigel Goodman, Anne Steinemann, Amanda Wheeler, Phillip Paevere

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to (a) evaluate 25 years of indoor VOC research in Australia, (b) address a knowledge gap by measuring indoor VOCs at a major Australian university, and (c) provide representative VOC data from university restrooms. Methods included (a) an evaluation of 31 indoor VOC studies according to 13 analytic factors, and (b) indoor air sampling of 41 VOCs across 20 university environments with comparisons to outdoor levels. Results from prior Australian studies showed that VOC levels were highest within new buildings and caravans. The university indoor VOC study revealed the highest I/O ratios of benzene in renovated offices, and of formaldehyde, toluene, and xylenes in a green building. In restrooms, ethanol had a geometric mean concentration of 340 µg/m3. Findings point to a need for greater attention to indoor VOCs in new construction, renovated spaces, and green buildings, and in understudied environments such as schools.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ)
Pages1-1
Number of pages1
ISBN (Electronic)9781713826514
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: 22 Jul 201827 Jul 2018

Publication series

Name15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018

Conference

Conference15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period22/07/1827/07/18

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