Human activities as sources of volatile organic compounds in residential environments

The objectives of the present work were to investigate techniques for the continuous, qualitative monitoring of VOCs and to see how VOC levels were influenced by normal household activities. Three different methods were investigated to measure the VOC levels: infrared spectroscopy, photoionization detection, and gas chromatographic analysis of absorbent tube samples. Results were presented that related changes in levels of VOCs to various human activities commonly occurring in residences, and data were presented that indicated activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, cleaning floors, and painting contributed to short-term increases in VOC levels. VOC levels were diminished by turning on the air conditioner. Results on the effect of humidity on VOCs, both in homes and controlled chambers, were reported.