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Capturing Actively Produced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Human-Associated Samples with Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction
Published on: June 1, 2022
Analysing selected VVOCs in indoor air with solid phase microextraction (SPME): a case study
1Unit for Environmental and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Brunswiker Strasse 4, 24105 Kiel, Germany. mhippelein@hygiene.uni-kiel.de
Chemosphere
|April 4, 2006
Summary
Renovation effectively removed mould, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and past use of chemicals like acetone remained a concern in indoor air quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Indoor Air Quality
- Building Science
Background:
- Mould growth in a multi-storey building necessitated extensive renovation.
- Post-renovation indoor air quality monitoring was crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the success of renovation in removing mould.
- To quantify indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs).
- To identify sources of indoor air contamination and evaluate remedial measures.
Main Methods:
- Activated charcoal testing for VOCs.
- Solid phase microextraction (SPME) for VVOC detection.
- Monitoring of emissions from building materials.
Main Results:
- Renovation successfully addressed mould growth.
- Indoor air VVOC concentrations ranged from 550 to 4,600 µg m⁻³.
- SPME detected emissions from materials and confirmed remediation effectiveness.
- Elevated acetone, methyl acetate, and 2-methylpentane levels were linked to building use.
Conclusions:
- Building renovation successfully mitigated mould issues.
- Indoor air quality requires ongoing monitoring for VOCs and VVOCs.
- Building materials and historical chemical use significantly impact indoor air.
