Volatile organic compounds in fourteen U.S. retail stores
E L Nirlo1, N Crain, R L Corsi
1Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
Indoor Air
|January 30, 2014
Summary
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in retail stores were measured, with most below health guidelines. Grocery stores showed higher levels of certain VOCs, and while ventilation didn't universally correlate, it reduced VOCs in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Indoor Air Quality
- Occupational Exposure
Background:
- Retail buildings pose exposure risks to indoor pollutants for customers and employees.
- Limited data exists on volatile organic compound (VOC) levels and influencing factors in retail environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure VOC concentrations and ventilation rates in retail stores.
- To identify factors influencing VOC levels, including store type and activities.
Main Methods:
- VOC concentrations and ventilation rates were measured in 14 retail stores across Texas and Pennsylvania.
- Indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios were used to assess source contributions.
Main Results:
- Most VOCs were below health guidelines, except for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
- Grocery stores exhibited elevated ethanol and acetaldehyde, likely from baking.
- Indoor sources dominated VOC concentrations for most compounds.
- Ventilation showed no consistent correlation with VOCs but reduced levels in specific stores when increased.
Conclusions:
- Indoor VOCs in most retail settings are below health guidelines.
- Specific activities, like baking in grocery stores, can increase certain VOCs.
- Ventilation strategies can be effective in reducing VOC concentrations in some retail environments.
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