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Conifer-Derived Monoterpenes and Forest Walking
Kazuhiro Sumitomo1, Hiroaki Akutsu2, Syusei Fukuyama1
1Cardiovascular Respiratory Frontier of Medical Renovation, Asahikawa Medical University.
Mass Spectrometry (Tokyo, Japan)
|January 29, 2016
Summary
Forests release volatile monoterpenes, which are inhaled and accumulate in people. This study detected these compounds in forest air and human serum, showing a clear transfer from environment to subject.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Conifer and broadleaf trees emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during summer.
- Volatile monoterpenes are the primary components of these tree emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and identify monoterpenes in forest air samples.
- To investigate the transfer and accumulation of atmospheric monoterpenes in humans exposed to forest environments.
Main Methods:
- Solid phase microextraction fiber was used as an adsorbent for sample collection.
- Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was employed for the detection and identification of monoterpenes.
Main Results:
- Monoterpenes were successfully detected and identified in forest air.
- Gas chromatography/mass chromatograms of atmospheric monoterpenes and serum from forest walkers were similar.
- Levels of alpha-pinene in subjects significantly increased after forest walking.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric monoterpenes from conifer forests are transferred to humans via inhalation.
- Exposure to forest environments leads to the accumulation of monoterpenes in the human body.
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