Quantification of VOC emissions from paint spraying on a construction site using solid phase microextraction devices

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Paint spraying on construction sites releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Assessing worker exposure to these VOCs is crucial for occupational health.
• Needle trap samplers (NTSs) offer a green sampling technology for VOC analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure VOC emissions and worker exposure during paint spraying.
• To compare NTS performance with standard active sampling methods.
• To identify key VOCs and assess compliance with exposure limits.

Main Methods:

• Air sampling using Needle Trap Samplers (NTSs) and charcoal tubes (Method 1501).
• Sampling conducted at a music exhibition center construction site.
• Analysis of volatile organic compounds including BTEX, acetone, and isobutyl alcohol.

Main Results:

• Benzene, toluene, ethylenebenzene, and xylenes (BTEXs) were the primary VOC emissions.
• Acetone and isobutyl alcohol were detected as minor emission compounds.
• Benzene concentrations exceeded Taiwan's short-term exposure limit; other compounds were below limits.
• Aerosol deposition on NTS adsorbents reduced extraction efficiency over time.

Conclusions:

• VOC emissions, particularly benzene, pose a risk to construction workers.
• NTS technology shows promise but can be affected by fine aerosol deposition.
• Protective measures against VOCs and fine particulates are essential for worker health.