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Chemical changes in thirdhand smoke associated with remediation using an ozone generator
Xiaochen Tang1, Noelia Ramírez González2, Marion L Russell1
1Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Environmental Research
|November 20, 2020
Summary
Ozone treatment can reduce harmful thirdhand smoke (THS) chemicals on indoor surfaces, but it also creates harmful byproducts like ultrafine particles and increases volatile carbonyls. Re-entry times are crucial to avoid exposure after ozone remediation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Indoor Air Quality
- Remediation Technologies
Background:
- Ozonation is used to remove odors from indoor damage.
- Limited data exists on ozonation effectiveness, optimal conditions, and risks of ozone and byproducts.
- Thirdhand smoke (THS) poses health risks due to residual chemicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate chemical changes in THS aerosols caused by ozone.
- To compare ozonation's effects on THS with natural aging.
- To assess risks and benefits of ozonation for THS remediation.
Main Methods:
- Collected THS aerosols in a chamber, aged with and without ozone.
- Analyzed gas phase species (VOCs, carbonyls) and particulate matter.
- Measured ozone concentration and analyzed fabric-bound chemicals (nicotine, PAHs) and aerosol size distribution before and after ozonation.
Main Results:
- Ozonation depleted fabric-bound nicotine and reduced PAHs by tenfold.
- Gas phase volatile carbonyls (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone) increased post-ozonation.
- Ultrafine particles (UFPs) were significant byproducts, peaking after treatment and remaining elevated.
Conclusions:
- Ozonation shows potential for removing THS chemicals from surfaces.
- Risks include increased volatile carbonyls and UFP generation.
- Establishing safe re-entry times is essential to prevent exposure to ozone and byproducts.
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