Indoor concentrations of VOCs and ozone in two cities of Northern Europe during the summer period

Abstract

Major sources of indoor organic compounds are, commonly, building materials including vinyl tiles and coverings, carpets, wood based panels, paints etc. in new or recently renovated buildings as well as human activities indoors such as cleaning or cooking. Ozone, which has both indoor (photocopiers and other) and outdoor (due to ventilation and infiltration systems) sources, is a highly reactive oxidizing agent. This study was conducted in the frame of the BUMA project (Prioritization of Building Materials Emissions). Herein is presented one weeks indoor and outdoor VOCs and ozone concentration measurements from field campaigns at two urban cities in Northern Europe, Dublin and Copenhagen, during a cold period. Sampling was conducted inside and outside four buildings. The concentrations of hazardous compounds (formaldehyde, benzene, acetaldehyde, toluene and xylenes) ranged from 5.9-42.7, 0.6-3.4, 2.3-41.6, 2.2-15 and 0.4-6 g/m, respectively. Ozone levels were significantly higher outdoors that indoors.