Assessment of residential exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2)

Abstract

There is increasing concern about indoor air pollution worldwide due to its adverse health effects. One of the predominant indoor air pollutant groups is assumed to be volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including a variety of hydrocarbons with different functional groups. Among VOCs, some species have carcinogenic effects, and some are widely used in many consumer products. CO2 is assumed to be an indicator of ventilation adequacy. Thus, elevated indoor CO2 levels are linked with the discomfort level of occupants. Residential exposure to VOCs and CO2 in 6 different homes located in 3 different towns in Canakkale, Turkey were assessed for about a year. Also, a home inventory was used to identify the potential sources of VOCs and CO2 as well as environmental concerns of the occupants. The highest levels of indoor CO2, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), benzene, toluene, and xylenes were found at industrial sampling sites. A connection between aspects of the outdoor environment (i.e. availability of potential sources) and residential exposure to air pollutants was found. Also, some activities (e.g. heating fuel type, house cleaning frequency, etc.) and factors (e.g. characteristics of the outdoor environment) influenced residential exposure to VOCs and CO2.