The use of measured volatile organic chemical (VOC) concentrations in indoor air to evaluate vapor intrusion is complicated by (i) indoor sources of the same VOCs and (ii) temporal variability in vapor intrusion. This study evaluated the efficacy of utilizing induced negative and positive building pressure conditions during a vapor intrusion investigation program to provide an improved understanding of the potential for vapor intrusion. Pressure control was achieved in five of six buildings where the investigation program was tested. For these five buildings, the induced pressure differences were sufficient to control the flow of soil gas through the building foundation. A comparison of VOC concentrations in indoor air measured during the negative and positive pressure test conditions was sufficient to determine whether vapor intrusion was the primary source of VOCs in indoor air at these buildings. The study results indicate that sampling under controlled building pressure can help minimize ambiguity caused by both indoor sources of VOCs and temporal variability in vapor intrusion.
HighlightsWe developed a simple and repeatable technique to create research cigarettes that differ only in menthol content.We qualified a method by which the menthol and nicotine content of a cigarette can be quantified.We investigated the rate of loss of menthol from our custom-mentholated cigarettes over time during storage.We are currently using these custom-mentholated cigarettes in human exposure studies.Our custom-mentholated cigarettes will help to elucidate the effects of menthol on the toxicity of tobacco smoke.
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