Formation and emission of chloroanisoles as indoor pollutants

Abstract

The group of chloroanisoles has been recognized as important indoor pollutants as they possess musty odours at extremely low concentrations, e.g. for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in a range of 5-10 ppt in air (Staples 2000). On the basis of currently available toxicological data, exposure of the occupants to the concentrations of chloroanisoles measured is not associated with a health risk. No correlation could be observed between concentrations of chloroanisoles and PCP in house dust and indoor air. However, chloroanisoles are good indicators for possible PCP-treatment of wood in frame houses and their detection should initiate investigations on PCP contamination. Research is continuing to identify the microorganisms involved and to devise a remediation procedure for affected houses.

Influence of relative humidity on VOC concentrations in indoor air

“…The profound effect of RH on air concentrations of trichloroanisole coincided with an increase in odor intensity with increased RH (personal observation; data not shown). Notably, trichloroanisole may be produced following the action of moisture on materials that have been impregnated with trichlorophenol (Gunschera et al 2004). Air concentrations of VOCs desorbed from the laboratorycontaminated materials significantly (see p values in Tables 5, 6, and 7) increased with increased (from 40 to 85 %) RH.…”

Mold allergy revisited

“…The direct health risk of microbial volatile organic compounds is unclear; however, they could act as an irritants in susceptible individuals. 22 …”

Current State of the Science: Health Effects and Indoor Environmental Quality

“…Photoinitiators, contained in ultraviolet curable coatings, can undergo decomposition to generate free radicals, and some (e.g., benzaldehyde and cyclohexanone) are precursors of odorous products (Salthammer et al 2002). In a study conducted in German houses constructed with wooden studs treated with pentachlorophenol (PCP), it was found that over time PCP had been transformed to tetra-chloroanisole, a compound of highly undesirable odor (Gunschera et al 2004). …”