Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma

Abstract

Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are classified as known or possible carcinogens, irritants and toxicants, and VOC exposure has been associated with the onset and exacerbation of asthma. This study characterizes VOC levels in 126 homes of children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The total target VOC concentration ranged from 14 to 2,274 μg/m3 (mean = 150 μg/m3; median = 91 μg/m3); 56 VOCs were quantified; and d-limonene, toluene, p, m-xylene and ethyl acetate had the highest concentrations. Based on the potential for adverse health effects, priority VOCs included naphthalene, benzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, isopropylbenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, tetrachloroethene and trichloroethylene. Concentrations varied mostly due to between-residence and seasonal variation. Identified emission sources included cigarette smoking, solvent-related emissions, renovations, household products and pesticides. The effect of nearby traffic on indoor VOC levels was not distinguished. While concentrations in the Detroit homes were lower than levels found in other North American studies, many homes had elevated VOC levels, including compounds that are known health hazards. Thus, the identification and control of VOC sources is important and prudent, especially for vulnerable individuals. Actions and policies to reduce VOC exposures, e.g., sales restrictions, improved product labeling and consumer education, are recommended.

Biomass smoke exposure as an occupational risk: cross-sectional study of respiratory health of women working as street cooks in Nigeria

“…However, the causative role of VOCs to respiratory diseases among people exposed to biomass smoke is unknown. Although many VOCs are classified as known or possible human carcinogens, irritants and toxicants, and studies have linked VOCs exposure with asthma exacerbation in children, the evidence are not conclusive 34. Benzene is a carcinogen, best known for its potential to cause leukaemia 35.…”

VOC sources and exposures in nail salons: a pilot study in Michigan, USA

“…Peak areas were extracted by a ChemStation macro program, adjusted for internal standards and transferred electronically to a spreadsheet. Analyte masses (ng) were converted to concentrations by dividing by sampling volume (m 3 ) (Batterman et al 2012; Chin et al 2014; Jia et al 2012). …”

The effect of low-volatile organic compounds, water-based paint on aggravation of allergic disease in schoolchildren

“…Despite these limitations of ingredients, there were no significant differences in the changes of lung function and FeNO levels between both studied classrooms, as well as symptomatic aggravations. Even no or low-VOC indoor paints may release significant level of VOCs in indoor painting process, retaining the potential to have negative impact on allergic disease (Chin et al, 2014;Rumchev et al, 2004;Tagiyeva and Sheikh, 2014). However, most water-based paints with low VOC have been formulated with increasing amount of other compounds including coalescing agent, stabilizer, and biocides that could contribute to exposure of potential health relevance.…”