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Indoor Air

Title:		Hazard assessment of chemical air contaminants measured in residences
Author(s):		Logue JM; McKone TE; Sherman MH; Singer BC;
Address:		"Indoor Environment Department, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. JMLogue@lbl.gov"
Journal Title:		Indoor Air
Year:		2011
Volume:		21
Issue:		2
Page Number:		92 - 109
DOI:		10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00683.x
ISSN/ISBN:		1600-0668 (Electronic) 0905-6947 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Identifying air pollutants that pose a potential hazard indoors can facilitate exposure mitigation. In this study, we compiled summary results from 77 published studies reporting measurements of chemical pollutants in residences in the United States and in countries with similar lifestyles. These data were used to calculate representative mid-range and upper-bound concentrations relevant to chronic exposures for 267 pollutants and representative peak concentrations relevant to acute exposures for five activity-associated pollutants. Representative concentrations are compared to available chronic and acute health standards for 97 pollutants. Fifteen pollutants appear to exceed chronic health standards in a large fraction of homes. Nine other pollutants are identified as potential chronic health hazards in a substantial minority of homes, and an additional nine are identified as potential hazards in a very small percentage of homes. Nine pollutants are identified as priority hazards based on the robustness of measured concentration data and the fraction of residences that appear to be impacted: acetaldehyde; acrolein; benzene; 1,3-butadiene; 1,4-dichlorobenzene; formaldehyde; naphthalene; nitrogen dioxide; and PM(2.5). Activity-based emissions are shown to pose potential acute health hazards for PM(2.5), formaldehyde, CO, chloroform, and NO(2). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This analysis identifies key chemical contaminants of concern in residential indoor air using a comprehensive and consistent hazard-evaluation protocol. The identification of a succinct group of chemical hazards in indoor air will allow for successful risk ranking and mitigation prioritization for the indoor residential environment. This work also indicates some common household activities that may lead to the acute levels of pollutant exposure and identifies hazardous chemicals for priority removal from consumer products and home furnishings"
Keywords:		"Air Pollution, Indoor/*analysis Carbon Monoxide/analysis Databases, Factual Hazardous Substances/*analysis *Housing Humans Nitrogen Dioxide/analysis Particulate Matter/*analysis/chemistry Risk Assessment United States Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis;"
Notes:		"MedlineLogue, J M McKone, T E Sherman, M H Singer, B C eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. England 2011/03/12 Indoor Air. 2011 Apr; 21(2):92-109. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00683.x"