| Title: | Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma |
| Author(s): | Chin JY; Godwin C; Parker E; Robins T; Lewis T; Harbin P; Batterman S; |
| Address: | "School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1600-0668 (Electronic) 0905-6947 (Print) 0905-6947 (Linking) |
| 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 2274 mug/m(3) (mean = 150 mug/m(3); median = 91 mug/m(3)); 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 are important and prudent, especially for vulnerable individuals. Actions and policies to reduce VOC exposures, for example, sales restrictions, improved product labeling, and consumer education, are recommended. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Total target VOC concentrations in the Detroit homes ranged from 14 to 2274 lg/m3, generally lower than found in earlier studies. However, a subset of houses had elevated concentrations, and levels of 1,4-dichlorobenzene, naphthalene, and benzene reached levels commensurate with excess individual cancer risks of 10(-2), 10(-3), and 10(-4), respectively. VOC concentrations varied mostly due to between-residence and season effects. The most important sources included cigarette smoking, vehicle-related emissions, building renovation, solvents, household products, and pesticides" |
| Keywords: | "Air Pollutants/*analysis Air Pollution, Indoor/*analysis Asthma/*physiopathology Child Environmental Exposure/*analysis Factor Analysis, Statistical Housing Humans Michigan Random Allocation Seasons Urban Population Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis As;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineChin, J-Y Godwin, C Parker, E Robins, T Lewis, T Harbin, P Batterman, S eng P30 ES017885/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/ R01 ES014566/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/ R01-ES014566-01A1/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/ P30ES017885/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/ Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural England 2013/12/18 Indoor Air. 2014 Aug; 24(4):403-15. doi: 10.1111/ina.12086. Epub 2014 Jan 13" |
