Title: | Indoor/outdoor measurements of volatile organic compounds in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia |
Author(s): | Cohen MA; Ryan PB; Yanagisawa Y; Spengler JD; Ozkaynak H; Epstein PS; |
DOI: | 10.1080/08940630.1989.10466593 |
ISSN/ISBN: | 0894-0630 (Print) 0894-0630 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "The Kanawha Valley region of West Virginia which is comprised of Charleston and surrounding communities is the center of a heavily industrialized area known for its chemical manufacturing. As part of a larger study designed to investigate the impact of the chemical industry on human exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOC), a study of the relationship between indoor and outdoor concentrations was conducted. Thirty-five homes were selected for monitoring from among volunteers; approximately ten in each of three distinct population-industry centers and four outside the Valley to act as controls. Monitoring was performed using passive, badge samplers with a three-week monitoring period. Two separate questionnaires were administered: one for characterization of the residence; and one to characterize source use during monitoring. Participants were also asked to keep a record of their activities with respect to in-home, outdoors and other indoor environments. Analysis of the samplers was performed by solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography using a flame-ionization detector. Results suggest that indoor VOC concentrations are higher than outdoor concentrations. Additionally, certain ventilation-related parameters were identified that afforded some predictive power for indoor concentrations. No statistically significant differences between regions were identified" |
Keywords: | "Air Pollutants, Occupational/*analysis Models, Theoretical West Virginia;" |
Notes: | "MedlineCohen, M A Ryan, P B Yanagisawa, Y Spengler, J D Ozkaynak, H Epstein, P S eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. 1989/08/01 JAPCA. 1989 Aug; 39(8):1086-93. doi: 10.1080/08940630.1989.10466593" |