Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 4.9
VOCs Emitted from Building Materials and Consumer Products
Material/product
Major VOCs identified
Latex caulk
Methylethylketone, Butyl propionate, 2-Butoxyethanol,
Butanol, Benzene, Toluene
Floor adhesive
Nonane, Decane, Undecane, Dimethyloctane, 2-
Methylnonane, Dimethylbenzene
Particle board
Formaldehyde, Acetone, Hexanal, Propanol, Butanone,
Benzaldehyde, Benzene
Moth crystals
p
-Dichlorobenzene
Floor wax
Nonane, Decane, Undecane, Dimethyloctane,
Trimethylcyclohexane, Ethylmethylbenzene
Wood stain
Nonane, Decane, Undecane, Methyloctane,
Dimethylnonane, Trimethylbenzene
Latex paint
2-Propanol, Butanone, Ethylbenzene, Propylbenzene,
1,1-Oxybisbutane, Butylpropionate, Toluene
Furniture polish
Trimethylpentane, Dimethylhexane, Trimethylhexane,
Trimethylheptane, Ethylbenzene, Limonene
Polyurethane floor finish
Nonane, Decane, Undecane, Butanone, Ethylbenzene,
Dimethylbenzene
Room freshener
Nonane, Decane, Undecane, Ethylheptane, Limonene,
substituted aromatics (fragrances)
Source:
From Tichenor, B.A.,
Proc. 4th Internatl. Conf. Indoor Air Qual. Climate,
Berlin, 1, 8, 1987.
As is the case with HCHO, source emissions decrease rapidly with time.
Higher temperature and ventilation rates significantly increase emission
rates and thus accelerate decay rates. Decay rates of individual compounds
decrease very rapidly with time, as can be seen with a wet (freshly applied
finish coating) and dry (carpeting) product (
Figures 4.3
and
4.4
)
.
Time-dependent decreases in VOC concentrations have been reported
in source emission studies. In newly built Swedish preschool buildings, more
than 50% of 160 different compounds initially identified were undetectable
within a 6-month period. Similar declines in VOC concentrations have also
been observed by USEPA.
D. Polyvalent alcohols and their derivatives
Manufacturers have significantly reduced solvent levels in paints, varnishes,
and adhesives during the past decade. These water-based products emit low
levels of low-volatility VOC compounds which are being used both as
solvents and dispersants. Most commonly they are highly polar ether or
ester derivatives of polyvalent alcohols, with boiling points in the range of
125 to 255°C.
These compounds include glycol, glycol-ethers, and associated acetates
(esters formed by reaction of an alcohol with acetic acid). They are chemically
stable, colorless, and inflammable liquids with an ethery to sweetish odor.
They are miscible with water and organic solvents.
