Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 7.10
Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Computer/Video
Display Terminals
2,6-
bis
(1,1-dimethyl)-4-methyl phenol
Ethylbenzene
n
-Butanol
Heptadecane
2-Butanone
Hexanedioc acid
2-Butoxyethanol
4-Hydroxy benzaldehyde
Butyl 2-methylpropyl phthalate
3-Methylene-2-pentanone
Caproloactum
2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid
Cresol
Ozone
Decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane
Phenol
Diisoctyl phthalate
Phosphoric acid
Dimethylbenzene
2-
tert
-butylazo-2-methoxy-4-methyl-pentane
Dodecamethyl cyclohexasiloxane
Toluene
2-Ethoxyethyl acetate
Xylene
Source:
From Brooks, B.O. and Davis, W.F.,
Understanding Indoor Air Quality,
CRC Press, Boca
Raton, 1991. With permission.
-cyclohexones, 1-butanol, butyl acetate, 2-ethoxy-
ethanol); monomers (styrene and acrylate esters); monomer impurities; coa-
lescent agents; and monomer or polymer oxidation products (benzaldehyde,
acetophone). Human exposure to HCHO was observed to be significantly
increased in a simulated office environment, although the cause of this
increase was unknown. Investigators speculated that it may have been asso-
ciated with O
toluene, xylene, octene, C
4
reactions with VOC emissions from toner powders or VOCs
in air, or thermal decomposition of toners.
Several epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between pho-
tocopying/printing and SBS-type symptoms. Increased symptom prevalence
was associated with increased use of photocopy equipment or number of
pages photocopied. A case of “laser printer rhinitis” has been reported and
confirmed in challenge studies.
3
Several cross-sectional epidemi-
ological studies have implicated working with video display terminals
(VDTs)/computers as a risk factor for SBS-type symptoms. Most notably,
there appears to be a significant relationship between hours worked with
VDTs (> 6 hours) and symptom prevalence rates. This may be due to expo-
sure to substances emitted from VDTs/computers, particularly when they
are new (
Table 7.10
)
. Emissions may occur from electronic components,
adhesives, and plastic covers.
Working with VDTs/computers for long hours has significant ergonomic
effects characterized by neuromuscular discomfort, eye strain/fatigue, and
general stress. Such factors can contribute to overall stress experienced by office
clerical workers and, as a result, increase SBS-type symptom reporting rates.
c.
Computers/video-display terminals.
F.
Building furnishings
Furnishings in nonresidential buildings include floor and wall coverings,
workstations, office dividers, and furniture items such as desks and chairs.
