Organic compounds in office environments - sensory irritation, odor, measurements and the role of reactive chemistry

Abstract

Sensory irritation and odor effects of organic compounds in indoor environments are reviewed. It is proposed to subdivide volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into four categories: (i) chemically non-reactive, (ii) chemically ÔreactiveÕ, (iii) biologically reactive (i.e. form chemical bonds to receptor sites in mucous membranes) and (iv) toxic compounds. Chemically non-reactive VOCs are considered non-irritants at typical indoor air levels. However, compounds with low odor thresholds contribute to the overall perception of the indoor air quality. Reported sensory irritation may be the result of odor annoyance. It appears that odor thresholds for many VOCs probably are considerably lower than previously reported. This explains why many building materials persistently are perceived as odorous, although the concentrations of the detected organic compounds are close to or below their reported odor thresholds. Ozone reacts with certain alkenes to form a gas and aerosol phase of oxidation products, some of which are sensory irritants. However, all of the sensory irritating species have not yet been identified and whether the secondary aerosols (ultrafine and fine particles) contribute to sensory irritation requires investigation. Low relative humidity may exacerbate the sensory irritation impact. Practical Implications Certain odors, in addition to odor annoyance, may result in psychological effects and distraction from work. Some building materials continually cause perceivable odors, because the odor thresholds of the emitted compounds are low. Some oxidation products of alkenes (e.g. terpenes) may contribute to eye and airway symptoms under certain conditions and low relative humidity.

Concentration-detection functions for eye irritation evoked by homologous n-alcohols and acetates approaching a cut-off point

“…Nevertheless, developing quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) to understand the basis for the production of barely noticeable to very mild human eye irritation from environmental vapors is central to solve widespread problems related to sensory complaints regarding indoor air quality (Wolkoff et al 2005;Wolkoff et al 2006).…”

Indoor pollutants emitted by office equipment: A review of reported data and information needs

“…Several other VOCs listed in the studies (Wolkoff et al 2006) were not included in Table 6 if originated in other sources, different from office equipment. Such is the case of VOCs derived from the use of cleaning products (terpenes or 2-butoxyethanol) and of ozone, which is usually present in indoor environments as a consequence of intrusion from outdoor air.…”

“…As summarized below, office equipment has been found to be a source of ozone, particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Among the chemicals emitted by office equipment are VOCs and SVOCs that have been associated with occupational symptoms such as eye, nose or throat irritation, headache and fatigue (Mendell et al 2002;Wolkoff et al 2006).…”

“…As summarized below, office equipment has been found to be a source of ozone, particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Among the chemicals emitted by office equipment are VOCs and SVOCs that have been associated with occupational symptoms such as eye, nose or throat irritation, headache and fatigue (Mendell et al 2002;Wolkoff et al 2006).The widespread and growing use of office equipment by a large fraction of the population in their workplaces, homes, and schools and the incomplete and fragmented evidence of this equipment as a source of health-relevant indoor air pollutants provide compelling arguments for a systematic evaluation of pollutant emissions. Since distributed desktop computers and associated displays are in close proximity to people, research on pollutant emissions from office equipment logically should emphasize distributed equipment rather than large central units.…”

Prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome-Related Symptoms among Hospital Workers in Confined and Open Working Spaces

“…SBS-related symptoms comprises various symptoms ranging from specific symptoms such as itchy eyes, skin rashes, and nasal allergy symptoms, to more vague symptoms such as fatigue, aches and pains, and sensitivity to odors (Redlich et al, 1997;Norbäck, 2009). The parameters typically evaluated in previous studies include temperature, humidity, bacteria, fungi, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde (Wolkoff et al, 2006;World Health Organization, 2010). Other factors associated with the perceived indoor air quality include odors, particulate matter (PM), bioaerosol, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contamination.…”