Primary and Secondary Emissions of VOCs and PAHs in Indoor Air from a Waterproof Coal-Tar Membrane: Diagnosis and Remediation

Abstract

Primary and secondary emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a waterproof coal tar membrane and their effect on the indoor air quality were investigated through a case study in a residential building situated in Madrid, Spain. The air contaminants were analyzed in situ using photoionization method and several samples of contaminants were taken using three sorbents: activated carbon, XAD2 and Tenax GR. It was found that various VOCs such as toluene, p- and m-Xylene, PAHs such as naphthalene, methyl-naphthalenes, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene and fluorine, volatile organic halogens including chloroform and trichlorofluoromethane, and alkylbenzene (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) were found at concentrations, which exceeded the limits established by international and national agencies (WHO, EPA, OSHA). Some of the above organic compounds were found also in the samples of construction and building materials, which were obtained at different heights and places. The analysis of possible sources of the contaminants pointed at the original coal-tar membrane, which was applied on the terrace to be waterproof. During a posterior reparation the membrane was coated with a new one that hindered dissipation of emitted contaminants. The contaminants leached out and were absorbed by construction materials down in the dwelling. These materials then acted as secondary emission sources. To remediate the emission problem as the contaminated materials were removed and then a ventilation system was installed to force the gasses being emitted from the rest of contaminated slab outside. Follow-up has validated the success of the remediation procedure.

Towards Integrated Air Pollution Monitoring and Health Impact Assessment Using Federated Learning: A Systematic Review

“…Compounds such as toluene, benzene, and xylene are under the big umbrella of VOCs, which have been linked to the development of cancers in humans ( 77 ). Exposure to VOCs contributed to both short term and long-term health effects such as hazardous and toxic reactions, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and mucosal membranes ( 107 ). Besides, exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to cancers and central nervous system damage as chronic exposure effect.…”

The Effect of Low-Level Indoor Exposure Toluene on Orienting Network

“…Toluene is the most common indoor VOC detected in several cities around the world, with a detection rate of up to 90% [14][15][16]. The indoor toluene concentration is usually at the ppb level [14,17], with a concentration that ranges from 60 to 70 ppb in the heating house in winter [13], up to 120 ppb in the newly renovated house [18], 390 ppb in the indoor printer shop [19], and 540 ppb in the household coal-fired kitchen [20]. Toluene is a neurotoxic indoor VOC.…”