Field Investigation of Volatile Organic Compounds’ Levels and Origin in an Unpolluted Residential Area

Abstract

It has been found that various volatile organic compounds (VOC) are present in the indoor environments. Studies on the volatile organic compounds have become one of current interests, since the VOCs’ impact on comfort and health of occupants has been recognized. This paper describes the results of investigation on concentrations and sources of volatile organic compounds in renovated and non-renovated residences. The concentration of volatile organic compounds in newly renovated residences is higher than those found in non renovated house. Gas heating and cosmetics’ use were found to be important sources of VOCs in the undecorated residence. The concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the renovated houses and the not renovated house with gas heating were much higher than those found outdoors.