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<p>Indoor air quality (IAQ) is critical to human health, given the considerable amount of time spent indoors. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) contribute substantially to IAQ degradation and potential health risks. VOCs significantly contribute to the degradation of IAQ and pose potential health risks. This study assessed VOC concentrations in the Instituto Nacional de Silicosis (INS) building, (which includes laboratories, offices, and common areas), according to ISO 16000-5 guidelines. Sampling was carried out using P-type pumps with Tenax<sup>®</sup> TA sorbent tubes and analysed via thermal desorption and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), in compliance with UNE-EN 14,662 standards. Of the 49 targeted VOCs, 29 were detected across several chemical classes. Toluene was the most abundant compound, while benzene, a Group 1 human carcinogen, was found both indoors and outdoors, with concentrations reaching up to 0.89&#xa0;µg/m³. All individual VOCs were below 1% of the Spanish Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELVs), and total VOC (TVOC) levels remained consistently below the recommended threshold of 200&#xa0;µg/m³. Certain areas, such as the cleaning room and the library, exhibited comparatively higher concentrations and a broader range of compounds. In the library, this was likely due to books containing thin slices of real lungs, preserved with varnish. Although the results indicate no immediate health risk, the detection of hazardous substances such as benzene, even at low concentrations, emphasises the importance of continuous monitoring. The study recommends potential mitigation strategies including improved ventilation and the use of indoor plants for biofiltration. These findings support the need for proactive IAQ management and further research into the long-term health implications of occupational exposure.</p>

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Assessing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in a laboratory and office building environment

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月8日

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  • Hector Garcia-Gonzalez,
  • Maria Teresa Lopez-Pola,
  • Rafael Rodriguez,
  • Pilar Fernandez-Rubio,
  • Pablo Fernandez-Rodriguez

摘要

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is critical to human health, given the considerable amount of time spent indoors. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) contribute substantially to IAQ degradation and potential health risks. VOCs significantly contribute to the degradation of IAQ and pose potential health risks. This study assessed VOC concentrations in the Instituto Nacional de Silicosis (INS) building, (which includes laboratories, offices, and common areas), according to ISO 16000-5 guidelines. Sampling was carried out using P-type pumps with Tenax® TA sorbent tubes and analysed via thermal desorption and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), in compliance with UNE-EN 14,662 standards. Of the 49 targeted VOCs, 29 were detected across several chemical classes. Toluene was the most abundant compound, while benzene, a Group 1 human carcinogen, was found both indoors and outdoors, with concentrations reaching up to 0.89 µg/m³. All individual VOCs were below 1% of the Spanish Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELVs), and total VOC (TVOC) levels remained consistently below the recommended threshold of 200 µg/m³. Certain areas, such as the cleaning room and the library, exhibited comparatively higher concentrations and a broader range of compounds. In the library, this was likely due to books containing thin slices of real lungs, preserved with varnish. Although the results indicate no immediate health risk, the detection of hazardous substances such as benzene, even at low concentrations, emphasises the importance of continuous monitoring. The study recommends potential mitigation strategies including improved ventilation and the use of indoor plants for biofiltration. These findings support the need for proactive IAQ management and further research into the long-term health implications of occupational exposure.