Risk Assessment of VOCs Exposure in Health Clubs—A Case Study
摘要
Research has shown elevated concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in indoor sports facilities, underscoring the significance of the identification and quantification of individual VOCs in these environments. Objectives: This study evaluated (individual and total) VOC levels in three health clubs (HC1–HC3) and estimated the respective excess carcinogenic (ECR) and non-cancer (THQ) risks. Materials and methods: TVOCs were monitored for 8 h in the characterized HCs (winter 2022; Oporto Metropolitan Area, Portugal), while individual VOC quantifications were done by active sampling (1 h; Tenax TA, 60/80 mesh) followed by thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography and mass-selective detection. ECRs and THQs were calculated using the USEPA methodology. Results and discussion: Across all HCs, TVOCs means were 0.89–2.15 mg/m3, exceeding 1.5–3.6 times the Portuguese protective threshold (0.6 mg/m3). Levels of benzene (1.52–1.91 µg/m3), ethylbenzene (1.55–3.74 µg/m3), naphthalene (1.43–1.46 µg/m3), tetrachloroethylene (0.73–1.30 µg/m3) and trichloroethylene (0.71–0.73 µg/m3) complied with the existent legislation except for benzene. The USEPA ECR threshold of 10−6 was exceeded for benzene (1.1–1.2 times) and naphthalene (1.5–1.6 times) in all HCs, while HI below unity suggested no potential for adverse non-carcinogenic health effects. Conclusions: Whereas VOC concentration profiles were different in all HCs, the exceeded TVOCs levels and the respective cancer risk due to inhalation exposures indicated possible adverse outcomes for the respective users.