A study of volatile organic compound concentrations in a new school building over one year period

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are defined as carbon-based organic compounds that put negative impacts on nervous system through respiration. The objective of this study was to assess concentrations of VOCs at a new school building and to compare the concentration by different variables. Samples were collected from inside and outside of four rooms in a new constructed building for a year in Seoul, Korea. Then, they were analyzed by using a gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and toluene highly exceeded the standard level right after construction. The concentration patterns of VOCs significantly decreased for six months. Correlation analysis showed strong positive correlation between TVOC and toluene and weak positive correlation between heptane and tetradecane. Therefore, some cautions are needed to avoid the exposure of VOCs emitted from new buildings until six months after the construction.

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