Weschler C J, Shields H C, Rainer D
Bell Communications Research, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1990 May;51(5):261-8. doi: 10.1080/15298669091369628.
For four separate periods over a 1-yr span, the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been measured at a facility with a history of occupant complaints. The reported symptoms were characteristic of "sick building syndrome." This study was initiated to determine if VOC levels were higher than those measured in "complaint-free" buildings and, if so, to identify sources and other factors that might contribute to the elevated concentrations. VOCs were collected with passive samplers, using a sampling interval that lasted from 3 to 4 weeks. Following collection, the samplers were extracted, and the compounds in the extract were separated and identified using standard gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric procedures. Over 40 different organic compounds with concentrations in excess of 1 microgram/m3 were identified; several species had values greater than 100 micrograms/m3. For each of the first three sampling periods, the total concentration of VOCs detected using this methodology was in excess of 3 mg/m3. Sources of the identified compounds included cleaning products, floor wax, latex paints, and reentrained motor vehicle exhaust. However, the dominant source was the hydraulic system for the buildings' elevators. Compounds were volatilizing from the hydraulic fluid used in this system. Neither the elevator shafts nor the mechanical room housing the fluid reservoirs were vented to the outside. The problem was compounded by the relatively small amount of outside air used for ventilation at this facility (less than 6 L/sec [12 cfm]/occupant or about 1/4 air change/hr). At such low ventilation rates, compounds with strong sources can achieve high steady-state concentrations within the facility. Recommendations have been made to reduce the VOC levels at this site. Although implementing the recommendations will be costly, even a slight improvement in employee productivity will offset these costs.
在一年的时间跨度内，分四个不同阶段，对一个有居住者投诉历史的场所的挥发性有机化合物（VOCs）浓度进行了测量。报告的症状具有“病态建筑综合征”的特征。开展这项研究是为了确定VOC水平是否高于在“无投诉”建筑中测得的水平，如果是，则识别可能导致浓度升高的来源和其他因素。使用被动采样器收集VOCs，采样间隔为3至4周。收集后，对采样器进行萃取，并使用标准气相色谱 - 质谱程序对萃取物中的化合物进行分离和鉴定。鉴定出40多种浓度超过1微克/立方米的不同有机化合物；有几种化合物的值大于100微克/立方米。在前三个采样阶段的每个阶段，使用该方法检测到的VOCs总浓度均超过3毫克/立方米。已识别化合物的来源包括清洁产品、地板蜡、乳胶漆和再夹带的机动车尾气。然而，主要来源是建筑物电梯的液压系统。化合物从该系统中使用的液压油中挥发出来。电梯井和容纳储液罐的机械室都没有向外通风。该场所用于通风的外部空气量相对较少（每人每秒小于6升[12立方英尺]/或约每小时1/4次换气）使问题更加严重。在如此低的通风率下，具有强大来源的化合物可以在场所内达到高稳态浓度。已提出降低该场所VOC水平的建议。尽管实施这些建议成本高昂，但员工生产力的哪怕是轻微提高也将抵消这些成本。
