Simplified determination of VOCs emitted from painted building materials using a headspace-vial as a chamber

Abstract

A simplified analytical method using a milliliter-sized vial, which could be used to estimate the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at room atmosphere emitted from each source, such as a building material, adhesive or paint, was established. When the concentration of VOCs in real living space was supposed, the result of this small-sized measurement could be a good reference. The sensitivity of GC/MS on an air sample measurement was sufficient for a direct analysis. For a small-sized sample measurement, although there was a problem of VOCs emission from each face, except for the surface, which should be evaluated, its influence could be reduced by masking any unnecessary faces using sealing materials, such as an aluminum tape.