Abstract
In this study, we used the clean air delivery rate (Qeq)[m3/h] as an index for the removal rate of gaseous pollutants by atmosphere-type air fresheners in a practical application. Using this index, we formulated a new evaluation method and made a preliminary assessment of the performance of six liquid air fresheners (five "natural" type fresheners and one general-purpose freshener) and of purified water for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde.
The results showed that formaldehyde was efficiently removed by two fresheners; liquid air freshener (1) with the main ingredients being extracts from 35 types of plants and liquid air freshener (2) with the main ingredient being phytoncide. The Qeq of liquid air freshener (1), and (2) were 0.41 and 0.45 m3/h, respectively, with liquid air freshener (2) showing a slightly higher Qeq than liquid air freshener (1).
Total volatile organic compound (TVOC) removal was observed for three of the six air fresheners. The VOC Qeq (TVOC converted values) of all three fell within the range of 0.40-1.11 m3/h. Liquid air freshener (4), which was composed of water and added minerals, had the highest removal rate with a VOC Qeq slightly higher than that of purified water (0.16 m3/h).
Overall, the liquid air fresheners removed between 6 and 11 out of 17 VOCs. Liquid air freshener (5) with main ingredients being chamaecyparis obtuse and eucalyptus essential oils showed the removal of the greatest number of VOCs.
