Abstract
Measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using the passive sampling method have received increasing attention owing to their simplicity and ease of use. However, there are still few applications of passive samplers for high-boiling point VOCs. The Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is discussing new standards for indoor concentration levels of three substances (new guideline VOCs): 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (Texanol) and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB). Texanol and TXIB have higher-boiling points than general VOCs. Obtaining accurate sampling rates (SRs) of the high boiling point VOCs is an issue in establishing passive sampling methods. In this study, we investigated the control method of generating sufficient concentrations of these VOCs in an exposure chamber to obtain accurate SRs of Texanol and TXIB. The obtained SRs for investigated VOCs were in the range of approximately 10-200% of the prescribed guideline value concentration. The reproducibility of the exposure test was high and the coefficients of variation of the exposure tests conducted under each exposure conditions were less than 10%. For sampling in a prefabricated house, the values calculated using the passive sampling method and the obtained SRs were equivalent to those using the active sampling method. Therefore, measuring new guideline VOCs using this passive air sampler method is feasible.
