In this study, we examined a method for measuring the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from wallpapers, by using solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Specifically, a wallpaper sample (7 × 7 cm, 49cm²) is kept inside a 640mL glass chamber, and which is the immersed in a constant temperature bath at 28°C for 30 min, following which the released VOCs are collected using the solid phase microextraction (SPME)technique. The SPME (collected VOCs) are then inserted into the GC inlet and the thermal desorption-GC/MS analysis is performed. The repeatability of analysis method is 23.3% or less in terms of relative standard deviation, and the lower limit of quantification (as the emission amount) is 26.8 μg/m²・h or less. However, this method does not involve a solvent extraction operation. Moreover, the SPME technique can be used repeatedly, and it is possible to make an economical and highly sensitive measurement. In addition, the evaluation performed using this method is similar to that provided in JIS A 1903. The standard solution of the target component is added and vaporized in the glass chamber, and its practicality is determined from the recovery rate. As a result, good repeatability was, suggesting its usefulness as a simple method to measure VOCs emissions.

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At the time of disaster, fungi may grow indoors under uncontrollable temperature or humidity and insufficient cleaning. The damages from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, were vast and extensive with the remarkable damages by tsunami and the characteristic nuclear power plant accident. Out of the concern that the degree of fungal contamination in the indoor environment would deteriorate, various mycological investigations were conducted from 2011 to 2014 for the temporary housings, tsunami-flooded houses, and houses without residents in the hazard zones around the nuclear power plant. As a result, it became clear that severe fungal contamination occurred in each of the living environments. Also, it was reported or suggested that there are health risks in some living environments from respiratory allergic diseases or mycotoxin contamination. In conclusion, we should regard that the mycoflora in the dwelling environment is in variable state, and we need to keep it under a proper sanitary control. This report provides the findings obtained so far on the actual state of fungal contamination and the resulted specific health risks of residents and the measures against fungal contamination by quoting multiple types of living environments in the disaster area of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

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