Identifying and Quantifying Volatile Chemical Product (VCP) Species During an Indoor Surface Refinishing Event

Abstract:

Atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are precursors of fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone, both of which threaten public health and are criteria air pollutants that are regulated by the U.S. EPA. Decreases in emissions from traditional transportation vehicles and power plants in the last four decades have led to volatile chemical products (VCPs) emerging as a major contributor to VOC emissions in urban indoor and outdoor environments. VCPs are typically found in household products, including cleaning agents, aerosol sprays, personal/hygienic care products, printer ink, pesticides, etc. Despite their prevalence in our daily lives, these VCPs and their contribution to VOC emissions remain understudied and uncharacterized. This study aims to develop analytical methods for measuring and quantifying two VCPs using a high-resolution proton transfer reaction – time of flight – mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) for atmospheric measurements. We present the entire mass spectrum measurements of VOCs by a PTR-ToF-MS during the surface refinishing process of the laboratory floors and compare them with outdoor observations. We focus on characterizing measurements of propylene glycol and diethylene glycol, which are commonly found in VCPs and have some of the highest chemical production volumes. We will discuss their instrument sensitivities, fragmentation pathways, potential interferences, and recommended operational parameters for optimal atmospheric measurements. Further analysis on the surface refinishing event will be used as a case study to investigate emissions of VCPs and how they impact indoor air quality.