Publications

@article{ZINEFILALI2024143607,

title = {Measurement reproducibility and Storage impact on VOC/SVOC Emission Rate from Decorative Materials},

author = {Nouha ZINE FILALI and Tamara BRAISH and Yves ANDRES and Nadine LOCOGE},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524025074},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143607},

issn = {0045-6535},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Chemosphere},

pages = {143607},

abstract = {Building materials are the major sources of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in indoor air. Measurements of emission rates of these compounds are likely to be influenced by variation in certain environmental factors resulting in intra-specimen variability. This study aims to (i) evaluate the reproducibility of measurements between specimens and (ii) evaluate the impact of storage on VOC and SVOC emissions from antifungal acrylic paint (applied on polyester-cellulose). For this purpose, 15 discs of tested materials (1.63 ± 0.04 g) were prepared. From these, the emissions rates (ER) of 5 samples were analyzed simultaneously during three measurement campaigns (October 2021, January 2022 and March 2022). Between each campaign, specimens were stored in the dark at ambient temperature (25 ± 4 °C) and relative humidity (50 ± 20 %). Measurements were performed using the field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) and characterized by gas chromatography (TD-GC-MS/FID) and liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intra-specimen reproducibility was assessed by comparing 5 ER of different specimens collected simultaneously. The impact of storage was evaluated by comparing the average VOC/SVOC ER between each campaign. The results show, concerning the reproducibility of the measurements, that the first measurement campaign provides ER with high variability (10 – 36 %) compared to the second and third measurement campaigns, which show lower intra-specimen variability (5 – 24 % and 8 – 20 % respectively). However, weakly emitted compounds (ER < 10 μg m-2 h-1) such as aromatics and aldehydes show large variabilities (6 – 100 % of variation) in all measurement campaigns. Regarding the effect of the 5-months storage a significant decrease in the ER of individual VOC/SVOCs (37 – 85 %) and of TVOCs (74 %) was noted, except for aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, isopropylacetone and vinyl crotonate, which showed a stability or eventual increase (up to 100 %) in the ER over time, depending on the type of emitted compound.},

keywords = {aging process, Building materials, Indoor air quality, reproducibility, storage, VOC/SVOC emissions},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Brun2023,

title = {Uptake and reactivity of formaldehyde on lime-cement-plaster under typical indoor air conditions},

author = {Raphaël Brun and Marie Verriele and Manolis N Romanias and Marion Chenal and Arnaud Soisson and Wolfram Maier and Frédéric Thevenet},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132322011787},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109948},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {229},

pages = {109948},

abstract = {Inorganic construction materials are chiefly envisaged as structural materials. However, they provide unexplored interfaces with characteristic surface chemistry to interact with indoor gases. This work proposes for the first time an insight on uptake abilities of lime-cement-plaster toward indoor pollutant. Because of toxicity and regulation policies, formaldehyde is selected as representative indoor pollutant. This work explores gas-material interaction to elucidate fate of formaldehyde onto lime-cement-plaster and addresses air quality impact. Uptake and fate of formaldehyde onto plaster is addressed using Field and Laboratory Emission Cell coupled with SIFT Mass Spectrometer. The experimental sequence is continuously deployed on 90 days to address realistic and long-term behaviour of formaldehyde uptake. Experimental approach evidences that from 65 to 77% of formaldehyde inlet concentration is continuously taken up on plaster samples throughout experimental sequence. Concomitantly, methanol is observed showing the reactivity of formaldehyde uptake on this material-class. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy evidences that formaldehyde undergoes heterogeneous Cannizzaro reaction on the plaster surface. This surface reaction proceeds with adsorbed formaldehyde, even in the absence of gaseous pollutant supply. The quantitative balance of the disproportionation process is proposed along the experimental sequence to clarify the fate of formaldehyde encompassing gaseous and adsorbed-phase. The evidenced surface process can impact formaldehyde budget in indoor air, thus relevant parameters are determined to allow further implementation of this reactive contribution to indoor air quality models. This work settles perspectives for passive mitigation of indoor formaldehyde, and points at the need to address reaction products for their indoor air quality impact.},

keywords = {Formaldehyde, Indoor air quality, Lime-cement plaster, Methanol, Reactive uptake},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Analysis of indoor air emissions: From building materials to biogenic and anthropogenic activities},

author = {Jose Ruiz-Jimenez and Ilmari Heiskanen and Ville Tanskanen and Kari Hartonen and Marja Liisa Riekkola},

doi = {10.1016/J.JCOA.2022.100041},

issn = {2772-3917},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Chromatography Open},

volume = {2},

pages = {100041},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {There is a clear relationship between indoor air quality, gaseous compounds (volatile and semi-volatile) and particles emitted by building materials, biogenic and anthropogenic activities, and human health. An increased interest in indoor air quality and emissions has raised during recent years. Nowadays, it is possible to find several analytical approaches based on a wide variety of sampling and analytical techniques. The main objective of this review is to clarify the different options available for the analyst by a critical evaluation of the different steps involved in these methods. In this way, a clear description and evaluation of the potential advantages and shortcomings for the different devices required in materials emission studies, the collection of total air samples using air canisters and particles by vacuum surface have been included in this review. In addition, the potential use of active and passive sampling techniques, for the efficient collection of different compounds from the air samples is described. Then, the selection of the most adequate analytical approach for the analysis of different compounds as a function of their physicochemical properties is evaluated. The latter will include not only traditional approaches such as gas or liquid chromatography but also more sophisticated ones such as proton transfer reaction or chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Finally, the application of these different analytical approaches to the evaluation of indoor air emissions, mainly from biogenic and anthropogenic activities but also from different building materials, are introduced.},

keywords = {Anthropogenic and biogenic activities, Building materials, Emission measurements, Indoor air quality, Sampling systems},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Plaisance2021,

title = {Assessment of gas-phase concentrations of organophosphate flame retardants at the material surface using a midget emission cell coupled to solid-phase microextraction},

author = {Herve Plaisance and Mylene Ghislain and Valerie Desauziers},

doi = {10.1016/J.ACA.2021.339100},

issn = {0003-2670},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Analytica Chimica Acta},

volume = {1186},

pages = {339100},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Actual methods for on-site measurement of gaseous concentrations of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) at the material surface (y0) are not yet sufficiently developed mainly due to sampling difficulties. These concentrations are the key data to improve knowledge about indoor sources and human exposure to SVOCs. To the end, a specific emission cell coupled to solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was developed. The main challenge with this method is calibration because of very low volatility of SVOCs and static sampling mode. In this study, a generating system of organophosphate flame retardants (OFRs) using polyurethane foam as source combined with an active sampling method with Tenax tubes was proposed as a novel calibration device for SPME-based method. The generating system delivered stable OFR concentrations after 190 h of operation with a variation not exceeding ±5%. It allowed to obtain robust calibrations for tris-(2-chloropropyl)-phosphate (TCPP) and tri-butyl-phosphate (TBP) measured with the emission cell coupled to SPME-based method, define the optimal sampling requirements and achieve reproducible and accurate measurements of y0 at μg.m−3 level. TCPP and TBP gas-phase concentrations at the polyurethane foam surface (y0) were followed up over more 228 days under controlled temperature conditions. A high stability of these concentrations was observed showing that polyurethane foam acts as a stable and continuous source of organophosphate flame retardants indoors. This novel method should be useful for assessing the dynamic of emissions from indoor sources and potential exposure to SVOCs in indoor environments.},

keywords = {Gas-phase SVOCs generation System, Indoor air quality, Material emission, Organophosphate flame retardants, Polyurethane foams},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{THEVENET2018138,

title = {VOC uptakes on gypsum boards: Sorption performances and impact on indoor air quality},

author = {F Thevenet and O Debono and M Rizk and F Caron and M Verriele and N Locoge},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132318302154},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.04.011},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {137},

pages = {138 - 146},

abstract = {Indoor air pollution requires the development of various approaches to reduce the concentration of VOCs. Beyond the optimization of ventilation and the reduction of pollutant sources, building materials with sorptive properties are currently examined as possible VOC remediation processes. The potentialities and the effectiveness of sorptive building materials still require detailed and reliable assessments. Thus, the objective of this paper relies in the development of a methodology to determine VOC partitioning coefficients on two sorptive building materials, in comparison with a non-sorptive one, using two contrasted model VOCs, namely toluene and formaldehyde, under different environmental indoor conditions. This approach aims at comparing the different materials and estimating their lifetimes regarding VOC uptake under realistic indoor conditions. After exposing the experimental methodology, uptakes of toluene and formaldehyde are investigated on the three selected gypsum boards. The determination of respective partitioning coefficients enlightens the contrasted behaviours of boards depending on (i) the presence or absence of sorptive agent in their formulation, (ii) the nature of the sorptive agent used, (iii) the structure of the model VOC, (iv) the paper layer on board and (v) the relative humidity. Based on obtained experimental results, the lifetimes of boards are evaluated for each VOC. Results evidence that improvements still have to be achieved to enhance the significance of sorptive gypsum board on indoor air quality. Nevertheless, reliable methodologies are now available to assess the behavior of these materials in indoor environment and to help their effective optimization.},

keywords = {Adsorption, Building materials, Gypsum boards, Indoor air quality, VOC},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{PEI2017339,

title = {Time dependence of characteristic parameter for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) emitted from indoor materials},

author = {Jingjing Pei and Yihui Yin and Jianping Cao and Yahong Sun and Junjie Liu and Yinping Zhang},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132317304067},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.08.052},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {125},

pages = {339 - 347},

abstract = {Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are widely used in various indoor materials and their adverse health effects have been increasingly recognized. The gas-phase SVOC concentration in equilibrium with the source material (y0), as a characteristic parameter for SVOC sources, is mostly assumed to be constant in previous studies. However, decreases in y0 with time have been observed in some studies. As a first step to reveal the mechanism behind the phenomenon, this study quantitatively investigated the variation of y0 over time under two conditions: natural exposure to outdoor ambient (Case 1), and storage in a controlled ventilated chamber (Case 2). Three phthalates (Di-iso-butyl Phthalate (DiBP), Di-n-butyl Phthalate (DnBP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) emitted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floorings and one flame retardant (tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate, TCPP) emitted from polyurethane foam (PUF) were targeted. Experimental results indicated that, for SVOCs with higher volatility, i.e., DiBP, DnBP, and TCPP, y0 decreased 16%–49% after 60 days' exposure for Case 1; and 16%–36% for Case 2. For SVOCs with lower volatility, i.e., DEHP, no significant decrease in y0 was observed after 60 days in both cases; while if prolonging the time to about 1.5 years, a decrease of 38% was observed. Discussion about potential reasons for the decrease of y0 was presented. The results obtained here provide a further understanding about SVOC source characteristics and therefore help providing source strength for estimating indoor SVOC health exposure.},

keywords = {Emission characteristic, Flame retardants, Indoor air quality, SVOC source, Vapor pressure},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{CUI20171874,

title = {Investigation on a combined air treatment process for air-conditioning system},

author = {X Cui and B Mohan and M R Islam and S K Chou and K J Chua},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610217363348},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.12.578},

issn = {1876-6102},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Energy Procedia},

volume = {142},

pages = {1874 - 1879},

abstract = {The present study introduces an air treatment system (ATS) for improving indoor air quality and reducing the energy consumption of air-conditioning system. The ATS has been proposed to combine three sub-systems, namely, (i) energy-efficient oxygen production sub-system, (ii) ozone-based oxidation treatment sub-system, and (iii) air scrubbing sub-system. Experimental setups have been designed and constructed to study the performance of primary equipment in the ATS. The proposed air-purification process is able to reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compound. The experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed ATS enables a lower outdoor air intake rate resulting in a reduced cooling load. Considering the energy consumption of primary equipment of the ATS operating in tropical climates, the total energy consumption can be reduced from 52.18 W/m2 to 41.26W/m2 by regulating the outdoor air intake rate from 10 L/s per person to 4 L/s per person.},

note = {Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Applied Energy},

keywords = {Air-conditioning, Cooling load, Energy consumption, Indoor air quality},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{CUI2017283,

title = {Energy saving potential of an air treatment system for improved building indoor air quality in Singapore},

author = {X Cui and B Mohan and M R Islam and S K Chou and K J Chua},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610217364494},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.12.685},

issn = {1876-6102},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Energy Procedia},

volume = {143},

pages = {283 - 288},

abstract = {The design of air conditioning mechanical ventilation (ACMV) system affects the building energy performance and the indoor pollutant removal process. The present study aims to reduce energy consumption on ACMV systems by employing a renewable air treatment system (ATS). The ATS is able to purify the recirculated air through the ozone-based oxidation process and air scrubbing devices. The air purification performance of primary equipment in the ATS has been studied in order to demonstrate the capability to remove indoor air pollutants. Due to the air purification process, the ATS allows a reduced supply of outdoor-air translating to a lower cooling load. In addition, the reduced outdoor-air fraction results in an improved chiller efficiency. Therefore, the ATS is capable of achieving marked energy savings because of the reduced cooling load for conditioning outdoor airflow. The proposed ATS is particular adept during a period when Singapore faces periodic bad haze situations. Activating the ATS while decreasing the outdoor-air fraction can be an attractive solution. Based on Singapore climatic condition, an energy consumption analysis has been carried out to estimate the energy saving potential of the proposed ATS with varying outdoor-air intake. The “plug-and-play” ATS can be easily integrated into any new or existing ACMV systems to realize immediate improvement in indoor air quality and building energy efficiency.},

note = {Leveraging Energy Technologies and Policy Options for Low Carbon Cities},

keywords = {Air-conditioning, Building energy consumption, Cooling load, Indoor air quality, Ventilation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{RIZK2016239,

title = {Fast sorption measurements of VOCs on building materials: Part 2 – Comparison between FLEC and CLIMPAQ methods},

author = {Malak Rizk and Marie Verriele and Maxence Mendez and Nadège Blond and Sébastien Dusanter and Coralie Schoemaecker and Patrice Blondeau and Stéphane Le Calvé and Nadine Locoge},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132315302146},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.12.016},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {99},

pages = {239 - 251},

abstract = {A new method was developed to measure on the field VOC sorption coefficients (ka; kd) on the surface of a material by coupling a Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) to a Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) as presented in the first part of this study. In this second part, the method is compared to the classical method based on a CLIMPAQ chamber coupled to an on-line GC analyzer. Different models were used to determine the sorption parameters from experimental data taking into account the sink effect on empty chamber walls and the presence of a boundary-layer. Determined sorption equilibrium coefficients Ke (ka/kd) for a mixture of BTEX on a gypsum board was found to be in good agreement between both methods. However, the CLIMPAQ method seems to be less robust than the FLEC method in the determination of sorption coefficients since more than one couple of (ka; kd), showing the same ratio Ke can retrieve the same CLIMPAQ experimental data. Giving this result, the question arises about the reliability of the literature data determined using emission test chamber which could be one of the reasons behind the discrepancies found between experimental indoor concentrations and predicted ones using chamber derived parameters.},

keywords = {Building materials, CLIMPAQ, FLEC, Indoor air quality, Model, Sorption},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{XIONG2016314,

title = {Early stage C-history method: Rapid and accurate determination of the key SVOC emission or sorption parameters of indoor materials},

author = {Jianyin Xiong and Jianping Cao and Yinping Zhang},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132315301360},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.09.027},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {95},

pages = {314 - 321},

abstract = {The accurate and rapid determination of the emission parameters of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from indoor materials is of great importance for estimating and controlling indoor exposure. By virtue of a simplified mass transfer model we derived, a new method called the early stage C-history method, has been developed to measure the key emission parameters: the gas phase SVOC concentration adjacent to the material surface (y0) and the convective mass transfer coefficient (hm). We validate this model using experimental data found in the literature. When compared with established methods, the new method has the following salient features: (1) rapid (the experimental time is reduced from several months to several days); (2) accurate (R2 in the range of 0.92–0.97). Further analysis shows that both features can be further improved if the test system has a smaller chamber wall/air partition coefficient. The new method is also extended to measure the key parameters of SVOCs from sorption materials. This method should prove useful for screening SVOC emission characteristics and for assessing exposure, as well as for chamber and test design.},

keywords = {Emission, Indoor air quality, Key parameters, Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), Sorption},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{KALIMERI20161128,

title = {Indoor air quality investigation of the school environment and estimated health risks: Two-season measurements in primary schools in Kozani, Greece},

author = {Krystallia K Kalimeri and Dikaia E Saraga and Vasileios D Lazaridis and Nikolaos A Legkas and Dafni A Missia and Evangelos I Tolis and John G Bartzis},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1309104216300538},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2016.07.002},

issn = {1309-1042},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Atmospheric Pollution Research},

volume = {7},

number = {6},

pages = {1128 - 1142},

abstract = {Two primary schools and one kindergarten were selected in the city of Kozani, Greece in order to investigate the school environment, the indoor air pollutants that children are exposed to and possible health risks at school. In each school three classrooms and one outdoor position were monitored from Monday to Friday, in both non-heating (26/09/2011–14/10/2011) and heating (23/01/2012–10/02/2012) period. Temperature, relative humidity and CO2, were continuously monitored. Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, pinene, limonene, NO2 and O3 were measured with diffusive samplers. CO was monitored every day (30 min/day). Radon was measured for four weeks with short term radon detectors. PM2.5 was gravimetrically determined while PM2.5 and PM10 fractions were measured using the optical light scattering technique. Building material emission testing for VOCs was performed using the Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC). The ventilation rate for each classroom was calculated based on the CO2 measurements. Results indicated that indoor air concentrations of the measured pollutants were within accepted limits with indicative ranges 1.5–9.4 μg/m3 for benzene, 2.3–28.5 μg/m3 for formaldehyde, 4.6–43 μg/m3 for NO2 and 0.1–15.6 μg/m3 for O3. Emissions from building materials seem to have a significant contribution to the indoor air quality. Very low ventilation rates (0.1–3.7 L/s per person) were observed, indicating inadequate ventilation and possible indoor air quality problems requiring intervention measures. The estimated average lifetime cancer risks for benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene were very low.},

keywords = {Building material emissions, Children, exposure, Indoor air quality, School buildings, Ventilation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{MARC201435,

title = {Small-scale passive emission chamber for screening studies on monoterpene emission flux from the surface of wood-based indoor elements},

author = {Mariusz Marć and Jacek Namieśnik and Bożena Zabiegała},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969714001831},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.021},

issn = {0048-9697},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Science of The Total Environment},

volume = {481},

pages = {35 - 46},

abstract = {Analysis of literature data published in the last few years leads to the conclusion that in the process of assessment of emission flux of organic compounds emitted from different types of equipment and finishing materials, new types of devices, among which small-scale passive emission chambers for the performance of in-situ research are designed and applied on a larger scale. These devices can be successfully used for the assessment of emission flux of organic compounds in any location of an apartment, with no interference with its normal exploitation. In the following article the possibility of application of a designed and constructed small-scale passive emission chamber for the evaluation of emission flux of organic compounds (mainly monoterpenes) emitted from the surface of wood-based material made of laminated chipboard has been presented. The emission chamber made from polished stainless steel of the inner volume of 3.65dm3 allows for the examination/assessment of emission flux from the surface of 452cm2. A diffusive passive sampler was installed inside of the small-scale chamber, which enables collecting samples of the analytes emitted from the examined surface of indoor material. The working time of the passive emission chamber equaled 300min. The results of preliminary studies show that, the constructed device can be successfully used for screening studies, related with the determination of emission flux of monoterpenes from any type of wood-based flat surface located indoors.},

keywords = {Emission flux, Indoor air quality, Monoterpenes, Small-scale passive emission chambers, Wood-based materials},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{GUO2013908,

title = {Formaldehyde concentration and its influencing factors in residential homes after decoration at Hangzhou, China},

author = {Min Guo and Xiaoqiang Pei and Feifei Mo and Jianlei Liu and Xueyou Shen},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1001074212601703},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/S1001-0742(12)60170-3},

issn = {1001-0742},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Environmental Sciences},

volume = {25},

number = {5},

pages = {908 - 915},

abstract = {Air pollution surveys of formaldehyde (HCHO) were conducted in 2324 rooms decorated within one year in 2007–2009 in Hangzhou, China. The mean HCHO concentration (CHCHO) was 0.107 ± 0.095 mg/m3, and 38.9% of samples exceeded the Chinese National Standard GB 50325-2010. Over the past 3 years, the CHCHO decreased with time (p < 0.05). Relationships of potential factors to indoor CHCHO were also evaluated. CHCHO was related to temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), time duration of the windows and doors being closed before sampling (DC), time duration from the end of decoration to sampling (DR) and source characteristics (d). A model to relate indoor CHCHO to these five factors (T, RH, DC, DR, d) was established based on 298 samples (R2 = 0.87). Various factors contributed to CHCHO in the following order: T, 43.7%; d, 31.0%; DC, 10.2%; DR, 8.0%; RH, 7.0%; specifically, meteorological conditions (i.e., RH plus T) accounted for 50.7%. The coefficient of T and RH, RTH, was proposed to describe their combined influence on HCHO emission, which also had a linear relationship (R2 = 0.9387) with HCHO release in a simulation chamber test. In addition, experiments confirm that it is a synergistic action as T and RH accelerate the release of HCHO, and that is a significant factor influencing indoor HCHO pollution. These achievements could lead to reference values of measures for the efficient reduction of indoor HCHO pollution.},

keywords = {Emission, factor analysis, Formaldehyde, Indoor air quality, relative humidity, temperature},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{LI20061317,

title = {A physically-based model for prediction of VOCs emissions from paint applied to an absorptive substrate},

author = {Feng Li and Jianlei Niu and Lizhi Zhang},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132305001939},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.05.026},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {41},

number = {10},

pages = {1317 - 1325},

abstract = {Paints are widely used in residential and commercial buildings. The surface areas covered by this kind of coatings are usually very large. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from such kind of materials will affect indoor air quality decisively. A relatively simple but physically-based model was developed to simulate VOCs emissions from paints. The model parameters have distinct physical meanings and thus the model is easy to scale up. The field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) was used to investigate the VOCs emissions from commercially available water-based emulsion paint. Totally 23 individual VOCs were detected and quantified, the most abundant VOC was 1-ethyl-3-methylbenzene. Test data were used to obtain model parameters and to validate the proposed model. Good agreements between experimental data and model predictions were evidenced. Paints applied on two different substrates aluminium and particle board were simulated. Results indicated that real substrates like particle board would act like a ‘sponge’, which lowers the peak concentration but prolongs the presence of VOCs from the applied paint.},

keywords = {Building material, Emission, Field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC), Indoor air quality, Mass transfer, Volatile organic compounds},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ZHANG2004523,

title = {Modeling VOCs emissions in a room with a single-zone multi-component multi-layer technique},

author = {L Z Zhang and J L Niu},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132303002439},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2003.10.005},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {39},

number = {5},

pages = {523 - 531},

abstract = {Building envelopes are usually comprised of several layers with different materials, which can significantly affect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentrations in indoor environments. These layers may act as source and sink alternatively depending on the different sorption and diffusion potentials. The model proposed here is a single zone one and it considers the different emission properties of building components, namely, the different sorption and diffusion characteristics of the side walls, the floor and the ceiling. In addition, each component comprises of several layers, which represents different construction materials. Two VOCs, ethyl acetate and n-octane, representing polar and nonpolar compounds respectively, are modeled to study the emission profiles in a room with several building materials. The effects of various construction materials, and the different convective mass transfer coefficients between room air and different building components, on the emission characteristics are investigated.},

keywords = {Emissions, Indoor air quality, Mass transfer, VOCs},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ZHANG20032415,

title = {Mass transfer of volatile organic compounds from painting material in a standard field and laboratory emission cell},

author = {L Z Zhang and J L Niu},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0017931003000127},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/S0017-9310(03)00012-7},

issn = {0017-9310},

year  = {2003},

date = {2003-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer},

volume = {46},

number = {13},

pages = {2415 - 2423},

abstract = {The field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) is becoming a standard method of characterizing pollutant emissions from building materials. It is significant to use the emission profiles from FLEC to scale the emissions of building materials in real buildings. The dynamics of mass transfer in such an FLEC are the key to perform this task. In this study, the mass transfer mechanisms of the total volatile organic compounds from a wet painting in an FLEC are experimentally and numerically investigated. A three-dimensional mass transfer model, which takes into account the convective mass transfer between the material and the air, the diffusion in the paint film and in the substrate, is developed. The emissions from a water-based emulsion paint are quantified to assess the model. The concentration fields in the film and substrate are calculated to demonstrate the processes of internal volatile organic compounds diffusion.},

keywords = {Field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC), Indoor air quality, Mass transfer, VOCs},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ZHANG2003939,

title = {Effects of substrate parameters on the emissions of volatile organic compounds from wet coating materials},

author = {L Z Zhang and J L Niu},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132303000325},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-1323(03)00032-5},

issn = {0360-1323},

year  = {2003},

date = {2003-01-01},

journal = {Building and Environment},

volume = {38},

number = {7},

pages = {939 - 946},

abstract = {Solvent-based interior coating materials have long been recognized as a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor environment. In the emission process, substrate acts as a secondary source. The sink effects are studied with a detailed mass transfer model considering convective mass transfer in air streams, the VOCs diffusions in painting film, and the sorption and diffusions of VOCs in substrate. The model is proposed and validated by the emission profiles of a water-based emulsion paint in a standard field and laboratory emission cell. The focus is on the role the substrate plays in the emission process. The effects of the substrate parameters, such as the substrate diffusivity and sorption characteristics, on the emission profiles are investigated. This is helpful in exposure control through both selecting healthy materials and proper ventilations.},

keywords = {FLEC (Field and laboratory emission cell), Indoor air quality, Mass transfer, VOCs},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ZHANG200391,

title = {Laminar fluid flow and mass transfer in a standard field and laboratory emission cell},

author = {L Z Zhang and J L Niu},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0017931002002387},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/S0017-9310(02)00238-7},

issn = {0017-9310},

year  = {2003},

date = {2003-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer},

volume = {46},

number = {1},

pages = {91 - 100},

abstract = {The field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) is becoming a standard method of characterizing pollutant emissions from building materials. Based on this method, the material and the inner surface of the FLEC cap form a cone-shaped cavity. The airflow is distributed radially inward over the test surface through a slit in a circular-shaped channel at the perimeter of the chamber. After mass transfer, the air is exhausted through an outlet in the center. Usually, emission rate profiles are obtained using such cells. However, the local convective mass transfer coefficients are now needed. In this study, laminar fluid flow and mass transfer in a standard FLEC are investigated. The velocity field and moisture profiles are obtained by solving Navier–Stokes equations numerically. The whole geometry, including the air inlet and outlet, channel, air slit, and emission space, are included in the numerical modeling domain. The mean convective mass transfer coefficients are calculated and compared with the experimental data. In the test, distilled water is used in the FLEC lower chamber to substitute the emission surface. Mass transfer data are obtained by calculating humidity differences between the inlet and outlet of a gas stream flowing through the FLEC. The study concentrates on assessing the variations of velocity and humidity profiles, as well as convective mass transfer coefficients, in the cell.},

keywords = {Convection, Field and laboratory emission cell, Indoor air quality, Mass transfer},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{WOLKOFF1998135,

title = {Risk in cleaning: chemical and physical exposure},

author = {Peder Wolkoff and Thomas Schneider and Jan Kildesø and Ritva Degerth and Margarethe Jaroszewski and Hannelore Schunk},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969798001107},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(98)00110-7},

issn = {0048-9697},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {Science of The Total Environment},

volume = {215},

number = {1},

pages = {135 - 156},

abstract = {Cleaning is a large enterprise involving a large fraction of the workforce worldwide. A broad spectrum of cleaning agents has been developed to facilitate dust and dirt removal, for disinfection and surface maintenance. The cleaning agents are used in large quantities throughout the world. Although a complex pattern of exposure to cleaning agents and resulting health problems, such as allergies and asthma, are reported among cleaners, only a few surveys of this type of product have been performed. This paper gives a broad introduction to cleaning agents and the impact of cleaning on cleaners, occupants of indoor environments, and the quality of cleaning. Cleaning agents are usually grouped into different product categories according to their technical functions and the purpose of their use (e.g. disinfectants and surface care products). The paper also indicates the adverse health and comfort effects associated with the use of these agents in connection with the cleaning process. The paper identifies disinfectants as the most hazardous group of cleaning agents. Cleaning agents contain evaporative and non-evaporative substances. The major toxicologically significant constituents of the former are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), defined as substances with boiling points in the range of 0°C to about 400°C. Although laboratory emission testing has shown many VOCs with quite different time-concentration profiles, few field studies have been carried out measuring the exposure of cleaners. However, both field studies and emission testing indicate that the use of cleaning agents results in a temporal increase in the overall VOC level. This increase may occur during the cleaning process and thus it can enhance the probability of increased short-term exposure of the cleaners. However, the increased levels can also be present after the cleaning and result in an overall increased VOC level that can possibly affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) perceived by occupants. The variety and duration of the emissions depend inter alia on the use of fragrances and high boiling VOCs. Some building materials appear to increase their VOC emission through wet cleaning and thus may affect the IAQ. Particles and dirt contain a great variety of both volatile and non-volatile substances, including allergens. While the volatile fraction can consist of more than 200 different VOCs including formaldehyde, the non-volatile fraction can contain considerable amounts (>0.5%) of fatty acid salts and tensides (e.g. linear alkyl benzene sulphonates). The level of these substances can be high immediately after the cleaning process, but few studies have been conducted concerning this problem. The substances partly originate from the use of cleaning agents. Both types are suspected to be airway irritants. Cleaning activities generate dust, mostly by resuspension, but other occupant activities may also resuspend dust over longer periods of time. Personal sampling of VOCs and airborne dust gives higher results than stationary sampling. International bodies have proposed air sampling strategies. A variety of field sampling techniques for VOC and surface particle sampling is listed.},

keywords = {Cleaning agents, Indoor air quality, Particles, Volatile organic compounds},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}