Author(s)

B. Zabiegała, M. Partyka & J. Namieśnik

Abstract

Time-weighted average concentrations of selected volatile organic air pollutants were determined in 12 apartments in the city of Gda ń sk (Poland) using permeation passive sampling. The results obtained by the passive sampling technique were compared to those obtained by dynamic sampling using Tenax-TA tubes. Overall, the results obtained by the two techniques were similar. Maximum allowable concentrations of the analytes were not exceeded in any of the apartments examined. The results of TVOC determination indicated that some VOCs were unaccounted for in the experiment. The effect of outside air infiltration on indoor air quality was evaluated by comparing analyte concentrations in indoor air and in outdoor air in the very vicinity of the apartment. This effect was found to be minimal. Keywords: passive sampling, indoor air quality, volatile organic compounds. 1 Introduction Accurate and representative indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements are very important when comparing building air with guidelines and standards. The short-term measurements typically used for IAQ control may reflect temporary conditions that are not representative for longer periods of time, and in consequence may lead to incorrect decisions aiming at improving the quality of air [1-3]. Consequently, techniques allowing the measurement of the concentration of indoor air pollutants over extended periods of time become increasingly important. Passive sampling techniques fall within this category, as they yield time-weighted average concentrations of the analytes for the entire sampling period. In the overall assessment of the pollutant impact on human health, time-weighted concentration (TWA) concentrations are more useful than short-term concentrations, as they reflect the long-term action of these

Keywords

passive sampling, indoor air quality, volatile organic compounds.