Environmental Forensics · 2014 · 33 citations · 9 references
Natural SciencesArchitectural EngineeringBuilding ScienceAir PollutionAnalytical ChemistryMass Spectrometric AnalysisAir PollutantsAir Pollution SourcesAir QualityGas ChromatographyMass SpectrometryVolatile Organic CompoundsGas Chromatography-mass SpectrometryIndoor Air ChemistryIndoor Air SamplingIndoor Volatile Organic CompoundsVapor Intrusion AssessmentVolatile Organic Compound AnalysisVolatile Organic Compound SourcesVolatile Organic Compounds Analysis
Distinguishing between vapor intrusion and indoor sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a significant challenge in conventional vapor intrusion assessments. For this research project, the authors developed a step-by-step protocol to streamline building-specific investigations by using on-site gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis and building pressure manipulation to determine the source of VOCs in indoor air during a 1-day field investigation. Protocol validation included implementation in industrial buildings and testing alongside conventional methods. The new protocol compares favorably to conventional approaches, yielding more definitive results in less time. This article presents three case studies which illustrate application of the protocol.
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