Sampling, Analysis, and Data Validation of Indoor Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

摘要

The purpose of the project was to develop sampling and analytical methods for measuring indoor airborne exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both the particulate and vapor phases. Sampling was designed to eliminate the problem of over-sampling, and analysis was designed to be more sensitive than methods used for outdoor air. The precision of the indoor sampler was satisfactorily demonstrated as was the analytical methods for gas phase PAH. The analytical method for semi-volatile PAHs appeared to be successful, but the methods for particulate phase PAHs and for nitro-PAHs will require further development before deployment in a large indoor field study. Concurrent indoor/outdoor concentrations of these pollutants were also obtained. Some indoor environments had levels lower than outdoors; the highest indoor levels were found where sources such as wood smoke and tobacco smoke were present.