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Studies of possible chemical emissions from PVC articles used in indoor applications and the effect on indoor air quality
Author(s) -
Howick Christopher J.,
McCarthy Sally A.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.10110
Subject(s) - indoor air , indoor air quality , environmental science , waste management , air quality index , environmental chemistry , environmental engineering , engineering , chemistry , meteorology , physics
Owing to their widespread use in interior applications, PVC products are frequently discussed in studies of indoor air quality. This paper reports results from the study of products in use and also products based on laboratory formulations that incorporate both unnaturally high and low levels of ingredients that could volatilize into the indoor air, thus giving a worst and best case scenario in terms of indoor emissions. Both PVC wallcovering and PVC flooring formulations have been studied, and laboratory produced samples have been subjected to gas chromatographic analysis to determine both the chemical species and the concentrations at which these can be emitted in typical interior applications. In all cases, including the worst ones, the level of these species in the indoor air is well below the permitted interior levels for the species concerned. These results, plus some outline of the concern over indoor health, are presented.