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Due to excessive application of essential oils and scented products in spa salons during aromatherapy and massage sessions, the elevated concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particularly terpenes, which are known as secondary organic aerosol (SOA) precursors, is expected there. This study was aimed at determination of VOCs with a particular regard to terpenes in air samples collected in selected spa salons located in Northern Poland. Active air sampling was conducted before and after treatments. Samples were analyzed with the use of thermal desorption gas chromatography coupled with flame-ionization detector (TD-GC-FID) and mass spectrometer (TD-GC-MS). Obtained results allowed to characterize chemical composition of indoor air of spa salons and also to relate the dependence between applied essential oil and indoor air chemical composition. It has been proved that (i) spa salons are characterized by TVOC concentrations exceeding recommended values of 300–400 μg m−3 in most of examined cases, reaching up to several thousand of micrograms per cubic meter, (ii) TVOC concentration is strictly related to salon characteristics and carried out treatments, (iii) terpenes constitute a significant part of TVOCs present in spa indoor air, from 22 up to 86%, (iv) most commonly investigated terpenes in the literature (d-limonene, α-pinene, camphene, and linalool) were also determined at the highest concentration levels in this study and (v) VOC chemical composition is strictly dependent on the type of applied essential oils. On the basis of obtained results, it may be stated that extensive application of essential oils rich in terpenes can significantly alter indoor air chemistry of spa salons, thereby influencing health and well-being of employees working there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to literature data, some of the main factors which significantly affect the quality of the indoor environment in residential households or apartments are human activities such as cooking, smoking, cleaning, and indoor exercising. The paper presents a literature overview related to air quality in everyday use spaces dedicated to specific purposes which are integral parts of residential buildings, such as kitchens, basements, and individual garages. Some aspects of air quality in large-scale car parks, as a specific type of indoor environment, are also discussed. All those areas are characterized by relatively short time use. On the other hand, high and very high concentration levels of xenobiotics can be observed, resulting in higher exposure risk. The main compounds or group of chemical compounds are presented and discussed. The main factors influencing the type and amount of chemical pollutants present in the air of such areas are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air quality has been the object of interest for scientists and specialists from the fields of science such as chemistry, medicine and ventilation system design. This results from a considerable number of potential factors, which may influence the quality of the broadly understood indoor air in a negative way. Poor quality of indoor air in various types of public utility buildings may significantly affect an increase in the incidence of various types of civilisation diseases. This paper presents information about a broad spectrum of chemical compounds that were identified and determined in the indoor environment of various types of public utility rooms such as churches, museums, libraries, temples and hospitals. An analysis of literature data allowed for identification of the most important transport paths of chemical compounds that significantly influence the quality of the indoor environment and thus the comfort of living and the health of persons staying in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the construction and metrological characteristics of the home-made in situ passive flux sampler, an analytical tool representing small-scale emission chambers working in situ and passively sampling analytes from the gaseous phase. The sorption element was a cylindrical container made of stainless steel net, packed with a carbon sorbent bed-graphitized charcoal, Carbograph 4 (35/50 mesh). The recommended working/exposure time of the constructed passive device was determined by carrying out model tests in the laboratory. In addition, a preliminary study was conducted to determine the rate of the emission flux of selected monoterpenes released from the surface of wood-based indoor materials (laminated chipboard) used in residential areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studies conducted in Gdansk in the period from January to December 2013 and focused on the determination of BTEX in the atmospheric air are presented. At the stage of the isolation and/or enrichment of analytes from the gaseous medium, a passive sampling technique- Radiello® diffusive passive samplers, was applied. The time-weighted average annual concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and total xylenes determined in the monitored area was as follows: 0.66 ± 0.32, 1.63 ± 0.94, 0.67 ± 0.61, and 2.9 ± 2.7 μg/m. As a result of the research, the potential emission sources of BTEX, which activity has a significant impact on the concentration of these compounds in the atmosphere in the Gdansk area, were identified. A comparison of the accuracy and precision of the results of benzene concentrations in the atmosphere obtained by the BTEX automatic analyzer and passive techniques was performed. Moreover, a significant influence of meteorological conditions, such as air temperature, intensity of solar radiation, velocity and direction of wind, humidity, and rainfall on the benzene content in ambient air was shown. Additionally, in order to determine the conditions in the area covered by the monitoring, information about atmospheric stability and the height of the mixing layer was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents and discusses the results of atmospheric air quality research conducted in 2012 with reference to the level of BTEX compounds in the Tri-City agglomeration-Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot (northern Poland). At the stage of BTEX sampling from the ambient air, Radiello® diffusive passive samplers were applied. The annual time-weighted average concentrations for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in the Tri-City agglomeration were as follows: Gdansk-0.75 ± 0.67 μg/m, 1.08 ± 0.43 μg/m, 0.30 ± 0.12 μg/m, 1.34 ± 0.52 μg/m; Gdynia-0.66 ± 0.51 μg/m, 0.88 ± 0.40 μg/m, 0.24 ± 0.12 μg/m, 1.15 ± 0.53 μg/m; Sopot-0.63 ± 0.55 μg/m, 0.84 ± 0.37 μg/m, 0.13 ± 0.05 μg/m, 0.67 ± 0.23 μg/m. The values of the B: T: E: X inter-species concentration ratio and the toluene/ benzene, ( m, p)- xylene/ benzene, o- xylene/ benzene, ( m, p)- xylene/ ethylbenzene concentration ratio were also determined. Based on the results obtained, one can conclude that the main sources of emissions into the atmospheric air, regarding BTEX compounds in the Tri-City agglomeration, especially the Gdansk and Gdynia areas are motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and domestic heating systems characterized by low efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of benzene in urban air in the Tri-City area of Poland (Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia, and Tczew) was assessed using diffusive passive samplers (Radiello). Samples were collected during a four-year monitoring campaign (2007-2010) at selected monitoring stations managed by the Agency of Regional Air Quality Monitoring in the Gdańsk Metropolitan Area (ARMAAG) Foundation. The performance of the passive samplers was investigated in a field study that measured the benzene concentration in urban air. The results obtained by the Radiello samplers were compared with the results obtained using an on-line monitor (Chrompack CP 7001). Statistical analysis of the results obtained by the two different techniques (passive and on-line) was performed by a linear regression method (Student's t-test). The influence of temperature fluctuations on the uptake rate behavior of the passive samplers was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews literature information on the behaviour of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the indoor environment, as well as the most likely emission sources. The consecutive stages of analytical procedures used for monitoring SVOCs in indoor environments are described. The most common approaches used for collecting samples from the gas and particulate phases are mentioned. The paper discusses and compares various types of sorbents and filters applied in dynamic, passive and denudational techniques, as well as the techniques used to liberate the SVOCs, including Soxhlet, sonication and microwave extraction. The main advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed, together with possible future trends. The approaches commonly used during the final determination step, such as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, are presented together with their possible drawbacks, and ways of eliminating them are suggested. The review makes brief reference to the effects of human exposure to SVOCs in house dust and discusses the main aspects of the analytical procedures used to monitor the presence of SVOCs in this medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this review is to critically evaluate recent developments in solventless sample preparation techniques. The potential of a variety of sample preparation techniques based on solid- and vapour-phase extraction techniques is evaluated. Direct thermal extraction and derivatization processes to facilitate the extraction of analytes in different areas are included. The applicability, disadvantages and advantages of each sample preparation technique for the determination of environmental contaminants in different matrices are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive sampling technology has been developing very quickly for the past 20 years, and is widely used for monitoring pollutants in different environments, for example air, water, and soil. It has many significant advantages, including simplicity, low cost, no need for expensive and complicated equipment, no power requirements, unattended operation, and the ability to produce accurate results. The present generation of passive samplers enables detection and analysis of bioavailable pollutants at low and very low concentrations and investigation of the environmental concentration of organic and inorganic pollutants not only on the local scale but also on continental and global scales. This review describes the current application of passive sampling techniques in environmental analysis and monitoring, under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]