Air concentrations of VOCs in portable and traditional classrooms: Results of a pilot study in Los Angeles County

摘要: Recent state and federal public school class-size reduction initiatives, increased elementary pre-K enrollment driven by population growth immigration, limited resources for capital projects, modernization, maintenance at aging schools have the prevalence of prefabricated, portable classrooms (portables). At present, approximately one three California students are taught in portables, whose use is especially prevalent more populated counties such as Los Angeles, home to nation's second largest district. Limited data existed on chemical compound air concentrations, thus exposures, inside American schools. Measurements been limited, usually performed complaint schools, varied sampling protocols analysis methods. To address a environment children's health issue present concern, an assessment portables was conducted Angeles County. Seven two districts were recruited, from which 20 — 13 seven main buildings randomly selected. We report indoor concentrations 21 target toxic odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde acetaldehyde, measured with passive samplers (DNSH PAKS 3M OVM 3500) cooling heating seasons between June 2000 2001. None exceeded existing Air Resources Board guideline (50 ppb, or 60 μg/m3). The sources aldehydes classrooms, likely interior finish materials furnishings made particleboard without lamination. Indoor VOC generally low this pilot study. four most VOCs toluene, m-/p-xylene, α-pinene, δ-limonene; personal, teaching, cleaning products. Future research should attempt larger samples over geographical areas.