The release of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from polyvinyl chloride consumer products under simulated solar light: Implications for indoor air quality

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of light on emission of various volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products using xenon lamp as a solar light simulator. The emission flux generally decreased over time, with the light-induced targeted ∑VOC flux being about 1.6-times higher than heat-induced flux during the initial 1-h exposure. The emission is less affected by air flow rate; however, it is increased with light intensity. In general, the ∑SVOC levels are 3-34 times higher than ∑VOC levels. Results indicate that the chemicals released from PVC might decompose into degradation products upon xenon-light irradiation, resulting in intermediate or low-molecular weight compounds. Furthermore, total daily intakes of targeted compounds for different age groups ranged 0.80-29.1 µg/kg/day, while total hazard quotient and cancer risks posed by targeted VOCs ranged 0.020.26; and 4.5 × 10⁻⁶-5.3 × 10⁻⁵, respectively, suggesting the probable risk. Besides, more than 700 peaks are recorded and characterized as non-targeted chemicals. Also, 65-80 % of total number of chemical peaks emitted from PVC are attributed to VOCs, while that for SVOCs is 20-35 %. The fraction of emitted VOC peaks to total peaks under heat and light exposure are found to be 65 and 80 %, respectively. Therefore, indoor air quality can be deteriorated by the presence of PVC-related plastic products.

Keywords: Chemical emission; Inhalation exposure; Polyvinyl chloride; Solar light; Targeted and non-targeted analysis.