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2431201 
Journal Article 
Assessment of air quality from primary school classrooms and the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 
Kovacs, MH; Roba, C; Roşu, C; Neamţiu, I; Gurzau, E 
2013 
Yes 
Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences
ISSN: 1842-4090
EISSN: 1844-489X 
8 
4 
55-61 
English 
WOS:000328097000006 
The concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor and outdoor environment of five primary schools from Alba County were monitored during September 2011 and January 2012. Air samples from both indoor and outdoor environments were collected using Radiello passive air samplers. The VOCs were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a DSQ II quadrupole mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS), following a desorption process. Generally, the VOCs levels were higher in the indoor environment than in the outdoor. Compounds as octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane and tridecane were detected in 90% of the samples and the measured concentrations ranged between 7.59 - 44.2 mu g.m(-3) in indoor and 4.26 - 20.24 mu g.m(-3) in outdoor. Other compounds as toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene or styrene were detected in 35 - 60% of the collected samples and their levels ranged between 0.24 - 31.00 mu g.m(-3) in indoor and 10.25 - 66.24 mu g.m(-3) in outdoor. Elevated indoor VOCs concentrations were associated with the presence of building materials like polystyrene isolation, presence of plastic laminated or composite furniture, and the PVC panel; with an increase number of occupants, with low ventilation rates, and outdoor pollution, while the outdoor VOCs, especially the aromatics, reflect the level of urbanization/industrialization, the traffic proximity and intensity. 
volatile organic compounds; indoor air pollution; gas chromatography; mass spectrometer detector; Alba County; Romania