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Volatile organic emissions from carpet adhesives

In this study volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during carpet installations employing water-based adhesives were characterized. The potential impacts of 4 adhesives on indoor air quality were evaluated. Headspace sampling and analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used to qualitate VOC emissions. Adhesives and carpet/adhesive composite samples were prepared for quantitative analysis of VOC emissions by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Volatiles were concentrated using a monitoring device and collected on charcoal adsorption tubes. Sampling intervals ranged from 30 minutes to 21 days. The adhesives emitted primarily aromatic, alicyclic and aliphatic compounds as toluene, m-xylene, 1,2-dimethylcyclohexane, alpha-pinene, 2-methylheptane, octane, nonane, decane and undecane. Emission profiles depended on performance characteristics and manufacturer. A carpet boundary layer slowed VOC decay by acting as a sink. Potential overexposure within 24 hours to specific and total VOCs was indicated for one of the adhesives. This study suggests that water-based carpet adhesives are a potential source of indoor air pollutants.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/291538
Date January 1992
CreatorsBrowne, Gloria Joyce, 1951-
ContributorsVan Ert, Mark D.
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

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