Factors influencing volatile organic compounds in Canadian homes

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds, several of which may impact health, have many possible indoor sources. To further investigate this, we tested the association between indoor concentrations of 47 passively collected volatile organic compounds and both home characteristics and occupant behaviours in a Canadian population-based sample of 3454 participants. Homes with smokers were excluded from analysis. Homes with a door connecting to an attached garage had greater concentrations of hexanal, benzaldehyde, all the measured alkyl benzenes and ketones, most of the simple hydrocarbons and terpenes. Major home renovations within the past month were associated with higher concentrations of most or all of the volatile organic compounds in the categories of alcohols, alkyl benzenes, ketones, simple hydrocarbons and terpenes. Using paints and stains within the past week were associated with an increase in concentrations of the majority of alcohols, alkyl benzenes and simple hydrocarbons. Several building characteristics and occupant’s behaviours appear to increase exposure to volatile organic compounds. Modification of these factors is generally under the control of the occupant(s), suggesting that education could result in reduced indoor volatile organic compound exposure in the Canadian population.