Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.01.028
Title: | A comparative study of VOCs in Singapore and European office buildings | Authors: | Zuraimi, M.S. Roulet, C.-A. Tham, K.W. Sekhar, S.C. David Cheong, K.W. Wong, N.H. Lee, K.H. |
Keywords: | Comparison Concentrations Emission rates Europe Singapore Sources VOC |
Issue Date: | 2006 | Citation: | Zuraimi, M.S., Roulet, C.-A., Tham, K.W., Sekhar, S.C., David Cheong, K.W., Wong, N.H., Lee, K.H. (2006). A comparative study of VOCs in Singapore and European office buildings. Building and Environment 41 (3) : 316-329. ScholarBank@NUS Repository. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.01.028 | Abstract: | This study compares the characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the associated factors affecting them within European (EU) and Singapore buildings. Generally, concentrations of target VOCs determined in the two types of buildings were within health and comfort guidelines. This study found that concentrations of 2-methylpentane and n-heptane were significantly higher in the EU buildings, while those of n-tetradecane, 2-ethyl 1-hexanol, benzene, toluene, m/p-xylene, benzaldehyde and naphthalene significantly higher in Singapore buildings. Area specific emission rates of the methylpentane isomers, n-heptane and isoprene were significantly higher in the EU buildings, while those of 2-ethyl 1-hexanol, benzene, toluene and naphthalene were significantly higher in Singapore buildings. Lower ventilation rates within Singapore buildings caused relatively higher concentrations of m/p-xylenes and benzaldehyde despite no differences in emission rates between the two types of buildings. Elevated levels of 2-ethyl 1-hexanol in Singapore buildings are due to the higher air velocities and relative humidity indoors. There were no differences in 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 2-propanone levels, suggesting similar use of consumer products and occupant densities relating these two VOCs. Higher emission rates of methylpentane isomers and heptane were associated with the use of adhesives and solvents related to internal surfaces while higher emission rates for isoprene in the EU buildings were associated with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Higher levels of benzene, toluene and naphthalene in ETS-free Singapore buildings were associated with human-related activities. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Source Title: | Building and Environment | URI: | http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/45537 | ISSN: | 03601323 | DOI: | 10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.01.028 |
Appears in Collections: | Staff Publications |
Show full item record
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.