Exposure to emissions from cleaning products in primary schools: a test chamber study

The aim of this study was to investigate volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from floor cleaning products (FCPs) used in primary schools and compare them with emissions from a previously recognised low-emitting product (control sample). Samples of FCPs used in 3 primary schools and a control sample were collected and subsequently examined in a test chamber. Measurements were performed at t = 0, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min after application. The analysis was performed by GC-MS. The results showed that VOC emissions were higher during t = 0 than in the subsequent measurements, with the exception of benzaldehyde and benzene, being significant for toluene and m/p-xylene. VOC emissions from the control FCP were not significantly lower than the schools FCPs. To prevent the exposure of children to VOCs, the school cleaning should be performed at the end of the classes.

Keywords

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Floor Cleaning Products Primary Schools Occupants’ Exposure Ar e Saúde Ocupacional

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/4651

Citation

In: Arezes PM, Baptista JS, Monica P. Barroso MP, et al. (eds). Occupational Safety and Hygiene IV. London: CRC Press, 2016, pp. 25-28. ISBN: 978-1-138-02942-2. (Chapter 6)