Sampling and Analytical Methods for Determining VOC in Air by Biomonitoring Human Exposure

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are the total organic compounds that contribute to photochemical ozone formation. They have a vapor pressure greater than 0.013 kPa at 298 K (according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (1996)), 0.01 kPa at 293 K (according to the European Union (1999)), or 10 Pa at 298 K (according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1999)), with a lower boiling point limit of 50–100°C and an upper boiling point limit of 240–260°C. VOC include countless potentially hazardous substances released to the outdoor or indoor environment. The prevention or reduction of exposure to VOC in the air requires qualitative and quantitative analysis of these chemical agents. A correct assessment of human exposure to VOC requires appropriate and efficient methods of sampling and analysis. The authors present a survey of VOC definitions, an analytical discussion of the necessity and viability of exposure studies, the principal VOC studied, and a critical revision of methods of sampling and analyses.