The Application of Non-Targeted Mobile Air Monitoring to Assess Volatile Organic Compounds

The Application of Non-Targeted Mobile Air Monitoring to Assess Volatile Organic Compounds in Non-Occupational Settings

Hosted by: The SOT Risk Assessment and Exposure Specialty Sections

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It is well established that communities located adjacent to industrial areas may experience disproportionate exposure to criteria air pollutants, namely PM2.5. However, monitoring and assessment of exposures to non-criteria air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is less established. To investigate if VOC exposures are of concern to those who reside in close proximity to potential industrial point sources of VOCs, targeted and non-targeted mobile air monitoring of VOCs was conducted in three neighborhoods in Dallas County of Texas. Two communities were selected to represent areas adjacent to potential sources of VOCs and one was a residential neighborhood located outside of the industrial areas (background). Targeted analysis of the VOCs benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene and/or xylene (BTEX) revealed periodic, significant elevations in their average concentrations in the communities located close to the point sources as compared to the residential neighborhood. Statistical clustering analyses revealed distinct separation of the sampling areas based on their VOC profiles and identified specific VOCs contributing to these clustering effects. Targeted and non-targeted analysis (NTA) revealed that multiple VOCs had periodically large spikes (hotspots) in concentration throughout the areas close to VOC sources. Notably, hotspots were not detected in the background. Together, our data highlight that VOCs are likely to contribute to the disproportionate air pollutant exposure burden in communities that are located close to VOC point sources. These data support the expansion of air quality monitoring programs to include VOC monitoring to protect residential and worker health. Furthermore, our study introduces new strategies for assessing non-targeted VOC datasets that can help support ongoing efforts to monitor and improve air quality.

Speaker:

Eva Vitucci, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Associate

School of Public Health

Texas A&M University