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A framework for modeling non-steady-state concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds indoors ― I: Emissions from diffusional sources and sorption by interior surfaces
Citation:
Guo, Z. A framework for modeling non-steady-state concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds indoors ― I: Emissions from diffusional sources and sorption by interior surfaces. Indoor and Built Environment. SAGE Publications, THOUSAND OAKS, CA, 22(4):685-700, (2013).
Impact/Purpose:
This framework is part of a research effort under CSS 2.3, Task 2.3.1, Title (12): Simulation tools for modeling SVOC emissions and transport in buildings and for formaldehyde emissions from aqueous solutions. A Microsoft Windows-based computer program will be developed to implement this framework. Potential users incude exposure modelers in OPPT, Regions, and NERL, as well as the research community outside EPA.
Description:
Over the past two decades, more than 20 mass transfer models have been developed for the sources, sinks, and barriers for volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in the indoor environment. While these models have greatly improved our understanding of VOC and SVOC movements in buildings, their applications have been somewhat limited because of the incompatibility and computational complexity of the models. In this paper, a framework is proposed for modeling the dynamic concentrations of SVOCs in indoor media. This framework performs the same functions as the existing mass transfer models do and, at the same time, solves the model incompatibility problem and reduces the computational complexity. Several multimedia models have been developed for SVOCs indoors. This framework does not replace them. Rather, it complements and supplements them by (1) proving more details (e.g., time history) of the distribution of SVOCs between indoor media, (2) helping check the validity of certain assumptions that have been used in developing the steady-state models, and (3) providing more flexibility that allows the user to evaluate risk management options such as source removal, encapsulation, and variable ventilation rate. This framework will be described in two parts. Part 1 ― this paper ― discusses the emissions from diffusional sources and sorption by interior surfaces. Interactions of SVOCs with airborne and settled particulate matter will be discussed in Part 2.
