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VOLATILE ORGANIC HYDROCARBON AND ALDEHYDE COMPOSITION IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA DURING THE 1985 WOODSMOKE STUDY
Citation:
Zweidinger, R., D. Dropkin, F. Stump, S. Tejada, AND R. Drago. VOLATILE ORGANIC HYDROCARBON AND ALDEHYDE COMPOSITION IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA DURING THE 1985 WOODSMOKE STUDY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-87/212 (NTIS PB87209037), 1987.
Description:
Initial field tests for collection of volatile organic hydrocarbons and aldehydes under EPA's Integrated Air Cancer Project (IACP) were held in Raleigh, NC during the winter of 1985. Sampling was conducted during 12 hour (7:00-7:00) daytime or nighttime periods. Hydrocarbons were collected by pressurizing 6 liter 'Summa polished' stainless steel cylinders. Aldehydes were collected as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (DNPH) derivatives using impingers and cartridge collection methods. Sampling locations included the primary outdoor site located in a residential neighborhood, a rural background site and inside and outside three homes operating wood stoves. Non-methane hydrocarbon levels at the primary site ranged from 150 to 850 ppbc while total carbonyls ranged from 3 to 35 ppb (v/v). Benzene levels ranged from 5 to 32 ppbc while formaldehyde levels ranged from 2-14 ppb. Hydrocarbon levels and distributions in the homes were similar inside and outside with a few noted exceptions. Carbonyl levels, however, generally were much higher inside than outside. The elevated carbonyl levels observed inside the homes is likely due to factors other than the presence of a wood stove.