The report gives results of the compilation of a data base for concentrations of organic compounds measured indoors. Based on a review of the literature from 1979 through 1990, the data base contains information on over 220 compounds ranging in molecular weight from 30 to 446. The compounds are arranged in order of increasing number of carbon atoms, from 1 to 31. The data base contains the number of carbon atoms; the name of the compound; its empirical formula; its molecular weight; the odor threshold (when available); the minimum, maximum, median, and mean concentrations; the standard deviation; the reference number; the sampling time; and the type of building. All concentration data are given in micrograms per cubic meter. The following compounds were the most frequently reported: formaldehyde, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, benzene, p-dichlorobenzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, decane, and undecane. About 50% of the reported compounds contained 9 carbon atoms or fewer, and 90% had 23 carbon atoms or fewer. Sampling times for the pollutants varied from as little as 15 minutes to as long as 2 weeks. Grab sampling, real time sampling, and integrated sampling methods were used. Odor thresholds for the reported pollutants were, in general, three to five orders of magnitude higher than those measured.

"February 1992." EPA-600-R-92-025. Prepared for: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC 20460. Project Officer: Bruce A. Tichenor. PB92-158468.