Validation of Models for Predicting Formaldehyde Concentrations in Residences due to Pressed-Wood Products

This paper describes a laboratory project to assess the accuracy of emission and indoor air quality models to be used in predicting formaldehyde (HCHO) concentrations in residences due to pressed-wood products made with urea-formaldehyde bonding resins. The products tested were partlcleboard underlayment, hardwood- plywood paneling and medium-density fiberboard (mdf). The products were initially characterized in chambers by measuring their formaldehyde surface emission rates over a range of formaldehyde concentrations, air exchange rates and two combinations of temperature and relative humidity (23° C and 5 0% RH; 26°C and 60% RH). They were then installed in a two-room prototype house in three different combinations (underlayment flooring only; underlayment flooring and paneling; and underlayment flooring, paneling, and mdf). The equilibrium formaldehyde concentrations were monitored as a function of air exchange rate. Particleboard underlayment and mdf, but not paneling, behaved as the emission model predicted over a large concentration range, under both sets of temperature and relative humidity. Good agreement was also obtained between measured formaldehyde concentrations and those predicted by a mass-balance indoor air quality model.     

A Reexamination of the Ozone Limiting Approach to Estimating Short-Term NO2 Concentrations

The partition and effective diffusion coefficients of formaldehyde were measured for three materials (conventional gypsum wallboard, “green” gypsum wallboard, and “green” carpet) under three relative humidity (RH) conditions (20%, 50%, and 70% RH). The “green” materials contained recycled materials and were friendly to environment. A dynamic dual-chamber test method was used. Results showed that a higher relative humidity led to a larger effective diffusion coefficient for two kinds of wallboards and carpet. The carpet was also found to be very permeable resulting in an effective diffusion coefficient at the same order of magnitude with the formaldehyde diffusion coefficient in air. The partition coefficient (K _ma) of formaldehyde in conventional wallboard was 1.52 times larger at 50% RH than at 20% RH, whereas it decreased slightly from 50% to 70% RH, presumably due to the combined effects of water solubility of formaldehyde and micro-pore blocking by condensed moisture at the high RH level. The partition coefficient of formaldehyde increased slightly with the increase of relative humidity in “green” wallboard and “green” carpet. At the same relative humidity level, the “green” wallboard had larger partition coefficient and effective diffusion coefficient than the conventional wallboard, presumably due to the micro-pore structure differences between the two materials. The data generated could be used to assess the sorption effects of formaldehyde on building materials and to evaluate its impact on the formaldehyde concentration in buildings.

Implications: Based on the results of this study, the sink effects of these commonly used materials (conventional and “green” gypsum wallboards, “green” carpet) on indoor formaldehyde concentration could be estimated. The effects of relative humidity on the diffusion and partition coefficients of formaldehyde were found to differ for materials and for different humidity levels, indicating the need for further investigation of the mechanisms through which humidity effects take place.     

Effectiveness of photocatalytic filter for removing volatile organic compounds in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system

Nowadays, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been an important facility for maintaining indoor air quality. However, the primary function of typical HVAC systems is to control the temperature and humidity of the supply air. Most indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cannot be removed by typical HVAC systems. Thus, some air handling units for removing VOCs should be added in typical HVAC systems. Among all of the air cleaning techniques used to remove indoor VOCs, photocatalytic oxidation is an attractive alternative technique for indoor air purification and deodorization. The objective of this research is to investigate the VOC removal efficiency of the photocatalytic filter in a HVAC system. Toluene and formaldehyde were chosen as the target pollutants. The experiments were conducted in a stainless steel chamber equipped with a simplified HVAC system. A mechanical filter coated with Degussa P25 titania photocatalyst and two commercial photocatalytic filters were used as the photocatalytic filters in this simplified HVAC system. The total air change rates were controlled at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5 hr(-1), and the relative humidity (RH) was controlled at 30%, 50%, and 70%. The ultraviolet lamp used was a 4-W, ultraviolet-C (central wavelength at 254 nm) strip light bulb. The first-order decay constant of toluene and formaldehyde found in this study ranged from 0.381 to 1.01 hr(-1) under different total air change rates, from 0.34 to 0.433 hr(-1) under different RH, and from 0.381 to 0.433 hr(-1) for different photocatalytic filters.     

Determination of partition and diffusion coefficients of formaldehyde in selected building materials and impact of relative humidity

The partition and effective diffusion coefficients of formaldehyde were measured for three materials (conventional gypsum wallboard, "green" gypsum wallboard, and "green" carpet) under three relative humidity (RH) conditions (20%, 50%, and 70% RH). The "green" materials contained recycled materials and were friendly to environment. A dynamic dual-chamber test method was used. Results showed that a higher relative humidity led to a larger effective diffusion coefficient for two kinds of wallboards and carpet. The carpet was also found to be very permeable resulting in an effective diffusion coefficient at the same order of magnitude with the formaldehyde diffusion coefficient in air. The partition coefficient (K(ma)) of formaldehyde in conventional wallboard was 1.52 times larger at 50% RH than at 20% RH, whereas it decreased slightly from 50% to 70% RH, presumably due to the combined effects of water solubility of formaldehyde and micro-pore blocking by condensed moisture at the high RH level. The partition coefficient of formaldehyde increased slightly with the increase of relative humidity in "green" wallboard and "green" carpet. At the same relative humidity level, the "green" wallboard had larger partition coefficient and effective diffusion coefficient than the conventional wallboard, presumably due to the micro-pore structure differences between the two materials. The data generated could be used to assess the sorption effects of formaldehyde on building materials and to evaluate its impact on the formaldehyde concentration in buildings.     

Models for estimating organic emissions from building materials: Formaldehyde example

One important source of chronic exposure to low levels of organic compounds in the indoor environment is emissions from building materials. Because removal of offending products may be costly or otherwise impractical, it is important that the emissions of organic pollutants be understood prior to incorporation of these materials into buildings. Once the organic pollutants of concern are identified, based on potential health effects and emission potential from the building material, it is necessary that an emission model be developed to predict the behavior of emission rates under various indoor conditions. Examples of the type of requirements that must be addressed in developing models for estimating organic emissions from building materials into the indoor environment are presented. Important factors include the products' characteristic source strengths at standard test conditions, impact of variations in environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity), concentrations of the modeled organic pollutants in indoor environments and product ages. Ideally, emission models should have physical/chemical bases so that the important physical factors can be identified and their relative importance quantified. Although a universal model describing organic emissions from all building materials may not be feasible due to the tremendous variety of organic products and building materials in use, the most studied of the volatile organic compounds from building materials, formaldehyde, is used to illustrate an approach to the development of a specific model for organic emissions.     

环境测试舱自吸附甲醛重释放规律与影响因素研究

广泛用于板材污染物释放量测试、空气净化产品净化效果测试等实验中的环境测试舱,往往由于其内壁黏附性杂质而对目标测试物产生不可忽视的自吸附作用,自吸附污染物将作为二次释放源出现重释放,研究目标测试物的自吸附消耗量及重释放规律,探索有效控制措施,有利于对环境测试舱实验应用及室内污染控制提出指导性实际意义。分别选取0.2%甲醛溶液、大芯板作为同一自制玻璃环境测试舱2期实验(I期、Ⅱ期)的不同甲醛释放源,通过近90 d追踪测试,经不同释放源、不同控制条件下舱内壁自吸附甲醛的多次重释放实验,结合非线性拟合分析方法,总结出舱内壁自吸附甲醛重释放甲醛浓度变化符合一阶递增指数函数:y=A1×exp(-x/t1)+y0,(A1<0、t1>0)。曲线参数y0值可用于评价实验条件下测试舱内自吸附甲醛残余量;y0值与环境舱舱体材质、环境温湿度、舱外甲醛浓度及空气交换手段有关,而与释放源及其释放平衡浓度高低无明显关系。大开舱门短时间抽气式空气交换对舱内自吸附甲醛残余有适度清除效果,使y0值降低,同时有利于再次平衡状态的快速建立;而长时间的无动力空气交换,或者自来水洗及去离子水洗等处理手段对舱内壁自吸附甲醛残余无明显清除作用。     

Reducing Indoor Air Formaldehyde Concentrations

Urea-formaldehyde resin bonded partlcleboard, medium density fiberboard and plywood paneling are used as flooring, wall paneling, for cabinet work and in furniture, and are present In almost every office, home and public building. If large quantities of these products are used In poorly ventilated spaces, high manufacturing quality control is necessary to avoid problems of latent formaldehyde release. Indoor air formaldehyde concentrations depend on the nature of the product, the product surface to air volume (loading) factor, temperature, humidity, age and product emission rates. Standard test methods are now available for measuring product emission rates that make It possible to predict the performance of UF-bonded pressed wood materials If use conditions and environmental parameters are known. Recent modifications In adhesive and board manufacturing parameters have made It possible to reduce formaldehyde emission significantly, and UF-bonded wood products are now capable of meeting indoor air quality standard levels of 0.1 ppm under almost all customary loading conditions.     

Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Filter for Removing Volatile Organic Compounds in the Heating,Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System

Abstract

Nowadays, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been an important facility for maintaining indoor air quality. However, the primary function of typical HVAC systems is to control the temperature and humidity of the supply air. Most indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cannot be removed by typical HVAC systems. Thus, some air handling units for removing VOCs should be added in typical HVAC systems. Among all of the air cleaning techniques used to remove indoor VOCs, photocatalytic oxidation is an attractive alternative technique for indoor air purification and deodorization. The objective of this research is to investigate the VOC removal efficiency of the photocatalytic filter in a HVAC system. Toluene and formaldehyde were chosen as the target pollutants. The experiments were conducted in a stainless steel chamber equipped with a simplified HVAC system. A mechanical filter coated with Degussa P25 titania photocatalyst and two commercial photocatalytic filters were used as the photo-catalytic filters in this simplified HVAC system. The total air change rates were controlled at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5 hr^?1, and the relative humidity (RH) was controlled at 30%, 50%, and 70%. The ultraviolet lamp used was a 4-W, ultraviolet-C (central wavelength at 254 nm) strip light bulb. The first-order decay constant of toluene and form-aldehyde found in this study ranged from 0.381 to 1.01 hr^?1 under different total air change rates, from 0.34 to 0.433 hr^?1 under different RH, and from 0.381 to 0.433 hr^?1 for different photocatalytic filters.     

Volatile organic compound concentrations, emission rates, and source apportionment in newly-built apartments at pre-occupancy stage

The present study investigated the indoor concentrations of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde and their indoor emission characteristics in newly-built apartments at the pre-occupancy stage. In total, 107 apartments were surveyed for indoor and outdoor VOC concentrations in two metropolitan cities and one rural area in Korea. A mass balanced model was used to estimate surface area-specific emission rates of individual VOCs and formaldehyde. Seven (benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene, n-hexane, and n-heptane) of 40 target compounds were detectable in all indoor air samples, whereas the first five were detected in all outdoor air samples. Formaldehyde was also predominant in the indoor air samples, with a high detection frequency of 96%. The indoor concentrations were significantly higher than the outdoor concentrations for aromatics, alcohols, terpenes, and ketones. However, six halogenated VOCs exhibited similar concentrations for indoor and outdoor air samples, suggesting that they are not major components emitted from building materials. It was also suggested that a certain portion of the apartments surveyed were constructed by not following the Korean Ministry of Environment guidelines for formaldehyde emissions. Toluene exhibited the highest emission rate with a median value of 138 μg m⁻² h⁻¹. The target compounds with median emission rates greater than 20 μg m⁻² h⁻¹ were toluene, 1-propanol, formaldehyde, and 2-butanone. The wood panels/vinyl floor coverings were the largest indoor pollutant source, followed by floorings, wall coverings, adhesives, and paints. The wood panels/vinyl floor coverings contributed nearly three times more to indoor VOC concentrations than paints.     

Formaldehyde Concentrations in Wisconsin Mobile Homes

Mobile homes utilize a class of prefabricate construction techniques which rely greatly upon the use of particle board and hardwood plywood paneling for structural components. This has resulted In household sources which may emit formaldehyde into the home, since urea-formaldehyde resins are used as the bonding agent in most pressed wood stocks. A series of 137 mobile home households was investigated to determine indoor formaldehyde exposure concentrations. Homes were selected based on the estimated age of the construction components. Homes were studied serially for a nine-month period, with formaldehyde samples obtained on a monthly basis using a modified NIOSH chromotropic acid procedure. Formaldehyde concentrations were found to range from less than 0.10 ppm to 2.84 ppm. The median exposure concentration was 0.39 ppm. Analysis of variance was performed on each home to discern visit and room measurement effects. Eighty-nine percent of the homes exhibited no measurement placement effects, while only 10 percent failed to demonstrate between-visit variance effects. Regression models were constructed to predict household formaldehyde concentrations. Concentrations exhibited an inverse relationship with the age of the construction materials. A weighted least squares regression model of log of home age predicting temperature-corrected log formaldehyde explained 82 percent of the formaldehyde variation.     

真空紫外灯动态降解空气中低浓度甲醛的研究

以集中空调中处理室内可挥发性有机物(VOCs)为应用背景,搭建了试验台.实验研究了真空紫外灯(主波长254 nm,185 nm)降解甲醛的影响因素以及产生O3的情况.研究表明,在产生的O3浓度低于室内空气质量标准(0.16mg/m3)的情况下,真空紫外灯也能够高效地降解空气中低浓度甲醛(＜1 mg/m3);甲醛降解率与反应器空气流速及甲醛初始浓度成反比;降解速率与甲醛初始浓度成正比,与反应器空气的流速成反比;绝对湿度对真空紫外灯降解甲醛有一定的影响;反应器空间大小对甲醛降解影响比较显著.应用于集中空调系统净化室内空气中VOCs,取得了很好的效果.     

Formaldehyde and carbon dioxide air concentrations and their relationship with indoor environmental factors in daycare centers

The aim of this study was to measure the air concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and formaldehyde (HCHO) in daycare centers to determine relevant influencing factors, including temperature, relative humidity (RH), type of facility, number of children, type of ventilation system, ventilation time, and air cleaning system. The authors measured HCHO, CO₂, temperature, and RH in the center of classrooms in 289 daycare centers. Spearman’s correlation and Mann–Whitney analyses were used to examine the relationships and differences in HCHO and CO₂ for varying temperatures, RH values, and categorical indoor environmental factors. There were no significant differences in the HCHO and CO₂ air concentrations with varying numbers of children, ventilation times, or ventilation and air cleaning system types. However, both the HCHO and CO₂ air concentrations were significantly different for varying RH values, which were divided into five categories (p < 0.001). Only the HCHO air concentrations were significantly different for varying temperatures, which were divided into five categories (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between HCHO air concentrations and the temperature (r = 0.35, p < 0.0001), RH (r = 0.51, p < 0.0001), and CO₂ (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001). The study results support maintaining an appropriate temperature and RH range for reducing airborne HCHO in daycare centers. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms responsible for the relationships observed in this study.

Implications: Data from 289 daycare centers in Seoul, South Korea, indicate that HCHO concentrations show a positive correlation with indoor temperature and relative humidity. This indicates that keeping temperatures low will help keep HCHO concentrations low, by both a direct and an indirect effect, since low temperatures also cause low relative humidity.     

Heterogeneous photocatalysis of aromatic and chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for non-occupational indoor air application

The current study evaluated the technical feasibility of applying TiO2 photocatalysis to the removal of low-ppb concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly associated with non-occupational indoor air quality issues. A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate five parameters (relative humidity (RH), hydraulic diameter (HD), feeding type (FT) for VOCs, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reactor material (RM), and inlet port size (IPS) of PCO reactor) in relation to the PCO destruction efficiencies of the selected target VOCs. None of the target VOCs exhibited any significant dependence on the RH, which is inconsistent with a previous study where, under conditions of low humidity and a ppm toluene inlet level, a drop in the PCO efficiency was reported with a decreasing humidity. However, the other four parameters (HD, RM, FT, and IPS) were found to be important for better VOC removal efficiencies as regards the application of TiO2 photocatalytic technology for cleansing non-occupational indoor air. The PCO destruction of VOCs at concentrations associated with non-occupational indoor air quality issues was up to nearly 100%, and the CO generated during PCO was a negligible addition to indoor CO levels. Accordingly, a PCO reactor would appear to be an important tool in the effort to improve non-occupational indoor air quality.     

Indoor and outdoor air quality investigation at schools in Hong Kong

Five classrooms in Hong Kong (HK), air-conditioned or ceiling fans ventilated, were chosen for investigation of indoor and outdoor air quality. Parameters such as temperature, relative humidity (RH), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable particulate matter (PM10), formaldehyde (HCHO), and total bacteria counts were monitored indoors and outdoors simultaneously. The average respirable particulate matter concentrations were higher than the HK Objective, and the maximum indoor PM10 level exceeded 1000 microg/m3. Indoor CO2 concentrations often exceeded 1000 microl/l in air-conditioning and ceiling fan classrooms, indicating inadequate ventilation. Maximum indoor CO2 level reached 5900 microl/l during class at the classroom with cooling tower ventilation. Increasing the rate of ventilation or implementation of breaks between classes is recommended to alleviate the high CO2 level. Other pollution parameters measured in this study complied with the standards. The two most important classroom air quality problems in Hong Kong were PM10 and CO2 levels.     

胶合竹材GluBam甲醛释放影响因素的气候箱实验与分析

胶合竹材GluBam的甲醛释放情况是现代竹结构住宅环保性的一个重要方面,也是竹结构住宅推广中最受关注的指标之一。采用1 m3气候箱对温度、相对湿度和封边情况与GluBam的甲醛释放量和释放速率的相关关系进行了测试,并以一阶单衰减模型为基础提出了GluBam的甲醛释放分析模型。测试和分析结果表明:GluBam板材在各模拟条件下甲醛浓度峰值均小于规范要求;初始甲醛释放量E0和衰减率常数k可以用来评价GluBam的甲醛释放特征;GluBam的醛释放量和释放速率随环境温度和湿度增加而显著增大,且温度因素的影响更大;封边处理可以有效降低GluBam板材的甲醛释放量。     

Adsorption and desorption of selected VOCs in dust collected on air filters

Adsorption and desorption properties of the dust accumulated on air filters were examined by using a small-scale test apparatus with model compounds. The dust samples were loaded with the model compounds either by adsorption from a constant concentration in air flow or by direct injection into the dust. Desorption was measured at three different relative humidities of air (4–5%, 40–50%, 70–80%). Results indicated that constant relative humidity (RH) of air did not affect the rate of desorption in the test conditions. However, an increase in humidity substantially increased desorption of the model compounds. Similar results were obtained when experiments were conducted using dirty filters without added model compounds. In addition, emission products from clean and dusty filter materials were analyzed at two temperatures (50°C and 100°C) by using an automatic thermodesorption device. The main compounds released were carboxylic acids, aldehydes and terpenes. The emission profiles were similar for the pre-filters and main filters, but the emissions were higher from pre-filters than from the main filters. This result is consistent with the earlier findings of higher odor emissions from pre-filters.     

Evaluation of a Test Method for Measuring Indoor Air Emissions from Dry-Process Photocopiers

ABSTRACT

A large chamber test method for measuring indoor air emissions from office equipment was developed, evaluated, and revised based on the initial testing of four dry-process photocopiers. Because all chambers may not necessarily produce similar results (e.g., due to differences in sink effects, temperature and humidity control, air exchange, pollutant monitoring, and measurement biases), a preliminary four-laboratory evaluation of the revised test method was conducted. To minimize variability, the evaluation used a single dry-process photocopier that was shipped to each of the four laboratories along with supplies (i.e., toner and paper).

The results of this preliminary four-laboratory evaluation demonstrate that the test method was used successfully in the different chambers to measure emissions from dry-process photocopiers. Differences in chamber design and construction appeared to have had minimal effect on the results for the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Perhaps more important than the chamber itself is the sample analysis as identified by duplicate samples that were analyzed by a different laboratory. Percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) was used to provide a simplistic view of interlaboratory precision for this evaluation. Excluding problems with suspected analytical bias observed from one of the laboratories, the precision was excellent for the VOCs with RSDs of less than 10% in most cases. Less precision was observed among the laboratories for aldehydes/ketones (RSD of 23.2% for formaldehyde). The precision for ozone emission rates among three of the laboratories was excellent (RSD of 7.9%), but emission rates measured at the fourth laboratory were much higher.     

Effects of Operational Factors on Pollutant Emission Rates from Residential Gas Appliances

The NO, NO₂, and CO emissions from residential gas combustion appliances contribute to indoor air pollution. The work described investigated the impact of various unvented gas appliances designs and/or operational factors on pollutant emission rates. All experiments were performed in a 1150 ft³ (32.56 m³) all aluminum chamber under controlled conditions. Results are presented for the effect of the following factors on emission rates: 1) appliance type and/or design, 2) primary aeration level, 3) firing rate (fuel input rate), 4) chamber humidity, and 5) time dependence of emission rates. It is concluded that primary aeration level has the largest impact on pollutant emission rates of range-top burners, followed in turn by firing rate, appliance type, chamber humidity, and time dependence of emission rate.     

Evaluation of total volatile organic compound emissions from adhesives based on chamber tests

In 1997, Homeswest in western Australia and Murdoch University developed a project to construct low-allergen houses (LAHs) in a newly developed suburb. Before the construction of LAHs, all potential volatile organic compound (VOC) emission materials used in LAHs are required to be measured to ensure that they are low total VOC (TVOC) emission materials. This program was developed based on this purpose. In recent times, the number of complaints about indoor air pollution caused by VOCs has increased. A number of surveys of indoor VOCs have indicated that many indoor materials contribute to indoor air pollution. Although some studies have been conducted on the characteristics of VOC emissions from adhesives, most of them were focused on VOC emissions from floor adhesives. Few measurements of VOC emissions from adhesives used for wood, fabrics, and leather are available. Furthermore, most research on VOC emissions from adhesives has been done in countries with cool climates, where ventilation rates in the indoor environment are lower than those in Mediterranean climates, due to energy conservation. VOCs emitted from adhesives have not been sufficiently researched to prepare an emission inventory to predict indoor air quality and to determine both exposure levels for the Australian population and the most appropriate strategies to reduce exposure. An environmental test chamber with controlled temperature, relative humidity, and airflow rate was used to evaluate emissions of TVOCs from three adhesives used frequently in Australia. The quantity of TVOC emissions was measured by a gas chromatography/flame ionization detector. The primary VOCs emitted from each adhesive were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The temporal change of TVOC concentrations emitted from each adhesive was tested. A double-exponential equation was then developed to evaluate the characteristics of TVOC emissions from these three adhesives. With this double-exponential model, the physical processes of TVOC emissions can be explained, and a variety of emission parameters can be calculated. These emission parameters could be used to estimate real indoor TVOC concentrations in Mediterranean climates.     

Indoor and outdoor carbonyl compounds in the hotel ballrooms in Guangzhou,China

Twenty-one carbonyl compounds were measured simultaneously at four hotel ballrooms in urban Guangzhou during the autumn, 2002. In each ballroom, measurements were carried out in business hours in the evening (20:30–24:00) on 7 consecutive days without any disturbance of the ballroom's normal operation. Nineteen out of the 21 target carbonyl compounds were identified in indoor and outdoor air. In the outdoor environment, formaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl, followed by acetaldehyde, and there existed a strong correlation between formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. In the indoor air, however, acetaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl, its concentrations seemed to be affected significantly by smoking. The indoor concentrations of carbonyls were found higher than their outdoor counterparts with only a few exceptions. Further studies concerning the indoor/outdoor ratios and mutual correlation of the carbonyls indicated that apart from direct emission from indoor materials and infiltration of outdoor air, other anthropogenic sources, e.g. tobacco smoke, also significantly contributed to carbonyl compounds. The possible sources of some high molecular weight carbonyls, e.g. nonanaldehyde, were also discussed briefly. Preliminary estimate of the exposures and risks due to carbonyls in the ballrooms was made, which indicated that long-term exposure in such places might cause increased chance of developing cancers.