Concentrations and emission rates of indoor VOCs-a comparative study between Singapore and European office buildings

This study highlights the presence of dominant source/s of several VOCs and theirgeographical similarities and differences within European Union (EU) and Singaporebuildings. Concentrations and emission rates of 2-methylpentane and heptane are higher inEU buildings as compared to the ones in Singapore. Also, lower alkanes are observed to behigher in levels in EU buildings as opposed to the higher alkanes, which are more dominant inSingapore buildings with statistical differences approaching significance. Benzene andtoluene concentrations and emission rates are significantly higher in ETS-free Singaporebuildings. There are no differences in VOCs (1,1,1-trichloroethane and limonene) related tooccupants suggesting similar use of consumer products. However, differences in emissionrates of limonene approach significance which maybe related to wood products commonlyused in European buildings. Higher emission rates for isoprene in EU buildings could be dueto building materials choice instead of bioeffluents emissions.