Determination of material emission signatures by PTR-MS and their correlations with odor assessments by human subjects

The study shows that unique emission patterns may exist for different types of building materials. These patterns, or signatures, can be established by using PTR-MS, an online monitoring device. The sum of selected major individual VOC odor indices determined by PTR-MS correlates well with the acceptability of air quality assessed by human subjects, and hence provides a feasible approach to assessing perceived indoor air quality. This online assessment will open a new gate in understanding the role of VOC emissions from building materials on perceived air quality, forming a good foundation to develop real-time or near real-time methods for standard material emission testing and labeling, quality control of emissions from materials, and assessing the acceptability of air quality in buildings.