Analysis of selected volatile organic compounds associated with residential kerosene heater use

Volatile organic species, including aliphatic hydrocarbons from hexane through dodecane, cyclohexane and the aromatic species benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, nitrobenzene, ortho‐, meta‐, paraxylenes, styrene and naphthalene, associated with residential kerosene heater emissions, were measured at two sites: a small campus room (at NJIT) and living/dining room in a residence in Elizabeth, NJ. The analytical procedure involved collection of a series of air samples in stainless steel cartridges containing the porous polymer adsorbent, Tenax. The samples were recovered by thermal desorption, and analyzed by high resolution capillary column gas chromatography, employing a flame ionization detector. Mass spectral analysis was also used for qualitative identification of sample components. Moderately elevated levels of selected species (in 1–100 ppb range) were detected. Average pollutant level increases equivalent to 4.10 ppb and 7.35 ppb as hexane, were observed for NJIT and Elizabeth sites, respectively. The volatile organic species, such as benzene, cyclohexane, toluene, heptane and xylene, were shown to increase significantly during operation of a nonvented kerosene heater in an indoor environment. The levels of these species remained high for a period after the heater was turned off, indicating that the heater may be a pollution source just after it is extinguished, as well as during operation. This probably arises from warm wick and heater surfaces near the recently extinguished flame area.