Topic: Exposure and Risk Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Indoor and Ambient Air

Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are hydrocarbons existing as gases or vapors at room temperature, and they are omnipresent in the ambient and indoor air, representing the largest group of air pollutants. For example, of the 188 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 90% are VOCs. Many VOCs, e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are legacy chemicals that have been phased out long ago but still linger in the environment. Additionally, numerous VOCs are integral to industrial processes and daily lives. Each year, hundreds of new VOCs emerge, prompting concerns over their potential health impacts. Of particular concern is their role as ozone precursors, contributing to the exacerbation of climate change. Human exposure to VOCs is almost inevitable in the ambient and indoor air; however, information gaps still exist regarding exposure to VOCs and the associated health risks. Further research is imperative to understand the characteristics of new chemicals, exposure concentrations in different microenvironments, sources and their contributions, and health effects stemming from exposure to individual and mixed pollutants. Additionally, new research tools are needed, e.g., sampling and analytical methods for accurate exposure measurement, statistical analysis to further understand existing data, and modeling methods to predict or extend exposure assessments.

This Special Issue aims to present new information, new measurements, and new technologies that address human exposure to VOCs in the air. The topics can be but are not limited to:
● Characterization of airborne VOCs in various microenvironments, including the ambient air;
● Documentation of new, emerging VOCs in indoor and outdoor air, e.g., fragrance chemicals and volatile PFAS;
● Environmental inequity in exposure to air toxics;
● Development and applications of new measurement techniques for airborne VOCs;
● Measurements of personal exposure to VOCs;
● Validation and measurement of biomarkers of VOC exposures;
● Health effects and risks associated with exposure to VOC mixtures;
● Statistical methods, modeling methods, and spatial analysis for exposure characterization.

All submissions MUST consider the implications for human and/or wildlife exposure to contaminants. Please see the Aims and Scope of JEEA for further guidance.

Volatile organic compound, VOC, emerging chemical, indoor air, microenvironment, personal exposure, biomarker, air sampling, air toxics

31 Jul 2024