Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Dispersion and Cementitious Waterproofing Products

Many different methods and indicators are commonly used for the assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ). One of them is pollution source control; among the sources, building materials are of special concern. This study presents a source characterization of waterproofing products used mainly in non-industrial buildings. The authors have attempted to fill some research gaps by determining emission factors for waterproofing materials. The work contains a summary of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from dispersion and cementitious liquid-applied water-impermeable products. VOC emissions were determined in a 100-L stainless steel ventilated emission test chamber. Air samples were collected by an active method on Tenax TA (R), while VOCs were analyzed using a TD-GC/MS method. Identified VOCs were also expressed as the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and converted into area-specific emission rates q(A). The results for different groups of identified compounds (alcohols, benzene derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, ethers and esters) were compared. It was found that VOC emissions clearly decreased with time during each experiment, which lasted 28 days. It is further noted that different types of products were characterized by the emission of specific groups of compounds that were not emitted by other types of products. An essential factor in the elimination and minimization of the occurrence of sources of indoor air pollution is the appropriate selection of finishing materials, which should be characterized by as low as possible emission of VOCs. The results presented in this work can lead to practical applications in the selection of low-emission products for certified green buildings.