Determination of volatile organic compounds and associated health risk assessment in residential homes and hostels within an academic institute, New Delhi

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different indoor microenvironments of residential homes and hostels in an academic institute, in New Delhi, during March-May 2011. Eleven VOCs (aromatic and halogenated) were assessed. Sampling and analytical procedure were based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard method. The lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk were calculated for targeted VOCs using US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The mean concentrations of Sigma VOCs (sum of monitored VOCs) and individual VOC were found to be higher indoors as compared to outdoors at both types of premises. Indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios of the targeted VOCs exceeded 1.0, suggesting the significant presence of indoor sources. Strong correlations between I/O concentrations of VOCs in the current study suggest the presence of common sources. Factor analysis (FA) was used for source evaluation separately at two premise types. The estimated lifetime cancer risks in the current study for all occupants at both premises exceeded 10(-6).