Numerical Simulations of Synthetic Ester Hydrolysis in the Indoor Environment

The hydrolysis of synthetic esters (SEs), including phthalates and adipates, in damp indoor environments can lead to the release of volatile organic compounds implicated in poor air quality and acute health impacts, known as sick building syndrome (SBS). We have adapted the multiphase atmospheric chemistry box model, GAMMA, to simulate SE hydrolysis occurring in surface films in the indoor environment, along with multilayer boundary layer mass transfer and ventilation, in order to investigate this phenomenon on a process level. We then applied the model to analyze three scenarios in which hydrolysis has been hypothesized to have a significant impact on indoor air quality. Simulation results suggest that (1) alkaline hydrolysis of bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from PVC flooring on damp surfaces alone is not sufficient to explain the levels of 2-ethylhexanol reported in indoor air during episodes of SBS; (2) acute exposure to 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (TMPD) may be of concern during and shortly after the application of latex paint on an alkaline surface; and (3) alkaline hydrolysis of SEs following their airborne uptake in aqueous films is not expected to generate considerable amounts of alcohols associated with SBS.

Automated summary

The hydrolysis of synthetic esters in damp indoor environments can lead to the release of volatile organic compounds, causing poor air quality and sick building syndrome. Researchers used a model to simulate this phenomenon and found that alkaline hydrolysis from PVC flooring and airborne uptake in aqueous films are not major sources of the compounds associated with sick building syndrome, but acute exposure to certain compounds during paint application may be of concern.