Measurement and Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Emissions from Major Pressurised Domestic Aerosol Sprays

Naeem, Zainab

Abstract

SPARC 2022 Poster Number 19

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are a type of air pollution that are found in larger amounts indoors than they are outdoors. Aerosol sprays, such as hairsprays, air fresheners, insecticides, body sprays, antiperspirants, dry shampoos, oven cleansers, and shoe sprays, are a major source of indoor VOCs. This is owing to the high amount of propellants in each pressurised aerosol container, such as blends of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG, e.g. butane) as the main propellant.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that quickly vaporise at room temperature and contribute to indoor air pollution. These aerosol sprays almost certainly include VOCs. As a result, they can have a direct impact on human health, reducing life expectancy because of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, and damaging lung function. Indoor emissions from fragranced products can travel outside and contribute to the creation of urban smog.

This study measured VOC emissions from off-the-shelf aerosol sprays at "source" in the United Kingdom. As propellants and products, these aerosol sprays include hazardous chemical substances. Female and male body sprays with different sizes and brands were selected to analyse. Results showed that the average percentage of Propellant VOC of all cans tested is 58% and the average percentage of Bulk is 42%. Therefore, no matter what the can size is, the level of VOC is almost same which is about 58% of VOC per each can. This translates to a potential decrease by more than half of the VOC emissions from the body spray category of domestic sources of air pollution if LPG is replaced by clean air

• Online Publication Date: Jun 30, 2022
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17866/rd.salford.20163731.v1
• Publisher URL: https://salford.figshare.com/articles/poster/Measurement_and_Analysis_of_Volatile_Organic_Compounds_VOC_Emissions_from_Major_Pressurised_Domestic_Aerosol_Sprays/20163731
• Collection Date: Jun 30, 2022