Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Julie Peller

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Chemistry

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Abstract

Indoor air quality is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in human health, particularly for communities located in industrial zones where air pollution is prevalent. Exposure to volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can contribute to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, neurological effects, and long-term chronic diseases. Understanding both indoor air quality and personal exposure to these pollutants is essential for evaluating public health risks, especially in residential areas near pollution-emitting industries. This study aims to assess VOC levels in both indoor environments and personal exposure in Northwest Indiana, particularly near industrial zones, with comparisons to areas not located near such pollution sources. VOCs, including common pollutants like phthalates, toluene, alkanes (e.g., hexadecane, octane, decane), and alcohols (e.g., 2-n-propyl-1-heptanol), were assessed through two passive sampling techniques: solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and silicon wristbands. SPME fibers, coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and divinylbenzene, were used to monitor indoor air quality by passively absorbing airborne compounds in residential homes. Silicon wristbands were used to track personal exposure by absorbing chemicals from both indoor and outdoor air when worn by volunteers. After the sampling period, the fibers were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify and quantify the VOCs. This dual approach–combining SPME fibers for indoor air monitoring and wristbands for personal exposure–provides a non-invasive, cost-effective, and sustainable method for assessing air quality and individual exposure levels. It also enables frequent monitoring and comparison between indoor and outdoor pollutant levels, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the health impacts of air pollution.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Emily Broniewicz is a junior undergraduate student at Valparaiso University, majoring in Chemistry and Biology. She works in the Environmental Chemistry lab, where has contributed to projects studying microplastics, road dust sediment, and is currently focusing on personal exposure to volatile organic compounds and indoor air quality. Her academic pursuits are driven by a passion for environmental science, and her hands-on experience in the lab has sparked a keen interest in addressing environmental challenges through research.

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