Human chemical signature: Investigation on the influence of human presence and selected activities on concentrations of airborne constituents.

There is growing evidence that the very presence of human beings in an enclosed environment can impact air quality by affecting the concentrations of certain airborne volatile organic compounds (VOC). This influence increases considerably when humans perform different activities, such as using toiletries, or simply eating and drinking. To understand the influence of these parameters on the concentrations of selected airborne constituents, a study was performed under simulated residential conditions in an environmentally-controlled exposure room.

Development and validation of a method for quantification of two tobacco-specific nitrosamines in indoor air.

A sensitive and accurate method for the quantification of 1'-Demethyl-1'-nitrosonicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in indoor air was developed and validated. To this aim, a novel approach for the collection of two tobacco-specific nitrosamines, using silica sorbent cartridges followed by simplified sample preparation and isotope dilution liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, was applied. This procedure led to a substantial improvement in terms of sensitivity and sample throughput as compared with methods using conventional trapping.

Validation of selected analytical methods using accuracy profiles to assess the impact of a Tobacco Heating System on indoor air quality.

Studies in environmentally controlled rooms have been used over the years to assess the impact of environmental tobacco smoke on indoor air quality. As new tobacco products are developed, it is important to determine their impact on air quality when used indoors. Before such an assessment can take place it is essential that the analytical methods used to assess indoor air quality are validated and shown to be fit for their intended purpose.

Comparison of the impact of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 and a cigarette on indoor air quality.

The impact of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS 2.2) on indoor air quality was evaluated in an environmentally controlled room using ventilation conditions recommended for simulating "Office", "Residential" and "Hospitality" environments and was compared with smoking a lit-end cigarette (Marlboro Gold) under identical experimental conditions.