Peer-Reviewed Publications

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

      Mitova, M. I.; Cluse, C.; Goujon-Ginglinger, C. G.; Kleinhans, S.; Rotach, M.; Tharin, M.
      Published
      Nov 6, 2019
      DOI
      10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113518
      PMID
      31753636
      Link to publication
      Topic
      Summary

      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. The human subjects either simply remained for a certain time in the exposure room, or performed pre-defined activities in the room (drinking wine, doing sport, using toiletries, and preparation of a meal containing melted cheese). The impact of each activity was assessed separately using our analytical platform and exposure room under controlled environmental conditions. The results showed that prolonged human presence leads to increased levels of isoprene, TVOCs, formaldehyde and, to a lesser extent, acetaldehyde. These outcomes were further supported by results of meta-analyses of data acquired during several internal studies performed over two years. Furthermore, it was seen that the indoor concentrations of several of the selected constituents rose when the recreational and daily living activities were performed. Indeed, an increase in acetaldehyde was observed for all tested conditions, and these higher indoor levels were especially notable during wine-drinking as well as cheese meal preparation. Formaldehyde increased during the sessions involving sport, using toiletries, and cheese meal preparation. Like acetaldehyde, acrolein, crotonaldehyde and particulate matter levels rose significantly during the cheese meal preparation session. In conclusion, prolonged human residence indoors and some recreational and daily living activities caused substantial emissions of several airborne pollutants under ventilation typical for residential environments.

      Related Publications

      Indoor Air Chemistry - An exploratory study on e-cigarette shows no negative impact on indoor air quality

      Aerosol Chemistry

      Indoor air chemistry - An exploratory study on e-cigarette shows no negative impact on indoor air quality

      Aerosol Chemistry

      Computer-Assisted Structure Identification (CASI) for high-throughput identification of small molecules using GC×GC-HRAM-TOFMS high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry

      Aerosol Chemistry

      Computer-Assisted Structure Identification (CASI) for high-throughput identification of small molecules using GC×GC-HRAM-TOFMS high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry

      Aerosol Chemistry

      Air quality assessment during indoor use of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2

      Aerosol Chemistry

      Air quality assessment during indoor use of the Tobacco Heating System THS 2.2

      Aerosol Chemistry

      PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts in support of its smoke-free product portfolio. This site is a global site for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not advertising or marketing, nor is it directed at any specific market. It is not intended for use by consumers. New tobacco products sold in the United States are subject to FDA regulation; therefore the content of this site is not intended to make, and nor should it be construed as making, any product related claims in the United States without proper FDA authorization. ​
      ​
      Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.