Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds in Full Scale Stud Cavities: Identification and Transport Analysis

The research presented in this manuscript reports the identification of mold related VOCs, the analysis of transport of these MVOCs from the stud cavity to the indoor space and the assessment of the influence of six experimental parameters on this transport. The chemical analysis of the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) samplers and the identification of the chemical components were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The identified compounds include VOCs that are commonly found in the indoor air as well as frequently reported MVOCs . The results were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to identify the mold related VOCs, and to determine the transport through the building envelope. Five VOCs were identified as significantly related to the presence of mold in the stud cavity. The transport of these MVOCs from the sampling chamber to the cavity was confirmed, however, no significant effect of the parameters related to wall construction configuration were detected.