A Study of Indoor Air Quality in Workplaces: Measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds, Source Apportionment, and Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Office Workers

Authors

  • Peemapat Jookjantra Ph.D. Program in Environmental Technology (International Program), Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
  • Sarawut Thepanondh Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
  • Plernpis Pongprayoon The Environmental Research and Training Center (ERTC), Department of Climate Change and Environment
  • Jutarat Keawboonchu Interdisciplinary Studies and Lifelong Education, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University

Keywords:

Volatile Organic Compound, Source Apportionment, Health Risk Assessment, Indoor Environment, Occupational Health and Safety

Abstract

This study aimed to compare indoor air quality, analyze sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and assess occupational health risks in an old building (BD1) and a new building (BD2) in Bangkok, Thailand. Air samples were collected over 5 days using U.S. EPA Method TO-15 and TO-11A, analyzed by GC/MS and HPLC. Source apportionment used PMF model, and health risk assessment followed U.S. EPA guidelines. Results showed BD2 had 2.6 times higher VOC concentrations than BD1 (403.27 vs. 153.87 µg/m³) and detected 48 vs. 36 species. Three major sources were identified: household cleaners, building materials and wood furniture, and paint and adhesives.

Health risk assessment revealed acceptable cancer risks, with formaldehyde showing highest lifetime cancer risk (1.4×10-5 in BD1 and 3.6×10-5 in BD2). However, formaldehyde in BD2 had a hazard quotient of 1.29, exceeding the acceptable threshold, indicating potential health effects on workers and work performance. This study emphasizes the need for systematic indoor air quality management, particularly in new buildings, through source control, ventilation improvements, and low-VOC material selection to protect workers’ health according to occupational health principles sustainably.

Author Biographies

Peemapat Jookjantra, Ph.D. Program in Environmental Technology (International Program), Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University

Doctoral Student

Sarawut Thepanondh, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University

Lecturer

Jutarat Keawboonchu, Interdisciplinary Studies and Lifelong Education, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University

Lecturer

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Published

2026-04-25

How to Cite

Jookjantra, P., Thepanondh, S., Pongprayoon, P., & Keawboonchu, J. (2026). A Study of Indoor Air Quality in Workplaces: Measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds, Source Apportionment, and Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Office Workers. REGIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION CENTER 9 JOURNAL, 20(3), 917–934. retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/RHPC9Journal/article/view/280229