Objective To evaluate the air contamination status in newly decorated residences and offices in an oil region and analyze indoor air quality.
Methods A random sampling technique was used to select 62 residences and 13 offices which were decorated within 0-12 months near major production or living areas in an oilfield base. Selected air quality indicators included formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, ammonia, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and environmental radiation.
Results The average concentrations of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, ammonia, and TVOC were (0.07& #177;0.19), (0.04& #177;0.18), (0.10& #177;0.24), (0.12& #177;0.31), (0.13& #177;0.36), and (0.39& #177;2.06) mg/m3, respectively, all above the relevant national standard limits. The highest disqualified rate was 28.9% for formaldehyde, followed by 9.0% for TVOC. The highest disqualified rate in bedrooms was 58.9% for formaldehyde, significantly higher than that in living rooms or study rooms (P< 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the disqualified rates of all indoor air quality indicators among all selected office rooms (P> 0.05). To compare different time intervals from decoration to the evaluation date (<3 months, 3-6 months, or >6 months), the disqualified rates of formaldehyde and ammonia showed statistically significant differences (P< 0.01).
Conclusion Among all air quality indicators detected, formaldehyde shows the highest disqualified rate, indicating that it needs more attention. The indoor air quality in the oil region is barely affected by the oilfield production.
DownLoad: