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Indoor air quality has become a focus of people's attention. The emission characteristics and health risks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the odor emitted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) overlaid particleboard were investigated. A synthetic index-olfactory evaluation method was used to estimate the health risks of PVC, caused by VOCs and odor based on the technology of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy/olfactometry. Olfactory analyses and instrument detection were implemented to indentify the crucial odor-active compounds. The results demonstrated that the highest concentration of VOCs and highest odor intensity occurred in the initial stage. Overall, a total of 17 odor-active compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, alcohols, and aldehydes, were identified from PVC, while aldehydes, ketones, and esters were the most harmful constituents. Pleasant, sweet, and spicy fragrances were the key odor characteristics. It was shown that covering of the surface could effectively prevent the release of VOCs and odors, and the increased thickness would raise the emission of VOCs when the change of the total odor intensities was low. Based on the evaluation, at room temperature of 23 °C ± 1 °C, it was suggested that PVC should be stored in a wellventilated place (more than 0.5 m3m-2h-1) for at least 28 days before it is used indoors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the odor emission problem of lacquer veneer particleboards, as well as to identify the key odor compounds and their sources, alkyd resin enamel-coated particleboards were studied via gas chromatographymass spectroscopy-olfactometry. A single-factor experiment was established under various environmental conditions. The odor-causing compounds were identified, and the effects of environmental factors on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor emissions were investigated. The results showed that the main odor substances released from the alkyd resin enamel-coated particleboard were aromatic compounds, aldehydes, and alkanes, which are typically low in toxicity. The total volatile organic compounds concentration and total odor intensity increased as the temperature and relative humidity increased, but decreased as the air exchange rate to loading factor ratio increased. The temperature had a greater impact on the release of VOCs from the alkyd resin enamel-coated particleboard than either the relative humidity or air exchange rate to loading factor ratio. The odor substances concentration increased with an increase in the temperature, while the relative humidity and air exchange rate to loading factor ratio had little effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]