Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1984
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Joseph W. Bozzelli
Second Advisor
James M. Grow
Third Advisor
John W. Liskowitz
Abstract
The indoor air pollutant levels caused by use of kerosene stoves as sources of heat in residences is of increasing concern as the use of such heaters becomes more widespread. Emission of volatile organic. species (aliphatic hydrocarbons from hexane to dodecane, cyclohexane and aromatic species including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, m/p xylenes, o-xylene and styrene) from these devices were measured at different sites. The organic vapor samples have been collected by adsorption on Tenax GC, and quantitatively analyzed by thermal desorption into a high Resolution capillary column gas chromatograph. Mass spectral analysis was also conducted for qualitative identification of sample components. Levels of total organic pollutants have also been measured using a total hydrocarbon analyzer. Comparisons of contaminants level when the heaters are in use and when they have not been used for several days are presented. The studies show that after the heater was turned on concentrations of specific hydrocarbons, both aromatic and alkane increased (on the average)of 100 to 2000%. Room levels of total hydrocarbon increased by 900 to 1750 ppbv depending on room size and ventilation rate.
Recommended Citation
Banerjee, Kashinath, "Volatile organic pollutant levels in indoor environments from the use of kerosene heaters" (1984). Theses. 3355.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3355
