Single Usage of a Kitchen Degreaser Can Alter Indoor Aerosol Composition for Days

Environ Sci Technol. 2017 Jun 6;51(11):5907-5912. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6b06050. Epub 2017 May 10.

Abstract

To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first observation of multiday persistence of an indoor aerosol transformation linked to a kitchen degreaser containing monoethanol amine (MEA). MEA remaining on the cleaned surfaces and on a wiping paper towel in a trash can was able to transform ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate into (MEA)2SO4 and (MEA)NO3. This influence persisted for at least 60 h despite a high average ventilation rate. The influence was observed using both offline (filters, impactors, and ion chromatography analysis) and online (compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer) techniques. Substitution of ammonia in ammonium salts was observed not only in aerosol but also in particles deposited on a filter before the release of MEA. The similar influence of other amines is expected based on literature data. This influence represents a new pathway for MEA exposure of people in an indoor environment. The stabilizing effect on indoor nitrate also causes higher indoor exposure to fine nitrates.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols*
  • Air Pollutants
  • Amines*
  • Ammonia
  • Ammonium Sulfate*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Nitrates
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Air Pollutants
  • Amines
  • Nitrates
  • Ammonia
  • Ammonium Sulfate