Characterisation of Volatile Organic Compounds at Hotels in Southern China

In the recent years, there has been a dramatic growth in the development of hotels in Southern China to meet the rapid demand of business and tourism industry. The indoor air quality of the hotels has become an important consideration due to a large workforce that is engaged in this industry. The objective of this study was to characterise the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the indoor air in 13 new hotels in Southern China and assess their possible health impact. A 2-day non-simultaneous sampling was carried out in each of the hotels. Decorating materials, cleansing agents and even local regional pollutants outside the hotels could have a contribution and worsen indoor air quality. Toluene level was as high as 498 mu g m(-3) in a hotel fitted with lots of plywood products. The highest concentrations of methylene chloride (34 mu g m(-3)) and total carbonyls (517 mu g m(-3)) were detected in a hotel where high VOCs cleansing agents were used in guest rooms. In a hotel located in an industrial centre, acetone concentration of 102 mu g m(-3) was found. The second highest total VOCs concentration (445 mu g m(-3)) was observed in a newly renovated hotel. Wooden interior fixtures and wall panels were identified as the major sources of VOCs and carbonyls found inside the guest rooms.