Sorption of SO 2 by typical indoor surfaces including wool carpets, wallpaper and paint
Abstract
The sorption of sulphur-35 labelled SO 2 by a number of samples of wool carpets and by wallpapers and painted surfaces was measured at a concentration of 100-200 μg m -3. The deposition velocities for carpets ranged from 0.02 to 0.07 cms -1 and were lower for carpets with an acid pH than for those which were either neutral or alkaline. The sorption of SO 2 appeared to be irreversible. Pre-exposing carpets to stable SO 2, equivalent to 27 yr at 30 μg m -3 (a typical indoor concentration) reduced the amount of 35SO 2 taken up in a subsequent exposure by a factor 3. Fresh emulsion paint had the highest deposition velocity (0.128) and vinyl wallpaper the lowest (0.007) of the other surfaces investigated There can be no doubt that the lower levels of SO 2 within buildings, compared with simultaneous measurements outside, are due to its sorption by furnishings. The most effective sorbing materials likely to be present are cellulose wallpapers, furnishing fabrics and wool carpets.
- Publication:
-
Atmospheric Environment
- Pub Date:
- 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0004-6981(77)90242-6
- Bibcode:
- 1977AtmEn..11.1107W