Measurements of Indoor Ammonia and Amines With a Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer

LEE TISZENKEL, Shanhu Lee, University of Alabama Huntsville

     Abstract Number: 394
     Working Group: Indoor Aerosols

Abstract
The effect of ammonia and amines on outdoor atmospheric air quality is well documented. These gases can impact human health through direct exposure as well as their tendency to react with precursors such as sulfuric, nitric or hydrochloric acids to form particulate matter. Ammonia and amines are ubiquitous in indoor environments due to the human body’s constant emission of these compounds through the skin and breath. There exists a great deal of ambient outdoor measurements of ammonia and amines, but indoor measurements of these chemicals are very scarce. Consequently, concentrations of ammonia and amines in homes or workplaces are largely unknown. In this study we present measurements of ammonia and amines containing up to 6 carbon atoms conducted in a laboratory environment using a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) with an ethanol ion reagent. Detection limits of the instrument to ammonia and amines are in the single-digit ppt range. Air velocity and turnover was measured with a TSI air velocity meter. Measurements with the CIMS were conducted continuously for weekend days with no human presence, regular work days with one or two individuals working near the instrument, as well during a three-day workshop conducted in the lab with up to seven people present. Concentrations of ammonia were measured from sub-ppb levels to tens of ppb during high levels of human activity. Amines ranged from below detection limits to tens of ppt. The data presented here further elucidate a critical aspect of indoor air quality that remains unknown due to the difficulty of its measurement.