Use of a surface emissions trap for improving the indoor air quality by efficient exposure reduction

A new product, the surface emissions trap (cTrap), a device developed to stop and bind emissions effectively while having virtually no resistance to water vapor, was installed on a PVC flooring in a school with IAQ complaints. After the installation air concentrations of 2-ethylhexanol decreased rapidly and staff and students reported a considerably improved perceived IAQ. The amounts of 2-ethylhexanol adsorbed on the cTrap cloth 13 months after installation corresponded to only 1.03% of its adsorption capacity. Installing the cTrap may constitute a cost-efficient and effective way of restoring the indoor air quality e.g. following water damage of a building.