Qualitative evaluation of volatile organic compound emissions and quantitative risk assessment of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and styrene from household insecticides.

The indoor use of household insecticides introduces complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into residential environments, raising potential health concerns. This study characterized the emission profiles of total VOCs (TVOCs) and targeted aromatic compounds (BTEXS) from 19 household insecticides, comprising aerosol insect sprays (IS), liquid vaporizers (EV), mat-type fumigators (MA), and mosquito coils (MC), using environmental test chambers and TD-GC-MS analysis. Emission rates (ERs) and emission factors (EFs) were calculated, and health risks were assessed using non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR). Solvent-based IS and EV products exhibited low ERs for aromatic compounds but contributed to substantial chemical burdens due to aliphatic carrier solvents, as reflected by high EFs. Trace benzene emissions from MA devices were attributed to thermal degradation (pyrolysis) of the paper-pulp pad under continuous heating. MC acted as continuous combustion sources, releasing high levels of BTEXS. Non-carcinogenic risks were acceptable across all product types (HQ < 1.0); however, chronic inhalation of pyrolytic coil smoke may pose a carcinogenic risk from benzene (ILCR > 1.0 × 10⁻⁶) in unventilated rooms. Exposure modeling identified the indoor air exchange rate as the primary determinant of human exposure; active ventilation reduced pollutant concentrations by up to 84%. These findings highlight the importance of adequate indoor ventilation during household insecticide use.