Characterization of the emissions of trichloroethylene, chloroform, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane in a full-size, experimental shower.

We have characterized emissions of trichoroethylene and chloroform (two highly volatile organic chemicals), as well as 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) (a moderately volatile organic chemical) from a full-size (1.5 m3), experimental shower. For typically hot showers (approximately 40 degrees C), the present volatilization was found to be approximately 80% for trichoroethylene (TCE), 60% for chloroform, and 20% for DBCP. Among the factors studied, the temperature of the water typically had a dominant effect on the total release of each of the three chemicals from the shower water to the air, such that the extent of volatilization increased as influent water temperature increased. For TCE, water flow rate was found to be negatively correlated with fractional volatilization, while airflow through the chamber had a small effect, although it did affect the ensuing air concentrations in the shower chamber.