Volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coal tar pitch of water barrier in floors and in ceiling of an old office building and IAQ

During renovation work of an old military building, the coal tar pitch that was used as a traditional water barrier, was left under the new carpeting. After the renovation, as office workers complained about bad and stuffy air, an AIAQ survey has been conducted . The VOCs were analyzed and determined by active sampling on TENAX TA sorbent, thermal desorption and gas chromatography. Most of the samples included the same volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as the coal tar pitch did. The coal tar pitch must be totally removed in case of renovation of a traditional construction..