Impact of glycol‐based solvents on indoor air quality—Artificial fog and exposure pathways of formaldehyde and various carbonyls

Artificial fog is commonly employed in the entertainment industry and indoor household celebrations. The fog is generated from glycol‐based solvents, which can also be found in e‐cigarettes and personal care products. Although potential health impacts of glycol inhalation are frequently cited by studies of e‐cigarette smoking, the dynamics and the chemical composition of glycol‐based aerosols have never been studied systematically. The objective of this work is to investigate the impact of glycol‐based aerosol on indoor air quality. Specifically, we targeted artificial fogs generated with common glycols, including propylene glycol (PG) and triethylene glycol (TEG). With the aid of a novel aerosol collecting and monitoring instrument setup, we obtained time‐resolved aerosol profiles and their chemical compositions in an experimental room. Artificial fog has given rise to a significant amount of ultra‐fine particulate matter, demonstrating its negative impact on indoor air quality. Additionally, we found a high concentration (9.75 mM) of formaldehyde and other carbonyls in fog machine fluids stored for months. These compounds are introduced to the indoor air upon artificial fog application. We propose that carbonyls have accumulated from the oxidative decomposition of glycols, initiated by OH radicals and singlet oxygens (1O2) and likely sustained by autooxidation. Oxidation of glycols by indoor oxidants has never been reported previously. Such chemical processes can represent an unrecognized source of toxic carbonyl compounds which is also applicable to other glycol‐based solvents.