Occupational exposure and health risks of volatile organic compounds of hotel housekeepers: Field measurements of exposure and health risks

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Air change rates were estimated with CO2 as a natural tracer gas and the decay method, using at least two decay curves per space that showed at least 100 ppm change and an approximately expected exponential decline.

“Air change rates (ACRs) were estimated for the break, guest and laundry rooms using CO2 as a “natural” tracer gas and the decay method [37, 38].”

• Also stated in: § Data analysis · plain

  “We used as many decay curves as possible (at least two curves) for each space, selecting curves that had at least 100 ppm change and that followed (at least roughly) the expected declining exponential trend.”

• cites [37] sourceSupported
• cites [38] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Personal exposure measurements usually exceed indoor or area sampling levels; in hotels, this may be because housekeepers work in close, direct contact with cleaning agents.

“This omission is important since personal measurements typically exceed levels measured using indoor or area sampling; in hotels, this may result due to housekeepers’ close and direct contact with cleaning agents [25].”

• cites [25] sourcePartly supported

  The Results and discussion section (page unavailable) reports that personal VOC measurements in nail salons generally exceeded area measurements, particularly for chemicals associated with salon products. The paper does not study hotels or housekeepers, so it does not establish that direct contact with cleaning agents explains their exposures. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Much higher formaldehyde levels have been reported in Chinese hotel rooms, including 60-290 μg/m3, 114 μg/m3 in new hotels, 140 μg/m3 in newly furnished rooms, and 10 μg/m3 in older rooms.

“Much higher formaldehyde levels have been reported in Chinese hotel rooms, e.g., 60–290 μg/m3 [51], 114 μg/m3 in new hotels [22], 140 μg/m3 in newly furnished rooms, and 10 μg/m3 in older rooms [52].”

• cites [51] sourceCould not verify

  Citation [22] is attached specifically to the claim of 114 μg/m³ in new Chinese hotels. The Evaluation of Data table reports 29.7 μg/m³ for Chinese hotel ballrooms, but that is a different setting; searches for 114 μg/m³ and new hotel rooms found no matching passage in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.76)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [22] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [52] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In 126 homes in Detroit, TTVOC concentrations averaged 150 μg/m3 (range 14-2274 μg/m3).

“For example, in 126 homes in Detroit, Michigan, USA, TTVOC concentrations averaged 150 μg/m3 (range: 14−2274 μg/m3) [31].”

• cites [31] sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Chlorinated compounds include relatively non-polar solvents that are also found in cleansing agents.

“Chlorinated compounds include relatively non-polar solvents that are also found in cleansing agents [70],”

• cites [70] sourceCould not verify

  The discussion of tap-water contaminants (pp. 47–50) addresses exposure to chloroform and trichloroethene, but does not describe them as relatively non-polar solvents or say they are found in cleansing agents. Searches for those terms and for cleaning agents found no passage supporting that description; a reference to dry cleaners does not establish the claim. (LLM, conf=0.75)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the US EPA and as a human carcinogen by IARC; it is associated with nasopharynx, sinonasal, and leukemia cancers.

“Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the US EPA [89] and as a human carcinogen by the IARC [90, 91]; it is associated with nasopharynx, sinonasal and leukemia cancers [92].”

• cites [89] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [90]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [91] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [92] sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Formaldehyde is a widespread indoor air pollutant affecting homes, schools, and many other environments.

“formaldehyde, which is a widespread indoor air pollutant affecting homes, schools and many other environments [93–95].”

• cites [93] sourceSupported
• cites [94] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [95]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Office workers had the highest personal methylene chloride concentrations (22 μg/m3), close to the lobby concentration (28 μg/m3).

“Methylene chloride was found in all personal and lobby samples in winter (average of 7.5 ± 2.5 μg/m3 among housekeepers), and office workers had the highest personal concentrations, 22 μg/m3, just similar to the lobby level (28 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

Hexanal was detected in two guest room samples and two laundry room samples, with higher concentrations in guest rooms than laundry rooms.

“Hexanal was found in two guest room samples and two laundry room samples; the level in the guest rooms was higher than in the laundry rooms.”

May combine two claims.

Benzene was detected in 91% of indoor samples and 82% of personal samples.

“Benzene was found in most indoor and personal samples (91 and 82%), and a room cleaner had the highest personal measurement (3.0 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

Toluene was the main BTEX component, averaging 6.6 ± 3.7 μg/m3 among laundry workers.

“Toluene was the dominant BTEX component (6.6 ± 3.7 μg/m3 for laundry workers), and this compound was found in most indoor and personal samples (both 73%); a laundry worker had the highest personal measurement (9.2 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

1,4-Dichlorobenzene was detected only in room cleaners' personal samples, averaging 0.3 μg/m3.

“1,4-dichlorobenzene was found only in personal samples of room cleaners (average of 0.3 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

Outdoor TTVOC concentrations were low and often below method detection limits.

“TTVOC levels did not vary significantly across rooms (p = 0.8), and outdoor levels were low, frequently below MDLs.”

May combine two claims.

Hexanal was detected in nine room cleaner samples and one laundry worker sample, mostly in winter.

“Hexanal was found in 9 room cleaner samples and one laundry worker sample, mostly during winter sampling.”

May combine two claims.

BTEX concentrations were higher in guest and laundry rooms (4.4 ± 3.3 μg/m3) and lower in the lobby (0.7 ± 0.05 μg/m3).

“BTEX levels were higher in guest and laundry rooms (4.4 ± 3.3 μg/m3) and lower in the lobby (0.7 ± 0.05 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

In winter, methylene chloride was detected in all personal and lobby samples, averaging 7.5 ± 2.5 μg/m3 among housekeepers.

“Methylene chloride was found in all personal and lobby samples in winter (average of 7.5 ± 2.5 μg/m3 among housekeepers), and office workers had the highest personal concentrations, 22 μg/m3, just similar to the lobby level (28 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

Laundry room chloroform concentrations averaged 4.0 μg/m3, significantly higher than elsewhere (average 0.04 μg/m3, p = 0.02).

“Chloroform averaged 4.0 μg/m3 in the laundry room, significantly higher than at other locations (average of 0.04 μg/m3, p = 0.02), and personal measurements averaged 3.3 μg/m3 among the laundry workers, although this was not significantly higher than other workers.”

May combine two claims.

Indoor TTVOC concentrations averaged 28 ± 15 μg/m3, with seasonal variation from 19 ± 2 μg/m3 in spring to 43 ± 24 μg/m3 in summer.

“For the indoor samples, TTVOC levels averaged 28 ± 15 μg/m3 and varied seasonally (p = 0.06) from 19 ± 2 μg/m3 in spring to 43 ± 24 μg/m3 in summer.”

May combine two claims.

TTVOC concentrations did not differ significantly by worker group, season, or hotel.

“TTVOC levels did not vary by worker group (p = 0.8), season (p = 0.4), or hotel (p = 0.2).”

May combine two claims.

Heptanal and octanal were detected only in room cleaners, averaging 0.8 and 1.5 μg/m3, respectively.

“Among personal samples, heptanal and octanal were detected in only room cleaners, averaging 0.8 and 1.5 μg/m3, respectively.”

May combine two claims.

Indoor BTEX concentrations varied by season (p = 0.09), with higher summer levels (6.0 ± 3.9 μg/m3) than other seasons (1.9 ± 1.6 μg/m3, p < 0.05).

“Levels of the BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) varied seasonally in indoor samples (p = 0.09), and were higher in summer (6.0 ± 3.9 μg/m3) than in other seasons (1.9 ± 1.6 μg/m3, p < 0.05).”

May combine two claims.

Laundry workers' personal chloroform concentrations averaged 3.3 μg/m3, not significantly higher than other workers.

“Chloroform averaged 4.0 μg/m3 in the laundry room, significantly higher than at other locations (average of 0.04 μg/m3, p = 0.02), and personal measurements averaged 3.3 μg/m3 among the laundry workers, although this was not significantly higher than other workers.”

May combine two claims.

Pentanal was detected in all guest rooms, averaging 4.4 ± 2.7 μg/m3, significantly higher than at other indoor sites (1.0 μg/m3, p < 0.05).

“Pentanal was found in all guest rooms, averaging 4.4 ± 2.7 μg/m3, significantly higher than other indoor sites (1.0 μg/m3, p < 0.05).”

May combine two claims.

Toluene was detected in 73% of indoor samples and 73% of personal samples.

“Toluene was the dominant BTEX component (6.6 ± 3.7 μg/m3 for laundry workers), and this compound was found in most indoor and personal samples (both 73%); a laundry worker had the highest personal measurement (9.2 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

Formaldehyde concentrations averaged 10 ± 6 μg/m3 in break rooms and 14 ± 6 μg/m3 in laundry rooms.

“Formaldehyde, a toxic aldehyde, averaged 10 ± 6 and 14 ± 6 μg/m3 in the break and laundry rooms, respectively.”

May combine two claims.

Limonene and α-pinene were detected in most samples, and personal concentrations were much higher than indoor concentrations.

“Among the terpenoid VOCs, limonene and α-pinene were found in most samples, and personal levels were considerably higher than the indoor samples.”

May combine two claims.

PCA using guest room and room cleaner VOC levels in Hotel 1 produced 9 factors and many overlapping VOC groups.

“PCA results obtained using guest room and room cleaner VOC levels in Hotel 1 (Table S4) yielded 9 factors and many overlapping VOC groups,”

May combine two claims.

Relative humidity was not consistently maintained in the comfort range of 30-60%, peaking at 63 ± 7% in summer and falling to 21 ± 3% in winter.

“In contrast, the RH was not consistently maintained in the comfort range (30−60%) [42], peaking to 63 ± 7% in summer and falling to 21 ± 3% in the winter heating season.”

• cites [42] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Terpene concentrations in the break room averaged 7.5 ± 6.7 μg/m3, slightly above other indoor sites at 0.9 ± 1.0 μg/m3 (p = 0.09).

“Terpenes averaged 7.5 ± 6.7 μg/m3 in the break room, slightly higher than at other indoor sites (0.9 ± 1.0 μg/m3, p = 0.09).”

May combine two claims.

Alkanes were the dominant VOC in glass cleaner, comprising 79% and mainly n-hexadecane.

“Alkanes were the dominant (79%) VOC in the glass cleaner (mainly n-hexadecane, Figure S2 and Table S5).”

May combine two claims.

The break room ACR was higher at 2.8 h−1 and most variable (COV = 57% in summer).

“The ACR in the break room was higher, 2.8 h−1, and the most variable (COV = 57% in summer).”

May combine two claims.

Formaldehyde concentrations were relatively low but exceeded the US EPA reference value.

“Formaldehyde concentrations were also relatively low, although they exceeded the US EPA reference value.”

May combine two claims.

Personal VOC concentrations exceeded indoor concentrations, with personal samples about twice indoor levels.

“Overall, VOC levels in personal samples exceeded levels in the indoor samples.”

• Also stated in: § Factors influencing VOC level · plain

  “Personal samples had almost twice the concentrations of VOCs than the indoor samples.”

• Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain

  “Concentrations measured using personal sampling were about twice those of the indoor sampling.”

May combine two claims.

Temperatures in the connected lobby and break rooms were similar and did not vary seasonally; temperatures in laundry and guest rooms correlated with outdoor temperatures.

“Temperatures in the connected lobby and break rooms were similar and did not vary seasonally; temperatures in the laundry and guest rooms, which are separate and independent spaces, were correlated with outdoor temperatures (Table 2).”

May combine two claims.

TTVOC concentrations in detergent, booster, and fabric softener were 96, 0.1, and 35 μg/mL, respectively.

“TTVOC concentrations in detergent, booster and fabric softener were 96, 0.1 and 35 μg/mL, respectively.”

May combine two claims.

TTVOC levels in dust, floor, glass, and smoke cleaners were 0.3, 1.0, 0.2, and 69 μg/mL, respectively.

“and TTVOC levels were 0.3, 1.0, 0.2 and 69 μg/mL in the dust, floor, glass and smoke cleaners, respectively.”

May combine two claims.

Compared with US offices, the study found similar BTEX, styrene, and terpene levels, somewhat lower formaldehyde, and higher chloroform especially in laundry rooms.

“In comparison to studies in US offices, we found similar levels of BTEX, styrene and terpenes, somewhat lower formaldehyde levels, and higher chloroform levels, especially in laundry rooms.”

May combine two claims.

In the two hotels, indoor and personal TTVOC averaged 28 and 57 μg/m3; BTEX averaged 3.0 and 3.8 μg/m3; and toluene averaged 1.7 and 2.3 μg/m3.

“Overall, we found low VOC levels in the two hotels, e.g., indoor and personal samples averaged 28 and 57 μg/m3 for TTVOC, respectively; BTEX averaged 3.0 and 3.8 μg/m3; and toluene averaged 1.7 and 2.3 μg/m3.”

May combine two claims.

The laundry room ACR was similar at 2.6 h−1 and changed seasonally, lower in summer than winter or spring (p = 0.04).

“The ACR in the laundry room was similar, 2.6 h−1, and changed seasonally (lower in summer compared to winter or spring, p = 0.04).”

May combine two claims.

Several halohydrocarbons were detected in fabric softener and booster (0.09 and 0.01 μg/mL) but not in detergent.

“Several halohydrocarbons were detected in the fabric softener and booster (0.09 and 0.01 μg/mL), but not in the detergent.”

May combine two claims.

Most (>68%) of the cancer risk was due to formaldehyde, followed by chloroform and benzene.

“Most (>68%) of the CR is due to formaldehyde, followed by chloroform and benzene (Table 3).”

May combine two claims.

The most prevalent VOCs in detergent were alkanes (87 μg/mL, primarily n-tetradecane), consistent with personal samples of laundry workers.

“The most prevalent VOCs in detergent were alkanes (87 μg/mL, primarily n-tetradecane), which is consistent with the composition of personal samples of laundry workers (Figure 1).”

May combine two claims.

The dominant VOCs in laundry products were alkanes in detergent, terpenes in fabric softener, and aldehydes in booster.

“The dominant VOCs in these products were alkanes (detergent), terpenes (fabric softener) and aldehydes (booster; Table S5 and Figure S2).”

May combine two claims.

ACRs in guest rooms averaged 1.5 h−1 and did not vary by season.

“Based on the decay models, ACRs in guest rooms averaged 1.5 h−1 and did not vary by season.”

May combine two claims.

All cleaning products in this study contained terpenes, averaging 13 μg/mL (40% of TTVOCs); the smoke remover contained 64 μg/mL.

“All cleaning products in this study contained terpenes, averaging 13 μg/mL (40% of TTVOCs); the smoke remover contained 64 μg/mL.”

May combine two claims.

The estimated average ACR was 2.5 hr−1 (range 0.6-3.7 hr−1), similar to previous studies.

“We estimated an average ACR of 2.5 hr−1 (range: 0.6–3.7 hr−1), similar to previous studies [22, 76–78].”

• cites [22] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [76] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [77] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [78] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Most (82-86%) indoor and personal samples contained terpenes, with average levels of 2.7 and 7.7 μg/m3, respectively.

“Most (82−86%) of the indoor and personal samples contained terpenes, with an average level of 2.7 and 7.7 μg/m3, respectively.”

May combine two claims.

The studied hotels were near busy roads and other VOC sources (e.g., gas station about 200 m distant), outdoor VOC levels were low (benzene did not exceed 0.8 μg/m3), and no combustion sources in the hotels were observed.

“While the studied hotels were near busy roads and other VOC sources (e.g., gas station ~200 m distant), outdoor VOC levels were low (e.g., benzene levels did not exceed 0.8 μg/m3), and no combustion sources in the studied hotels were observed.”

May combine two claims.

No significant difference in BTEX concentrations was found between smoking and non-smoking workers, or between workers reporting passive smoke exposure and others.

“We found no significant difference in BTEX concentrations among smoking and non-smoking workers, or between workers that reported exposure to passive smoke (cleaning rooms with tobacco odors) and others.”

May combine two claims.

All tested cleaning products contained alkanes with an average proportion of 35% (91% in laundry detergent and 79% in glass cleaner).

“All of the tested cleaning products contained alkanes with an average proportion of 35% (91 and 79% in the laundry detergent and glass cleaner, respectively).”

May combine two claims.

Methylene chloride was not found in any cleaning products but was found in the lobby and personal samples of office workers.

“Methylene chloride was not found in any cleaning products, but this compound was found in the lobby and in personal samples of office workers (often staying in the office and lobby).”

May combine two claims.

Airborne terpene levels were low in the study and no seasonal differences were observed.

“however, airborne terpene levels were low in the study and no seasonal differences were observed (ozone increases in the summer).”

May combine two claims.

The hotels had smoke-free policies, although room cleaners reported tobacco odors in some rooms and some workers smoked outside during break time.

“As noted, the hotels had “smoke-free” policies although room cleaners reported tobacco odors in some rooms, and some workers smoked outside during break time.”

May combine two claims.

Most indoor and personal samples (91-95%) contained alkanes, which averaged 33-42% of TTVOC concentrations.

“Most indoor and personal samples (91−95%) contained alkanes, which averaged 33−42% of TTVOC concentrations.”

May combine two claims.

Alkanes were one of the dominant VOC groups in indoor and personal samples and a relatively large contributor (35%) in cleaning products.

“As mentioned, alkanes were one of the dominant VOC groups in indoor and personal samples and a relatively large contributor (35%) in cleaning products.”

May combine two claims.

In Hotel 1, dryers operated only in winter, when ACR was 3.7 hr−1 compared with 2.9 and 1.4 hr−1 in spring and summer.

“In Hotel 1, the dryers operated only in the winter sampling period, when we determined a relatively high ACR of 3.7 hr−1 (compared to 2.9 and 1.4 hr−1 in spring and summer, respectively).”

May combine two claims.

Workers in the studied hotels were exposed to low VOC levels, which resulted in low health risks from VOC exposure.

“Workers in the studied hotels were exposed to low levels of VOCs, which resulted in low health risks from VOC exposure.”

May combine two claims.

Cancer risk exceeded recommended guidelines (1 × 10−6 excess lifetime cancer risk), largely due to formaldehyde.

“In addition, we did find that cancer risk exceeded recommended guidelines (1 × 10−6 of excess lifetime cancer risk), largely due to formaldehyde,”

May combine two claims.

Cleaning products, especially laundry products, contained a number of aromatic compounds, and bleach use was an important chloroform source.

“Cleaning products (especially laundry products) contained a number of aromatic compounds, and the use of bleach was an important chloroform source.”

May combine two claims.

The purge duration and other method parameters were optimized to capture at least 90% of VOCs in samples, verified by repeated back-to-back tests.

“The purge duration and other method parameters were optimized to collect at least 90% of VOCs present in the samples, as determined in repeated (back-to-back) tests of the same sample.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The University of Michigan IRB approved the study protocols and consent forms.

“study protocols, consent forms, and other study aspects were approved by the University of Michigan IRB office.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Most compounds had recovery rates between 80% and 120%.

“Recovery rates for most compounds ranged between 80 and 120%.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Laboratory blanks and duplicates, 43% of samples, were obtained during cleaning product testing.

“Laboratory blanks and duplicates (43% of samples) were also obtained when testing the cleaning products.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

All participants provided written informed consent.

“Written informed consent in Spanish or English was obtained from all participants”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Daily check results differed from calibration results by less than 30%.

“A freshly loaded adsorbent tube injected with 10 ng of standards was analyzed daily, and differences between the daily checks and calibration results were within 30%.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The mean hourly wage for hotel housekeeping is $12.30, making it a low-wage occupation.

“Hotel housekeeping is a low-wage occupation, with a mean hourly wage of $12.30 [1].”

• cites [1]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Product labels generally do not list the complete chemical composition of cleaning products, and fragrance chemicals need not be disclosed.

“We also note that the full chemical composition of cleaning products generally is not listed on product labels. Chemical disclosure is not required for the fragrances used in many products, which may be composed of mixtures of dozens to hundreds of chemicals [19–21].”

• cites [19] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [20] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [21] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Method detection limits ranged from 0.02 to 2.5 μg/m3.

“Method detection limits (MDLs), determined as the standard deviation of seven replicate low concentration injections multiplied by 3.707 [34], ranged from 0.02 to 2.5 μg/m3.”

• cites [34]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Blanks showed trace contamination below 8 ng for 10 compounds, and blank-corrected results were used for those compounds.

“Trace level contamination (<8 ng) was detected in blanks for 10 compounds (methylene chloride, hexane, benzene, toluene, hexanal, ethylbenzene, p-, m-xylene, styrene, nonanal, and naphthalene); blank-corrected results were used for these compounds.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Multipoint calibrations were performed.

“Multipoint calibrations (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 ng) were performed.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The hospitality sector is the third largest US industry, employing 1.8 million workers, and hotel housekeepers are its largest workforce.

“Hotel housekeepers are the largest workforce in the hospitality industry, which is the third largest industry in the US with 1.8 million workers [1].”

• cites [1]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Hotel housekeepers are a large, low-income, predominantly minority workforce at high risk.

“Hotel housekeepers represent a large, low-income, predominantly minority, and high-risk workforce.”

• Also stated in: § INTRODUCTION · plain

  “Hotel housekeepers represent a low-income, minority and high-risk group that has garnered little attention.”

• cites [1]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [2]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [3] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [4]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Field blanks and duplicates, about 10% of samples, were used on each field sampling day.

“Field blanks and duplicates, representing about 10% of samples, were utilized during each field sampling day.”

May combine two claims.

Reference concentrations and unit risk values were obtained from the US EPA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

“Parameters including the RfC and UR values (Table S2) were obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [35] and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy [36].”

• cites [35]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [36]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Immigrant women, people of color, and contingent workers make up most hotel housekeepers.

“Most hotel housekeepers are immigrant women, people of color and contingent workers [2, 3].”

• cites [2]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [3] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

True duplicates had an average coefficient of variation of 39% across all detected analytes and 22% for analytes above 5 μg/m3.

“The coefficient of variation (COV) of true duplicates averaged 39% across all analytes detected, and the COV was 22% for analytes detected at concentrations above 5 μg/m3.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Formaldehyde was monitored every 30 minutes with a sensor having a 6 μg/m3 limit of detection.

“Formaldehyde was monitored every 30-min using a colorimetric/photoelectric sensor (FM-801, GrayWolf Sensing Solutions, Shelton, Connecticut, USA). This instrument has a limit of detection (LOD) of 6 μg/m3.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

These formaldehyde measurements frequently exceed the US EPA reference value of 9.8 μg/m3.

“These measurements frequently exceed the US EPA reference value of 9.8 μg/m3 (non-cancer RfC for chronic inhalation exposure) [35].”

• cites [35]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

n-Nonane is associated with eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation and central nervous system effects, but not cancer.

“which is associated with eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation and central nervous system effects, but not cancer [43].”

• cites [43]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Chloroform is a common byproduct of bleach, which is used liberally in hotels, and is also a water disinfection byproduct volatilized from tap water.

“however, this is a common byproduct of bleach, which is used liberally in hotels [10, 39]; chloroform is also a water disinfection byproduct that is volatilized from tap water, particularly from showers and dishwashers [40, 41].”

• cites [10] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [39]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [40] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [41] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The negative ACR-TTVOC association confirms indoor VOC sources and suggests appropriate ventilation rates are important.

“This association confirms the presence of indoor VOC sources (outdoor sources would not display this relationship), and it suggests the importance of appropriate ventilation rates.”

May combine two claims.

The only identified US hotel study sampled exhaust air in a large atrium hotel and reported TTVOC 1125 μg/m3 and toluene 6.2 μg/m3.

“In the US, the only hotel study identified sampled exhaust air in a large atrium hotel and reported TTVOC levels of 1125 μg/m3 (27 compounds, aldehydes excluded) and toluene levels of 6.2 μg/m3 [46].”

• cites [46] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the US hotel exhaust air sample, formaldehyde averaged 28 μg/m3.

“In the US hotel (exhaust air sample), formaldehyde averaged 28 μg/m3 [46].”

• cites [46] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Samples from 10 retail shops in a large shopping center (2002-2004) had high toluene and xylene (144 and 3.5 μg/m3) but slightly lower chloroform, methylene chloride, heptane, and hexane than the present study.

“Samples collected at 10 retail shops in a large shopping center from 2002–2004 had high levels of toluene and xylene (144 and 3.5 μg/m3, respectively), but slightly lower levels of chloroform, methylene chloride, heptane and hexane (0.5, 0.8, 1.8 and 3.2 μg/m3) than the present study [56].”

• cites [56] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The higher personal limonene among office workers may be due to storage of cleaning products and folding laundry in the break room.

“this may reflect the storage of cleaning products and folding of laundry in the break room.”

May combine two claims.

VOC levels in hotels and exposures among hotel housekeepers have received little attention.

“While VOC levels have been characterized in many buildings, levels in hotels and exposures among hotel housekeepers have received little attention.”

May combine two claims.

The VOC measurements reflect low outdoor concentrations and few strong indoor sources.

“The VOC measurements reflect both low outdoor concentrations, particularly in comparison to the hotel studies in China that were conducted in polluted industrial areas, as well as few strong indoor sources.”

May combine two claims.

ACRs derived from CO2 may incompletely account for interzonal flows; this is unlikely to affect guest and laundry room estimates but may affect break room estimates because its door was usually open to the lobby.

“In addition, ACRs derived using CO2 may incompletely account for interzonal flows (from other interior spaces); this is unlikely to affect estimates for the guest and laundry rooms; however, since the break room door was usually opened to the lobby, break room ACR estimates may be affected.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

ACR estimates are approximate because measurements can be affected by occupancy changes, HVAC operation, door opening or closing, and weather.

“The ACRs are approximate for several reasons, e.g., measurements can be affected by changes in occupancy, HVAC system operation, opening or closing of doors, and the weather during the measurement period.”

May combine two claims.

VOC levels in the studied hotels reflect building age (26 years), lack of new furnishings and recent renovation (last 2012), and ACRs sufficient to dilute indoor emissions.

“VOC levels in the studied hotels reflect the buildings’ age (26 years old), the lack of new furnishings and recent or ongoing renovation activities (last renovation was in 2012), and ACRs sufficient to dilute indoor emissions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Restaurants had higher BTEX and sometimes chloroform, especially near cooking stoves.

“Restaurants had higher levels of BTEX and sometimes chloroform, especially near cooking stoves in dining areas, for example, at Korean barbeque restaurants [54, 55].”

• cites [54] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [55] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Several studies in industrial areas of China reported high indoor BTEX and TTVOC levels and high outdoor levels averaging 420 μg/m3.

“Several studies conducted in industrial areas in China have reported high indoor BTEX and TTVOC levels (even though relatively few target VOCs were included) as well as high outdoor levels (averaging 420 μg/m3) [22–24].”

• cites [22] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [23] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [24] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In hostels in New Delhi, India, TTVOC levels averaged 120 μg/m3.

“In hostels in New Delhi, India, TTVOC levels (11 target compounds) averaged 120 μg/m3 [45].”

• cites [45]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Personal samples of hospital housekeepers showed relatively low VOC concentrations (geometric mean 16 ppb for 11 target VOCs).

“Personal samples of housekeepers at hospitals showed relatively low VOC concentrations (geometric mean of 16 ppb for 11 target VOCs) [57].”

• cites [57] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In California offices, individual VOC levels ranged from non-detect to over 1000 μg/m3.

“In offices in California, levels of individual VOCs ranged from non-detect to over 1000 μg/m3 [48, 49].”

• cites [48] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [49] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The PCA results are limited by the sample size.

“The PCA results are also limited by the sample size.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Formaldehyde typical mean levels are about 20 μg/m3 in US stores, restaurants, and residences, and about 60 μg/m3 in mobile homes.

“Formaldehyde has been measured in many buildings with typical (e.g., mean) levels of ~20 μg/m3 in US stores, restaurants and residences, and higher levels, ~60 μg/m3, in mobile homes [50].”

• cites [50] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The exhaust air in that US hotel study included bathroom exhaust, which may be atypical of indoor levels.

“However, the exhaust air included bathroom exhaust, which may be atypical of indoor levels.”

May combine two claims.

The significant association between room temperature and indoor TTVOC level suggests seasonal factors and temperature are important, likely due to increased volatility.

“The significant association between room temperature and indoor TTVOC level suggested the importance of seasonal factors and temperature, likely due to increased volatility.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In hotels and many other buildings, ACRs depend on mechanical system design and operation, infiltration rates, building design, and other factors.

“In hotels and many other buildings, ACRs depend on the design and operation of the mechanical systems, infiltration rates (which depend on indoor-outdoor temperature differences and wind speed [79]), building design, and other factors.”

• cites [79] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

In guest and break rooms, ACRs did not vary by season and were likely governed by the HVAC system.

“In the guest and break rooms, ACRs did not vary by season and was likely governed by the HVAC system.”

May combine two claims.

Higher BTEX in laundry and guest rooms, higher personal concentrations of laundry workers, and presence of BTEX in cleaning products suggest cleaning products are an important source of BTEX (especially toluene) in hotels.

“The higher levels of BTEX compounds found in laundry and guest rooms, the higher personal concentrations of laundry workers, and the presence of BTEX compounds in cleaning products suggest that cleaning products are an important source of BTEX (especially toluene) in hotels.”

May combine two claims.

The large amount of bedding and towels in hotels, even with low formaldehyde, will contribute to housekeeper exposures, though several washings are expected to substantially decrease emissions.

“Still, the large amount of bedding and towels used in hotels that contain even low levels of formaldehyde will contribute to housekeeper exposures, although several washings are expected to substantially decrease emissions [65].”

• cites [65] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which may induce adverse health effects, even those labeled organic, green, or all natural.

“Fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which may induce adverse health effects, even those labeled as “organic”, “green” or “all natural” [72].”

• cites [72]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Break rooms and office workers had high n-tetradecane levels, probably from stacked clean towels and laundry detergent.

“Break rooms and office workers had high levels of n-tetradecane, probably from the stacked clean towels and the laundry detergent.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Formaldehyde emissions have been reduced in past decades due to manufacturing changes and standards.

“In past decades, formaldehyde emissions have been reduced due to manufacturing changes and standards [63, 64].”

• cites [63] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [64]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

At high exposures not found in this study, chloroform can cause central nervous system effects, respiratory depression, delayed hepatotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, and reproductive effects.

“At high exposures (not found in this study), chloroform can cause central nervous system effects, respiratory depression, delayed hepatotoxicity [83], kidney and liver damage, and reproductive effects [84, 85].”

• cites [83]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [84] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [85] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Methylene chloride sources include products such as paint stripper.

“Methylene chloride sources include products such as paint stripper [71].”

• cites [71] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

A large amount of bleach was used for laundry and room cleaning, suggesting the importance of this source and possibly tap water.

“A large amount of bleach were used for laundry and room cleaning, suggesting the importance of this source [10, 68] and possibly tap water, which frequently contains chloroform as a disinfection byproduct [69].”

• cites [10] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [68] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [69] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Hazard ratios below one suggest a low likelihood of adverse effects, although a HR threshold of 0.1 is sometimes used for extra safety.

“which suggest a low likelihood of adverse effects, although a HR threshold of 0.1 is sometimes used to provide an extra margin of safety [82].”

• cites [82]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Formaldehyde is a possible reaction product between terpenes in cleaning and laundry products and ozone.

“Formaldehyde is also a possible reaction product between terpenes in cleaning and laundry products and ozone [13];”

• cites [13] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Alkanes are in numerous indoor products such as paints, solvents, pesticides, oils, lubricants, and detergents.

“Alkanes are in numerous products used indoors, e.g., paints, solvents, pesticides, oils and lubricants; in addition, they are used in the production of detergents [58–60].”

• cites [58] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [59] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [60]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Although VOC levels were not high, indoor levels exceeded outdoor levels and the negative association with ACRs indicate that VOCs primarily arose from indoor sources.

“Although VOC levels were not high, indoor levels exceeded outdoor levels and the negative association with ACRs indicate that VOCs primarily arose from indoor sources.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

BTEX compounds are often an indicator of combustion emissions and gasoline vapors, such as traffic, gas stations, and industry.

“BTEX compounds are often an indicator of combustion emissions and gasoline vapors, e.g., traffic, gas stations, industry [66, 67].”

• cites [66] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [67] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Formaldehyde is used in numerous products including paper, fabrics, and synthetic fibers.

“Formaldehyde also is used in numerous products including paper, fabrics and synthetic fibers [62].”

• cites [62] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Formaldehyde emissions from building materials and furnishings are well recognized.

“Formaldehyde emissions from building materials and furnishings are well recognized [61].”

• cites [61] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The health risk estimates are preliminary or screening level, based on short-term measurements of a small number of hotel workers.

“We present preliminary or screening level estimates of health risks that are attributable to VOC inhalation based on short-term measurements of a small number of hotel workers.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The lack of elevated personal chloroform among laundry workers may be because they did not remain in the laundry room as their work included collecting unwashed items in all rooms.

“possibly because these workers did not remain in the laundry room as their work included collecting unwashed items in all rooms.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Due to constraints including hotel manager's decisions, repeated and seasonal measurements were not obtained in one hotel.

“Due to constraints including the hotel manager’s decisions, repeated and seasonal measurements were not obtained in one hotel.”

May combine two claims.

Chloroform is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the US EPA and as possibly carcinogenic to humans by IARC; it is associated with kidney, liver, and bladder tumors.

“Chloroform is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the US EPA [86] and as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [87]; it is associated with kidney, liver and bladder tumors [87, 88].”

• cites [86] sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [87]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [88]Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

A smaller set of formaldehyde measurements limited ability to estimate distributions and analyze personal exposures; formaldehyde measurements may be underestimated due to high LOD (6 μg/m3).

“A smaller set of formaldehyde measurements was obtained, which limited our ability to estimate distributions and analyze personal exposures; also, formaldehyde measurements may be underestimated due to the relatively high LOD (6 μg/m3).”

May combine two claims.

The study had a small sample size that incompletely accounts for temporal and geographical variability; analyses of specific work sites or work groups may be particularly hindered.

“We recognized limitations due to the study’s small sample size, which incompletely accounts for temporal and geographical variability; analyses of specific work sites or work groups (e.g., maintenance workers) may be particularly hindered by this issue.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The study did not evaluate occupational risks and hazards other than VOC exposures.

“We did not evaluate occupational risks and hazards other than from VOC exposures; ergonomic and other concerns are also important.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

ACR estimates derived from CO2 measurements are approximate, although the decay method can provide robust results.

“The ACR estimates derived from CO2 measurements are approximate, although the decay method can provide robust results.”