Odors and volatile organic compounds released from ventilation filters

Used supply air filters were studied by sensory and chemical methods. In addition, filter dust was examined by thermodesorption/cold trap (TCT) and headspace (HS) devices connected to a GC–MS. The prefilter was the main odor source in the ventilation unit, but when humidifier was turned on odor was released mainly from the fine filter. However, the effect of the relative humidity (RH) was only temporary. At the same time, there was an increase in the concentration of aldehydes after the filters. Aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and nitrogen-containing organic compounds were the main emission products in the thermodesorption analyses of the filter dust. Many of these compounds have low odor threshold values and, therefore, contribute to the odor released from the filters. Especially, the role of aldehydes seems to be important in the odor formation.