Presenter Bio: Stephen Froelicher
Dr. Steve Froelicher is a Senior Scientist at Enthalpy Analytical. Dr. Froelicher received a B.S. in Chemistry from Northern Kentucky University and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University. His thesis work involved the use of Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry to study gas phase ion-molecule reactions. Steve worked in the Analytical Lab at Dow Chemical for 20 years. Steve has worked at Prism Analytical and now Enthalpy Analytical since 2011 and his interests include understanding and correlating VOC sources, improving and developing new methods for VOC analysis, improving actively growing mold VOC detection. and educational awareness of VOCs for the air testing community. Dr. Froelicher has also been an Adjunct Chemistry Lecturer at local universities for the past twenty-five years.
Presentation Description:
A significant number of requests for analysis of indoor air come because of sudden changes in air quality. These changes may involve appearance of a sudden odor or a general increase in VOCs originating from new building construction or renovation for example. The air quality changes can lead to respiratory discomfort and health changes in affected individuals.
Several case studies will be presented to illustrate the changes observed in air quality following painting and following application of spray foam insulation. VOC excursions above the normal baseline of a room were monitored and the decay of the VOC signals over time were measured. Factors affecting time of recovery back to a new room baseline will be discussed.