Abstract
The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-VOCs and their relation to health, environmental, and occupational exposure is investigated. The research in this dissertation highlights the endogenous and exogenous volatile organic compounds that are best suited as targets in health and occupational contexts. Target VOCs and the resulting breath profiles are used to produce proof of concept designs for information and diagnostic early-warning systems. Carcinogenic exogenous and semi-VOCs, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and BTX compounds (i.e., benzene, toluene, and xylene derivatives), were the subjects of exposure monitoring. These compounds were identified and quantified in the firefighter demographic, which is known to exhibit a higher incidence of certain cancers compared to the general population. Silicone-based passive sampling is used in conjunction with chemical diagnostic ratios of sorbed compounds of interest for improved exposure profiles. Endogenous volatile organic compounds result in breath profile changes within exhaled breath. In that regard, a drowsiness detection system was developed that can monitor breath profile changes with the prospect of producing a non-invasive diagnostic system to integrate into the automobile and workplace. Applications of endogenous VOCs for rapid diagnostics for disease and health through the context of breath analysis are also discussed. In both scenarios, real-time and off-line methods of sampling and analysis are utilized for determining profiles in varying matrices.
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