The COVID-19 pandemic drove the use of cleaning products, causing organic solvent contamination in hospitality environments. This pilot study investigated the presence and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in selected hotels in four different US cities with varying star ratings at the end of the pandemic period. Targeting 139 VOCs, 57 were detected across eight groups: alcohols, halocarbons, aromatics, alkanes, terpenes, carbonyls, ethers, and esters, in the indoor air. Alcohols were the most prevalent, especially in lower-rated hotels, suggesting higher use of cleaning supplies. Elevated levels of aromatics were detected in hotels rated under three stars, with a notable disparity compared to higher-rated hotels. Additionally, alkanes and terpenes such as n-tetradecane and d-limonene were consistently detected. Health risk assessment showed concentrations of all VOCs remained below their health criteria for customers. The cumulative cancer risk was 2.25 × 10⁻⁶ for hotel workers from chronic occupational exposure to eight carcinogenic VOCs, representing 1/3 of the lifetime risk from these chemicals in the ambient air. Cancer risks from individual VOCs ranged from 0.001 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.07 × 10⁻⁶, with chloroform accounting for nearly half of the cumulative risk. The findings underscore the need for careful selection and use of furnishings and cleaning supplies and for effective indoor air pollution control and management in hotel indoor environments.

In recent years, the introduction and use of new nanomaterials in construction has increased at a rapid rate. Exterior surface paints have been a product that have had these nanomaterials added to them. In this study, the effects of natural weathering and exposure to atmospheric agents was examined to determine the detrimental effects on outdoor paint that has been created with nanomaterials. Data collected over the course of the yearlong study indicate that the nanoparticles of the titanium dioxide were eliminated rapidly. Further testing indicated that various elements of weathering were affecting the physical integrity of the paint. The weathering agents that appeared to have the greatest effect on the samples were acid deposition and total precipitation. There was a strong association between carbon monoxide and the effects on the panels. These results can lead to new plans for assessments involving the synergistic effects of all weathering agents.