Monoterpenes are emitted into the atmosphere from vegetation and indoor products like personal care items and building materials. Once in the atmosphere, monoterpenes undergo oxidation by ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), and nitrate radicals (NO3), forming secondary organic aerosol (SOA). These aerosols play crucial roles in the climate system, in limiting visibility, and impact human health. Aerosols reflect sunlight, contributing to a cooling of climate, and influence cloud properties. However, their small particle size enables them to penetrate deep into the lungs of humans, posing risks to cardiovascular and respiratory health.

My first project involved characterizing the gas-phase products of monoterpene oxidation, focusing on Δ-3-carene, α-pinene, β-pinene, ocimene, and limonene. Innovative techniques were developed to identify and quantify these products, including the use of tubing delay experiments with the Vocus mass spectrometer. Field studies in Los Angeles corroborated findings from the lab, highlighting the importance of both daytime and nighttime chemistry. The composition of the monoterpene oxidation products observed in the field were compared to that of the lab studies, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric VOC oxidation processes.

My second project investigated the impact of germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) irradiation on indoor VOC oxidation. GUV has been widely used for air disinfection, particularly in public settings like hospitals and schools. However, its effect on indoor air quality remains poorly understood. By irradiating air that contains common indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like limonene, in a controlled chamber, the impact of GUV light on the monoterpene ozonolysis process was studied. This work contributes to a better understanding of the implications of GUV disinfection on indoor air quality and human health and will inform strategies for improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks associated with VOC exposure in indoor environments.