Thermal desorption/gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of volatile organic compounds in the offices of smokers and nonsmokers.

The indoor air quality of the offices of smokers and nonsmokers was surveyed for volatile organic compound identities and concentrations. These results were examined to determine whether environmental tobacco smoke contamination could be distinguished from airborne pollutants outgassing from other sources. It was not possible to positively attribute volatile organic contaminants to environmental tobacco smoke. It was possible to distinguish between smokers' and nonsmokers' offices by determining airborne nicotine levels.