Photochemical renoxification on commercial indoor photoactive paint

Surface chemistry plays an important role in the indoor environment owing to the large indoor surface to volume ratio. This study explores the photoreactivity of surfaces painted with a photoactive paint in the presence of NO(x). Two types of experiments are performed; illumination of painted surfaces with a nitrate deposit and illumination of painted surfaces in the presence of gaseous NO. For both types of experiments, illumination with a fluorescent bulb causes the greatest change in measured gaseous NO(x) concentrations. Results show that relative humidity and paint composition play an important role in the photoreactivity of indoor painted surfaces. Painted surfaces could contribute to gas-phase oxidant concentrations indoors.