1C-O1-1505 PDF
Conifer-derived volatiles and forest walking
Conifer and broadleaf trees emit volatile organic compounds. The major components of conifer-derived volatile organic compounds are monoterpenes. Using solid phase microextraction fiber as adsorbant, monoterpenes were successfully detected and identified in forest air samples. Venus blood samples were obtained from 4 volunteers before and after forest walking. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry spectrum of monoterpenes in the atmosphere of a conifer forest and that of blood from forest walkers were found to be similar. α-pinene was the main constituents of monoterpenes and the concentration in the blood from volunteers (n=4) before and after walking was 2.6±1.7 and 19.4±2.1 (nM) (mean±S.E.), respectively . The results indicate that monoterpenes in the atmosphere of a conifer forest are transferred to and accumulate in the subjects by inhalation during walking.