The air pollution in public places, such as underground parking, campus environments recently have been paid attention by the researchers. Most research mainly focuses on common pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, while research on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is relatively scarce. Considering lots of VOCs are toxic and harmful, it is necessary to study the pollution characteristics and health risks for human beings. The study analyzed the levels of VOCs of different types, and the results showed that there are various VOCs presenting at relatively high levels in these facilities, especially alkanes and the OVOCs. The four-step health risk assessment methodology developed by the EPA was used and related data was referenced. Some certain carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to the exposed population was revealed in public places. Due to the selection of health parameters, some uncertainty in the results obtained was studied. 

Key words: Public places, VOCs, pollution characteristics, health risk assessment, uncertainty