formaldehyde

Discusses common sources of indoor air pollution in buildings and the specific pollutants emitted by each source, including combustion emissions, formaldehyde and other organic substances and radon. Also covers potential health effects and possible control techniques, including dilution by natural or mechanical ventilation.

Studies formaldehyde and other aldehydes as a function of building air exchange rates in public buildings and energy efficient research houses. Uses sequential gas bubbling systems in conjunction with a pneumatic flow control system for field sampling. Finds that concentrations of formaldehyde and aldehydes in public buildings are about the same in indoor and outdoor air because of the high ventilation rates in these buildings. However, indoor air in general has higher formaldehyde and total aliphatic aldehyde levels than outdoor air.

Describes a study of indoor air quality in 12 retrofitted houses of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Midway Substation Residential Community, undertaken by LBL and BPA. Measures effective leakage areas and average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and radon before and after retrofit. Finds average reduction in leakage area of 32%. None of the pollutants measured before or after retrofit reached levels exceeding existing guidelines.

Uses mathematical models for formaldehyde concentrations in 3 normal rooms in a single family house to estimate ventilation rates needed to maintain the formaldehyde concentration below the Danish recommended indoor standard (0.15 mg/m*3). It appears that in an initial period after the house is finished, a ventilation rate more than 10 times the recommended Scandinavian value (0.5air changes/hr) is needed to keep the concentration below the indoor standard.

Shows that recent investigation has revealed harmful pollutants in greater concentrations in energy-conserving buildings then in the surrounding outdoor air. Some of the pollutants found include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and radioactive radon. In the use of some construction materials, measures intended to reduce energy consumption may contribute to the buildup of indoor air pollution. Reviews characteristics of indoor pollutants and major methods of control.

Briefly reviews sources and types of air contaminants common in tight houses. Covers four indoor pollutants - carbon-monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves, particleboard plywood and urea-formaldehyde from insulation, and radon from various building materials.Suggests ways of lowering pollutant levels without compromising energy conservation considerations.

Presents author's impressions from 2nd International Indoor Climate Symposium at Amherst, USA, where 130 new research papers were presented. Considers pollution sources such as NO2, CO and the use of UF foam for thermal insulation.

Reviews factors affecting indoor air quality, including the effect of mildew, high concentrations of microorganisms, radon, light air ions and chemical pollutants(especially formaldehyde). These are mentioned especially inconjunction with airtight residential buildings in Sweden. Current building standards in Sweden concerning materials, airtightness, air quality and energy conservation are also reviewed, along with areas of current and proposed research in air quality.

Discusses in general terms the problem with formaldehyde in schools in Cologne, reported by Deimel (abstract no.803). Considers problems of ventilating school buildings to reduce the concentration of formaldehyde. Discusses toxicity of formaldehyde and reports a survey of 37 children from one of the Cologne schools. Measurements of formic acid and formaldehyde in the childrens' urine were made after 7 hours of exposure and after 17 exposure-free hours. Concludes that current standards should be adhered to.

Reports measurements of formaldehyde in four newly-built schools. In one school, one year after opening during the hot summer of 1976, concentrations of formaldehyde between 0.3 and 0.9ppm were measured. In another school the average concentration for almost all rooms was over the maximum for working places of 1ppm. The cause was emanation from ceiling and furniture and concentration depended on humidity, temperature and ventilation rate.