Briefly reviews ways of reducing levels of pollutant in the house. Concludes that the best method is to ensure adequate ventilation. Considers how this can be done whilst still conserving energy including the use of mechanical ventilation systems with heat exchangers in tight houses. Concludes that making houses tighter as an energy conservation measure should be approached with caution, as the identification of indoor pollutants and the introduction of indoor air quality standards is still in its infancy.
Presents a mathematical model of the formaldehyde concentrations in rooms containing particle boards with known emission rates of formaldehyde. Tests the model in 3 rooms in a new house. Finds agreement within +-15% between calculated and measured formaldehyde concentrations in the rooms before painting and without furniture, carpets etc. Concludes that the combined mathematical model and the analytical method may be suitable for the classification of particle boards according to their emission of formaldehyde and for predictions of formaldehyde concentrations in the indoor environment.
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