The authors agree with the arguments by Mendell for seeking a composite index relating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and building related symptoms (BRS). The determination of the (IPSI) Indoor Pollutant Standard Index is a useful first-step for the practitioners. It provides scope for further refinement that could incorporate the relative impact of more than just one measured indoor pollutant.
The indoor environment is dynamic in nature, in particular, because of various emissionsources contributing with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Indoor air pollution is aconsequence of increased use of synthetics as building materials, cleaning and renovation ofbuilding process, constructing airtight buildings to reduce energy costs and inadequateventilation efficiency. VOCs are ubiquitous in indoor air and by far the largest group ofpollutants.
The results of an investigation into the capacity of the indoor potted-plant/growth mediummicrocosm to remove air-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contaminate theindoor environment, using three plant species, Howea forsteriana Becc. (Kentia palm),Spathiphyllum Schott. Petite (Peace Lily) and Dracaena deremensis Engl. Janet Craig arepresented. The VOCs selected were benzene and n-hexane, both common contaminants ofindoor air.
Before starting a French nationwide survey, a pilot study was conducted in 2001 on 90dwellings in three geographical areas (North, East and South of France). This survey includedmeasurements on 40 priority indoor parameters (VOC, NO2, CO, CO2, bacteria, moulds,allergens, MMMF, temperature, humidity) and questionnaires on building characteristics,occupants description and time activity diaries. The paper focuses on the chemical levelsfound in dwellings.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in a house using building materials with low chemical emission wasinvestigated for 8 months. Indoor air concentration, emission rate of aldehydes and VOCsfrom floor and wall, air change rate, temperature and relative humidity were measured toevaluate the IAQ of the house. Air change rate was measured by two methods. Indoor airconcentration and emission rate from building materials were measured at differentconstruction phases (before and after completion) and after being occupied. A questionnairewas used to examine the influence of lifestyle on IAQ.
A 3-year research project was established in 1999 to create numerical reference data forindoor air quality follow-up in new buildings. A total of 12 measurement sites, representingthe present construction practice in Finland, were chosen for investigation. Low-emittingsurface materials according to the Finnish Classification of Building Materials were used atall sites. The indoor air VOCs, formaldehyde and ammonia concentration as well as thetemperature, relative humidity and the air exchange rate were defined for the newly finishedbuilding.
The purpose of this paper is to document the potential impact on indoor air quality of outdoorozone during photochemical pollution episodes. A preliminary one-day experiment wasconducted during summer 2002 in a room of the CSTB experimental house MARIA. Ozone,VOC and aldehyde concentrations were monitored outdoors and indoors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.Outdoor ozone hourly mean concentrations increased from 30 to 100 g/m3 during the day.The indoor to outdoor ratio ranged from 0.10 to 0.25, indicating possible ozone-inducedreactions occurring indoors.
This paper describes the results of indoor air quality and ventilation rate during winter in 12Japanese houses that are suspected to be sick houses, judging from the occupants healthcondition. Three methods of measuring the ventilation rate, i.e. the PFT method, the constantconcentration method and the measurement of airflow at inlet/outlet, are compared. Each ofthe methods has its own characteristics and differences in the results obtained are shown. Forindoor air quality, formaldehyde and VOC concentration in the air and the spaces in the insidewall are measured.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a matter of public concern in Brazil. An IAQ survey wasconducted in an office building and in a commercial bank in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Indoorand outdoor air of offices was analysed due to the possibility of causing adverse effect on thehealth of the occupants. Measurements were made in a day during working hours. Sampleswere collected for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total volatile organic compounds(TVOCs), aldehydes, total particulate matter (TPM) and microbiological analysis.
Formic acid and acetic acid are indoor air pollutants that will engage in corrosion or othermaterial deterioration processes. Objects attacked by these compounds can be destroyedbeyond rescue by any conservation treatment. This is a special concern in the museumenvironment, as these acids are emitted from a range of display construction materials,including wood products. It is demonstrated that high concentrations of those acids can beobtained in confined spaces, such as cases, which often are characterized by a low airexchange rate and a high inner surface to volume ratio.
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