The inventory of organics in the air of a ten year old office building shows a wide variety of natural and synthetical volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although 240 employees consume 1200 - 1500 cigarettes per day, the effective ventilation system reduces the ETS rapidly, however, aromatic hydrocarbons and some natural compounds still remain in the air in the higher μg/m3-range. Systematic analyses of volatile compounds of all cleansers used shows that they are sources of higher limonene amounts. Aromatics entered by way of "fresh air'' intake near the parking entrance at street level.
Many people are concerned about the emission potential of various furnishings, especially those of synthetic construction, placed in modern offices. Many IAQ professionals have blamed some of these furnishings for high levels of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. A researcher for Steelcase.
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