Guidelines for reduction of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) in newly constructed or remodeled office buildings.

In 1990 the California legislature mandated that the California Indoor Air Qualtty Program develop nonbinding guidelines for the reduction of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) from newly constructed or remodeled office buildings. This legislation was the result of concern about increasing complaints of sick building syndrome (SBS). The resulting guidelines cover all aspects of the design, construction, and operation of new or renovated buildings. They primarily apply to projects that utilize mechanical heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, although elements of the guidelines can be applied to buildings that use natural ventilation. This paper gives an overview of the contents of the guidelines.