Measurements of aldehydes and VOCs in a newly constructed, multi-family residential building using passive methods

Unique means to evaluate IAQ with passive sampling devices are described in this paper.They are simple, silent and require less equipment. Field measurements in a newlyconstructed, multi-family residential building were conducted with these means and theresults show the effect of ventilation, occupancy and interior finishing on IAQ. Indoor airconcentration, emission rates from indoor surfaces and ventilation rate were measured bypassive sampling methods. The ADSEC method was used for emission measurements. ThePFT method was used for measurement of the ventilation rate. It was proved that the methodswere effective in measuring IAQ. It was found that both indoor air concentration and emissionrate were low in the room with a mechanical ventilation system. In some cases, indoorconcentrations without a ventilation system were above the Japanese guidelines. Indoorconcentration was generally lower in the occupied room than that of the empty room. Somechemicals, which were not detected in the empty room were detected in the occupied room.