MVOC out of new materials

Especially in new buildings we could find striking concentrations of MVOCs and we couldnot localize mould damage. We first supposed that some MVOC components are not specificfor microorganisms but normal VOC from new materials. But very often the mould dogmarked walls and floors spacious in new buildings where we detected MVOC in the indoorair.To obtain information if new materials contain microorganisms, we analysed gypsumboard, Styrofoam and mineralic insulation material for fungi and bacteria that we purchasedin three different hardware stores. In some samples microorganisms could be detected. Wealso found in field cases microorganisms in new materials.The detection of MVOC in the air of new buildings or as an emission from new materials isnot evidence that MVOCs are unspecific for microorganisms. At least in some cases fungiand bacteria in new materials are the source for MVOC.