Level of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) in the context of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Office Buildings

Abstract

Abstract This paper is focused on the quality of the indoor environment in terms of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) in the office buildings. Working in the office is one of the most common occupations in developed countries of the world. Employees spend up to 25% of their time in the workplace each year. Obviously, the internal environment affects not only the health of workers but also their performance and productivity. Observe the long-term level of Total Volatile Organic Compounds in the context of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in a single cellular office is subjected within the presented study. IA-Quest (Indoor Air Quality Emission Simulation Tool) developed by the National Research Council is used for emission of VOCs from building surface materials and furnishings in time. The simulation and monitoring of TVOC concentration are carried out in two phases. In the first phase, only building materials such as walls, doors, floor, ceiling, window, etc. are considered. In the second phase, the basic furniture including the office table and chair, coffee table, 2 chairs and wardrobe are included in the calculation. TVOC concentration values in a furniture room are 10 - 15% higher than in a room without furniture.