The Impact of Emissions from Structures on Indoor Air Concentrations in Newly Finished Buildings — Predicted and On-Site Measured Levels

Abstract

The impact of surface emissions (VOCs, ammonia, and formaldehyde) on the indoor air quality (IAQ) in newly established buildings was examined. Six apartment buildings, in which low-emitting, classified building materials were used, were investigated 0, 6, and 12 months after completion of construction work. The predicted indoor air concentrations based on the on-site measured emissions (floor, walls, ceiling) and air exchange rates were in general lower than the measured indoor air concentrations. The contribution of other sources was on the average about 50% for VOCs and 25—35% for ammonia and formaldehyde. The ceiling structure was the main source of pollutants throughout the first year. PVC floor covering affected IAQ significantly in the newly finished buildings. The contribution of walls was relatively low in spite of large surface area. The impact of VOC emissions from surfaces on indoor air clearly decreased during the follow-up period whereas the impact of ammonia and formaldehyde emissions remained about the same. Higher SVOC concentration was measured in the buildings with PVC flooring compared to the rooms with parquet flooring in the 0 to 6-month-old buildings.