Scandinavian experiences with indoor air pollution

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Indoor Air Quality
• Building Science

Background:

• Building illness syndrome (BIS) is prevalent in Scandinavian buildings, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, throat irritation, and headaches.
• While chemical factors are primary causes, formaldehyde emissions are now controlled, shifting focus to other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Indoor VOCs from building materials are implicated in BIS, with mixtures showing irritant effects at concentrations common in new constructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the primary chemical causes of building illness syndrome (BIS) in contemporary buildings.
• To evaluate the role of organic gases and vapors emitted from building materials as a cause of BIS.
• To propose a strategy for mitigating BIS by addressing building material emissions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on building illness syndrome (BIS) and indoor air quality.
• Analysis of common chemical emissions from building materials.
• Assessment of irritant concentrations of organic gases and vapors.

Main Results:

• Organic gases and vapors from building materials are now considered the most significant cause of BIS.
• Irritant concentrations of these emissions are frequently detected in new buildings.
• The exact mechanism (mixture toxicity vs. decomposition products) remains under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Reducing VOC emissions from building materials is a more desirable solution than increasing ventilation rates due to economic and energy conservation concerns.
• Implementing emission testing for building materials is crucial.
• Identifying and replacing high-emitting toxic materials with safer alternatives can effectively reduce BIS prevalence.