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[Solvent emissions in a school building after using a construction moisture protection substance]
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Moisture repellent treatment released volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into a school, causing health issues and room closures. This highlights potential indoor air quality risks from building materials, even when applied correctly.
Area of Science:
- Building Science
- Environmental Health
- Indoor Air Quality
Context:
- A school building wall was treated with a silicone resin and white spirit moisture repellent.
- A child experienced exacerbated bronchial asthma symptoms temporally linked to the treatment.
- Occupants later reported unpleasant odors and discomfort in the classrooms.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cause of indoor air quality issues and occupant discomfort following building material application.
- To analyze the diffusion of pollutants from a treated wall into occupied spaces.
- To assess the health implications and usability of the building after the incident.
Summary:
- White spirit (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons) diffused through a 50 cm stone wall into classrooms.
- High pollutant concentrations rendered a portion of the building unusable.
- No existing German guideline values for white spirit in indoor air for non-occupational settings.
Impact:
- Building materials can cause significant health problems and discomfort.
- Demonstrates the need for established indoor air quality guidelines for building materials.
- A target value of 300 micrograms VOC/m3 was set for room reopening.