Variations of formaldehyde and VOC levels during 3 years in new and older homes

Abstract

Indoor air organic compounds were continuously monitored during 3 years in new and older homes which were voluntarily selected throughout countries. The levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the new homes decreased markedly after 1 year, and steady emissions of VOCs were obtained in the initial months. Formaldehyde and a-pinene related to wooden materials need a longer flushing period than the other compounds in the new homes. The levels of the indoor air organic compounds in the older homes showed no significant fluctuation during the 3-year period. Decreases of the indoor-produced compounds in the new homes did not depend upon the ventilation systems. The results indicate that the indoor-produced compounds in the new homes will be more influenced by the aging decreases of emission source strengths than ventilation systems. The quantitative information on the trend of the indoor air organic compound levels will be useful for the risk assessment of indoor exposure to those compounds, and also for Japanese IAQ guidelines.