| Abstract: | The emission of organic gases and vapours of solvent type from 42 commonly used building materials was measured under standard atmospheric conditions. An average of 22 compounds was found in the air around each building material, and the total concentration of gases and vapours was from 0.01 to 1410 mg/m3. The average arithmetic emission rate was 9.5 mg/m2 h, and 52 different compounds were identified. A mathematical model was established for the indoor air concentrations of pollutants originating from building materials. The model was tested on three model rooms constructed from the materials investigated. The calculated total air concentrations of gases and vapours in the three rooms ranged from 1.6 to 23.6 mg/m3, and the number of compounds in the air from 23 to 32. These concentrations and number of compounds did not differ from those found in actual rooms similar in size and construction to the model rooms. The risks of health effects due to the compounds identified from the building materials were investigated, and criteria for future air quality standards are discussed. It is concluded that the possibility of negative health effects cannot be neglected, especially not for the more sensitive minority of the general population. |
