ECA

The report describes procedures for determining emissions of volatile organic com- pounds from indoor materials and products using small environmental test chambers. Consideration is given to facilities and equipment, sample collection and analysis, experimental design and procedures and to data analysis. The techniques presented are useful for both routine product testing and in depth investigations by indoor air quality researchers.

The report summarizes information on indoor pollution by formaldehyde (HCHO) in European countries participating in the concerted action "Indoor Air Quality and Its Impact on Man" (COST project 613). Major scope of the report is to give concise information to people involved in research planning, policy making and regulatory activities and to identify a European view of the issue. The summary includes a short review of health effects of formaldehyde, of existing air quality guidelines and standards and of indoor sources of formaldehyde.

The document addresses the questions when, for what period of time, how often and where samples should be taken for the in-field analysis of chemical compounds in indoor air. It is divided into two parts. In the first part, a more detailed discussion of the dynamics of the indoor environment and of the objectives of Indoor pollution measurements is given In addition, general rules are derived for an optimal strategy to answer the above mentioned questions.

Information on the projects is contained on formatted sheets three of which are accommodated on each page. The projects of each country are grouped together. An identification number has been attributed to each project composed of the country code as used for automobiles and a number. Numbers are sequential and start from 1. They are attributed arbitrarily and may differ from one edition of the inventory to the next.

The report aims at giving a guide to those facing the problem of "sick building syndrome". After a description of the other building related illnesses, which must not be confused with the syndrome in object, the extent of the problem is presented, with particular emphasis on the economic implications. The report deals also with the symptoms which must be present in order to diagnose the syndrome and with the various environmental and personal factors possibly contributing to the development of the trouble.

The report summarizes information on indoor pollution by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) In European countries participating in the concerted action "Indoor Air Quality and Its Impact on Man" (COST project 61 3). Major scope of the report IS to give concise information to people involved In research planning, policy making and regulatory activities and to help to identify a European view of the issue. The summary includes a short review of health effects of NO2 and of existing air quality guidelines and standards.

This guideline has been prepared by a working group of the concerted action "Indoor Air Quality and Its Impact on Man" (COST project 613) and describes a method for the determination of formaldehyde emissions from wood based materials using large scale, walk-in type environmental chambers. The guideline describes essential features of the chambers to be used, such as size, inner wall and sealing materials, tightness, air circulation and position of sensors for temperature and humidity.

Considering the likelihood of contributions of various indoor air pollutants to detrimental health effects, the Community-COST Concertation Committee of the Concerted Action "Indoor Air Quality and its lmpact on Man" (COST Project 61 3) decided that indoor radon is a well studied indoor pollutant both in terms of occurring concentrations and expected adverse health effects. In July 1985 the Article 31 Euratom Treaty Group of Experts set up a Working Party to study and report on this matter.