In response to employee complaints of upper respiratory and eye irritation, formaldehyde air sampling studies were conducted in two different office environments. The first was in a series of temporary modular buildings with construction simi
A microprocessor-controlled, five point, all-teflon sequential air sampling system interfaced to a continuous formaldehyde analyser, the CEA model TGM 555 Air Monitor which uses the pararosaniline colorimetric method was used tomeasure the seaso
Individual mathematical models for formaldehyde concentrations in each of 3 normal rooms in a single family house is used to estimate ventilation rates needed to maintain formaldehyde concentration below the recommended Danish indoor standard (0.15 mg/m3). In an initial period after the house was finished a ventilation rate more than 10x the recommended Scandinavian maximum value (0.5 ach) was needed to keep the concentration below the indoor standard.
Briefly deals with Finnish research into formaldehyde concentrations in modern dwellings. Describes materials and methods used by the Institute of Occupational Health in Finland to measure formaldehyde concentrations in more than 100 dwellings. Ventilation rates have also been measured in 35 rooms in 20 dwellings, and 46% have been below the minimum acceptable value of 0.5 ach.Where the ventilation rate exceeded 0.5 ach only 9% of the measured HCHO concentrations exceeded the limit value for old houses.
Discusses the problem of formaldehyde emissions from UF resins used in particle board in North America. Describes tests done by Forintek Canada Corp to monitor formaldehyde emission. One of the experiments involves a test chamber with a controlled air change rate and designed to imitate domestic conditions. Air samples are withdrawn from the chamber through impingers containing distilled water which is analyzed for formaldehyde content. Also describes the 'Dessicator' and 'Perforator' methods of measuring formaldehyde emission.
Reviews the present state of knowledge of indoor pollutant concentrations, their time dependence and their relationship with indoor sources, energy conserving measures and indoor activity patterns. Pollutants of primary concern are organic compounds, respirable suspended particulates, nitrogen dioxide and allergens. Assesses knowledge of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, radon and infectious agents. Reviews typical concentrations of carbon monoxide, asbestos, mineral fibres, ozone and sulphur dioxide in residences. Concludes that a systematic assessment of indoor air quality is warranted.
Examines what adequate ventilation rates are needed to control indoor levels of formaldehyde. Concludes that the ventilation rate procedure of ASHRAE Standard 62-1981 "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality" offers protection from expected formaldehyde outgassing rates. Since formaldehyde outgassing decreases with time, increased ventilation during the first 2-3 years of the life of a structure is desirable. More data is needed to establish what the outgassing rates are and how they vary with temperature.
Presents a mathematical model of the formaldehyde concentrations in rooms containing particle boards with known emission rates of formaldehyde. Tests the model in 3 rooms in a new house. Finds agreement within +-15% between calculated and measured formaldehyde concentrations in the rooms before painting and without furniture, carpets etc. Concludes that the combined mathematical model and the analytical method may be suitable for the classification of particle boards according to their emission of formaldehyde and for predictions of formaldehyde concentrations in the indoor environment.
Describes a climatic chamber used to measure the concentration of formaldehyde and other volatile substances which may be emitted by furnishing and building materials. The equipment consists of 4 climatic chambers of stainless steel, with a volume of 1.00 m3. The chambers are supplied with air at a constant temperature and constant relative humidity by an air handling installation. This installation can supply air within a temperature interval of 17-27 plus or minus 0.5degrees C, and relative humidity between 30-65% plus or minus 2%.
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