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Indoor air is typically 2 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. In newly constructed buildings, pollutants can be thousands of times higher and are present in complex mixtures. These pollutants can pose serious environmental exposures to people―especially sensitive populations such as children, elderly, or those battling illness.
Indoor air pollutants pose a serious environmental threat to people, especially since people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. Exposure can cause some people to experience adverse health effects. Poor IAQ in commercial buildings can lower worker productivity. In addition, studies have shown that poor IAQ can adversely impact learning among school children, and worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. The US EPA cites IAQ as one of the top environmental health risks and indoor air pollution as one of the greatest risks to human health.
Elevated levels of individual VOCs and their complex mixtures may result in burning or itching of eyes or nose, stuffy nose, sore or burning throat, or headache. Sensitivities will vary significantly among individuals. Likewise, building conditions such as temperature, humidity, and fresh air ventilation have a direct impact on the levels of these indoor VOCs and their human health implications.
Toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, styrene, limonene, isopropanol, pentane, tetrachloroethylene, ethanol, decane and undecane are some of the most commonly found VOCs.
Source control is the best way to prevent and control VOC exposure indoors. Purchase low-emitting materials and furnishings; air out the space when new materials are brought in; use exhaust fans when cooking; avoid use of fragranced materials, deodorizers, and aerosol sprays; store construction chemicals outside of the building.