Development of robust indoor air quality models for the estimation of volatile organic compound concentrations in buildings

The increasing incidence of health problems associated with 'tight buildings' can be partly blamed on the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from human activity and the presence of a range of synthetic furnishings, office equipment and building materials. The development and nature of both empirical (statistical) and deterministic (physical) indoor air quality models to predict the concentration of VOCs in indoor air has been reviewed. The review identified a number of physical parameters including air exchange, sorption/desorption processes, source emission rates and source emission decay profiles as important considerations in the establishment of a robust indoor air quality model. Such a model enables the health and safety professional to make cost-effective and informed decisions to improve indoor air quality and reduce health risk by minimising worker's exposure to contaminated air inside buildings. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.