A Study of Design for Reduction and Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor Air: the Case of a Commercial Bank in Japan

Abstract

The prevention of sick building syndrome necessitates the design and construction of buildings that can maintain low concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). This study aims to determine whether VOC concentrations in a new commercial bank can be reduced through the selection of building materials and monitoring of construction processes. The building was designed and constructed with close attention to the selection of architectural materials and supervision of construction. Twice during construction, indoor air samples were collected and their chemical compositions determined. The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) guideline concentrations for VOCs were not exceeded for any of the specified chemicals, including toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, p-dichlorobenzene, tetradecane, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. After construction, the total VOC concentration was 104 μg/m3. This value is substantially lower than the target value of 400 μg/m3 recommended by the MHLW. Construction of a bank building with low concentrations of indoor chemical substances can be achieved through the proper selection of architectural materials and construction site supervision.