Building related illness involving formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds

Abstract

A large percentage of the occupants in a 96,000 ft2 office building were suffering multiple adverse health symptoms continuing and/or reoccurring for over 4 years. The symptoms were believed to be the result of building related illness. Detailed indoor air quality and product emission studies realed the presence of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds contamination primarily resulting from furniture constructed of pressed wood products (formaldehyde source) and a chemical deodorizer (volatile organic compound source).