Abstract
Construction materials containing tar products are a source of indoor air pollution in buildings. This particularly concerns old buildings, in which wooden structures were impregnated with tar compositions (creosote oil and Xylamite oil containing tar products) and buildings in which bituminous seal containing hydrocarbon solvents was used. During the 1970s and 1980s, an impregnant known as Xylamite was commonly used in Polish buildings. This material still emits organic vapors into the building’s environment, significantly worsening indoor air quality (IAQ). Xylamites and other impregnating materials are a source of indoor air pollution through toxic organic compounds, such as phenol, cresols, naphthalenes, chlorophenols (CPs), and chloronaphthalenes (CNs), which emit specific odors. TD-GC/MS enables detailed identification of the reasons behind chemical indoor air pollution. The results of laboratory tests on the chemical emissions of bitumen-impregnated materials were presented in 32 case studies. In turn, the results of indoor air pollution by volatile bitumen components were presented on 11 reference rooms and 14 case studies, including residential buildings, office buildings, and others. Laboratory tests of samples of construction products confirmed the main emission sources into indoor air. The research results for the period 2014–2019 are tabulated and described in detail in this manuscript.
Highlights
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is strongly affected by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, which are emitted from building materials and furnishings
This paper presents detailed studies of indoor air quality for the presence of compounds originating from wooden structures impregnated by tar compositions and bituminous seal containing hydrocarbon solvents
The VOC results differ for open spaces like gymnasium and single office rooms, which may be less ventilated and more loaded with furniture
Summary
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is strongly affected by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, which are emitted from building materials and furnishings. These VOCs have an adverse effect on the health and comfort of users. Research conducted by Wargocki et al [1] shows that poor air quality has a negative effect on users who stay indoors temporarily, like office workers and students. For this reason, there is growing demand for technical devices to measure [2] and control IAQ [3]. Some studies have focused on the evaluation of the impact of odorous compounds on the quality of the indoor air environment
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