Modeling volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations due to material emissions in a real residential unit. Part I: Methodology and a preliminary case study

Abstract

High volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations following building decoration have been observed frequently. In reality, however, residents do not know the indoor VOC concentration levels until the buildings are tested, which seldom provides a preventive measure. While several indoor air quality (IAQ) simulation programs have been developed to predict indoor contaminant levels, case studies in the literature are scarce regarding the predictability of indoor VOC concentrations as well as how such predictions could be performed in real buildings. In this paper, we intended to conduct a proof-of-concept study whether simulations can help to reveal some of the key features of VOC concentrations during indoor decoration process. We conducted a case study, simulated and measured the VOC concentrations of a residential unit during the room decoration process. Results show that while certain agreement was achieved between the measurement and simulation, application of IAQ models to real buildings is challenging under the best of circumstances—single zone spaces with very few emission materials inside.