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Indoor Air Quality Analysis of Newly Built Houses

Author

Listed:
  • Norimichi Suzuki

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Hiroko Nakaoka

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Masamichi Hanazato

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Yoshitake Nakayama

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Kayo Tsumura

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Kazunari Takaya

    (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 6-21-1 Nagao, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, 214-8585, Japan)

  • Emiko Todaka

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Chisato Mori

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8672, Japan)

Abstract

Recently, people have become increasingly aware of potential health issues related to indoor environments. In this study, we measure the concentrations of various volatile organic compounds, carbonyl compounds, and semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as the ventilation rates, in 49 new houses with light-gauge steel structures one week after completion. The proper indoor air quality of new residential environments can be ensured by characterizing people’s exposure to certain chemicals and assessing future risks. Our results show that the concentrations of the measured compounds were lower than the guideline values set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, and would continue to decrease. However, we observed that unregulated compounds, assumed to be substitutes for regulated solvents, contributed substantially to the total volatile organic compounds. To reduce indoor chemical exposure risks, the concentrations of these unregulated compounds should also be minimized. In addition, their sources need to be identified, and manufacture and use must be monitored. We believe it is important to select low-emission building materials for reducing residents’ exposure to indoor chemicals.

Suggested Citation

  • Norimichi Suzuki & Hiroko Nakaoka & Masamichi Hanazato & Yoshitake Nakayama & Kayo Tsumura & Kazunari Takaya & Emiko Todaka & Chisato Mori, 2019. "Indoor Air Quality Analysis of Newly Built Houses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:21:p:4142-:d:280886
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Miyuki Noguchi & Atsushi Mizukoshi & Yukio Yanagisawa & Akihiro Yamasaki, 2016. "Measurements of Volatile Organic Compounds in a Newly Built Daycare Center," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Kenichi Azuma & Iwao Uchiyama & Koichi Ikeda, 2007. "The Risk Screening for Indoor Air Pollution Chemicals in Japan," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(6), pages 1623-1638, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammad Arar & Chuloh Jung, 2022. "Analyzing the Perception of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) from a Survey of New Townhouse Residents in Dubai," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Jiho Lee & Seokhyun Yun & Inbo Oh & Min-ho Kim & Yangho Kim, 2020. "Impact of Environmental Factors on the Prevalence Changes of Allergic Diseases in Elementary School Students in Ulsan, Korea: A Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-10, November.

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