Measurement of Indoor Air Quality, an Explanation of Recent Issues and Problems

Abstract

Measurement methods for evaluation and monitoring of indoor air pollution by formaldehyde (HCHO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were described. HCHO evaluated with a guideline of 0.08ppm for 30min is usually determined with DNPH/high performance liquid chromatography, and VOCs by porous polymer beads collection/thermal desorption/gas chromatography. The pollutants in indoor air are collected on adsorbents by active sampling with a pump or passive sampling with diffusion. Principle and characteristics of onsite-monitor and simple method such as detector tube and paper respectively were described. The concentration values are affected with ventilation and elapse time after close in sampling. Methods for measurement of emission rate of HCHO and VOCs from building materials with chambers were also described.