A Study of Human Reactions to Emissions from Building Materials in Climate Chambers. Part I: Clinical Data, Performance and Comfort

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether asthmatic reactions and changes in tear film quality could be prmohd by exposing subjects to missions from building materiuls in climate chambers. Twenty asthmatics and 5 healthy controls were exposed to (I) gypsum board hung with waterbonze painted wallpaper; (2) rubber floor covering; (3) n y h carpet with rubber mat; (4) particle board coated with acid-curing paint; and (5) m test materials in climate chambers for 6 h. Participants recorded symptoms by filling in questionnaires, and clinical data were evaluated by lung Fax No. + 45 35 45 75 49finction measurmts at intervals of 30 min to I h, and external eye examinutwns before and after exposure (appeaTance of foam at geld, smi-quantitative measuremmts of precorneal superjicial lipui h y q break-up time and epithelial damage). 7ha-e was agreement benueen a trained panel's evaluation of perceived air quality and the participants' opinion of in-dooT air quality. No correlation was found benueen lungfinction measurements and exposure to the materials. However, for all materials, statistically significant changes in tear film quality were observed to vay'ng a'egrees. Lipophilic E' olatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) may htabzlize the lipui mulhyer of the tear fluid, and this mechanism is suggested to be at least partly responsible for eye im'tation.

Relationships Between Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality: A Review

“…In the studies of Sundell et al (1994), copying machines were observed to pose a significant risk for SBS symptoms. In addition, studies in climate chambers have demonstrated that emissions from office equipment (Wolkoff et al, 1992) and building materials such as vinyl and textile floor covering (Johnsen et al, 1991) can induce symptoms in humans typical of those reported in problem buildings. Sick building symptoms have also been associated with VOC levels in Swedish office buildings ).…”

Eye trigeminal sensitivity, tear film stability and conjunctival epithelium damage in 182 non-allergic, non-smoking Danes

“…The tear film is less stable among office workers with eye symptoms (Franck, 1986; Kjærgaard et al., 1993) and decreased tear film stability is related to indoor air pollutant exposures (Johnsen et al., 1991; Kjærgaard et al., 1989, 1999; Mølhave et al., 2002; Pan et al., 2000). Similarly, damaged conjunctival epithelium has been related to symptoms (Franck, 1986) and in two studies to indoor exposures (Mølhave et al., 1995; Wolkoff et al., 1992).…”

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Building Material Emissions. I. A Screening Procedure based on a Closed Emission System*

“…The TVOC concept, using the TVOC concentration of 3 mg/m3 as an indicator, may in this case overestimate the impact of the paint on indoor air quality due to the low biological effect of propanediol. In general, waterborne paints are recognized as having a modest impact on the indoor air quality Johnsen et al, 1991).…”