Field Survey on Iaq and Occupants' Health in Sick Houses

Abstract

In order to make clear the relationship the chemical substances concentration and symptom of sick house syndrome, an investigation of 62 houses in Japan has been done for 9 years. The results showed that the indoor air of many sick houses was polluted with high carbonyl compounds and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) concentrations exceeded the criterions of Japan Standard. In addition, high concentration was found not only in the houses which were just built or renovated, but also in the houses with well-air-tightened and low air change rate.Keywords : Sick House Syndrome, Field survey, VOC, Formaldehyde, Occupant's health, Statistician In order to make clear the relationship between the chemical substances concentration and symptom of sick house syndrome, an investigation of 62 houses in Japan has been done for 9 years. The results showed that the indoor air of many sick houses was polluted with high carbonyl compounds and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) concentrations exceeded the criterions of JapanStandard. In addition, high concentration was found not only in the houses which were just built or renovated, but also in the houses with well-air-tightened and low air change rate.

<b>Effects of Room Specifications and Lifestyles of Residents </b><b>on Indoor Formaldehyde Concentrations </b>

“…Continuous ventilation must be conducted appropriately in summer or under high-temperature conditions, particularly in conventional-type rooms. These findings are consistent with the results of previous studies involving multiple regression analyses of personal exposure to formaldehyde: opening windows for a short time has negative effects (Matsumura et al, 1985); and due to the characteristics of formaldehyde, concentrations tend to be high when ventilation is poor in airtight houses (Yoshino et al, 2009). Since the materials used for interior finishing and furniture significantly influence the air quality in small rooms, attention must be paid to the indoor thermal environment and to conducting ventilation on a continuing basis, in addition to the appropriate selection of building materials and room furniture.…”

Seasonal variations and the influence of ventilation rates on IAQ: A case study of five low-energy London apartments

“…For example, differences have been observed between apartments and houses, 6 ventilation systems, [8][9][10][11] ventilation rates, 1,6,[12][13][14] or dwellings with gas cookers, 3 renovations, 15 smokers or even the additional emissions associated with the storage of paints and cleaning materials within attached garages. 1 Significantly, these studies have indicated the influence upon IAQ of occupancy and human activity, 1,16,17 the presence of indoor sources of pollutants, 3,10,18 and ventilation rates. 1,6,12,[19][20][21][22] Measurement and numerical studies have examined the impact of air purifiers, upon various pollutants within apartments.…”

“…1,3,6,7 Statistical analysis of such large-scale measurements can then help to determine the influence of building and occupant characteristics. For example, differences have been observed between apartments and houses, 6 ventilation systems, [8][9][10][11] ventilation rates, 1,6,[12][13][14] or dwellings with gas cookers, 3 renovations, 15 smokers or even the additional emissions associated with the storage of paints and cleaning materials within attached garages. 1 Significantly, these studies have indicated the influence upon IAQ of occupancy and human activity, 1,16,17 the presence of indoor sources of pollutants, 3,10,18 and ventilation rates.…”

Influence of residential performance on residents' health status: Nationwide survey of environmental performance of detached houses and residents' health status

“…Numerous studies on the relationship between the residential environment and residents' health status have been conducted in the fields of architecture, medicine, and other related academic disciplines with a social component. Studies focusing on the chemical substances and biological contaminants due to mold and ticks [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] , the thermal environment [9][10][11][12] , disease-causing lifestyles [13][14][15][16] , and the built environment, including dwelling performance and community properties [17][18][19] , are just a few examples, and these studies have yielded extensive scientific knowledge. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to find the causal relationships between the characteristics of residential environment and residents' health status.…”

“…Studies focusing on the chemical substances and biological contaminants due to mold and ticks [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] , the thermal environment [9][10][11][12] , disease-causing lifestyles [13][14][15][16] , and the built environment, including dwelling performance and community properties [17][18][19] , are just a few examples, and these studies have yielded extensive scientific knowledge.…”