VOCs & odor problems in old versus new office buildings related to moisture & other environmental factors
Abstract
Indoor air quality is an issue in older office buildings due to issues such as ; inadequate ventilation, outdated HVAC systems, and aging building materials, leading to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants.Through a comprehensive methodology merging air quality measurements and building age data, this research aims to uncover correlations between structure age and indoor air quality among municipal buildings in Statesboro, Georgia. Indoor air quality testing based on multiple parameters, including Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Hidden Moisture, Surface Moisture, Total Microbial Count, and Particulate Matter levels. Indoor air quality assessments were conducted using the following ; Hidden Moisture Meter (FLIR MR176), Surface Moisture Meter (EXTECH M050), Microbial Activity Measuring Device (SystemSURE Plus), VOC Measuring Device (Honeywell ppbRAE 3000+) , Digital Environmental Multimeter , UV measurement ( EXTECH UV-AB meter UV505 ), Particulate Matter Counter (CEM DT-9881), Airborne Gas Meter (Aeroqual series 200 meter), and Particulate Matter Mass Device ( DustTRAK DRX).. N=3 older buildings (1970 or older) and N=3 younger buildings were assessed.The findings for VOC levels in the older buildings were 363.83±421.26 ppb. The findings for VOC levels among the younger buildings were 150.33±166.94 ppb. The findings for Odor levels were 21.17±30.01 ppb. The findings for Odor levels among the younger buildings were 30.17±46.64 ppb. Our findings, based on preliminary analysis, indicate a direct impact of building age on indoor air quality. Additional statistical analyses will be conducted to check the correlations between VOC and odor levels , other environmental parameters and surface microbial loads. Our research elucidates the environmental factors impacting indoor air quality, with implications spanning urban planning, public health, and environmental policy, providing valuable insights for sustainable development in rural areas like Statesboro, Georgia, while specifically addressing the nuanced interplay between building age and indoor air quality in rural communities.
Keywords
building age, VOCs, odor, municipal buildings, older buildings, indoor air quality
VOCs & odor problems in old versus new office buildings related to moisture & other environmental factors
Indoor air quality is an issue in older office buildings due to issues such as ; inadequate ventilation, outdated HVAC systems, and aging building materials, leading to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants.Through a comprehensive methodology merging air quality measurements and building age data, this research aims to uncover correlations between structure age and indoor air quality among municipal buildings in Statesboro, Georgia. Indoor air quality testing based on multiple parameters, including Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Hidden Moisture, Surface Moisture, Total Microbial Count, and Particulate Matter levels. Indoor air quality assessments were conducted using the following ; Hidden Moisture Meter (FLIR MR176), Surface Moisture Meter (EXTECH M050), Microbial Activity Measuring Device (SystemSURE Plus), VOC Measuring Device (Honeywell ppbRAE 3000+) , Digital Environmental Multimeter , UV measurement ( EXTECH UV-AB meter UV505 ), Particulate Matter Counter (CEM DT-9881), Airborne Gas Meter (Aeroqual series 200 meter), and Particulate Matter Mass Device ( DustTRAK DRX).. N=3 older buildings (1970 or older) and N=3 younger buildings were assessed.The findings for VOC levels in the older buildings were 363.83±421.26 ppb. The findings for VOC levels among the younger buildings were 150.33±166.94 ppb. The findings for Odor levels were 21.17±30.01 ppb. The findings for Odor levels among the younger buildings were 30.17±46.64 ppb. Our findings, based on preliminary analysis, indicate a direct impact of building age on indoor air quality. Additional statistical analyses will be conducted to check the correlations between VOC and odor levels , other environmental parameters and surface microbial loads. Our research elucidates the environmental factors impacting indoor air quality, with implications spanning urban planning, public health, and environmental policy, providing valuable insights for sustainable development in rural areas like Statesboro, Georgia, while specifically addressing the nuanced interplay between building age and indoor air quality in rural communities.
