Abstract
This paper summarizes controlled experiments on the relation between low levels of indoor air pollution with volatile organic compounds (VOC) and human health and comfort. The dose response relation between VOC’s and health and comfort effects is discussed. A biological model for human responses is suggested, based on three mechanisms: sensory perception of the environment, weak inflammatory reactions and environmental stress reactions. Further, the TVOC-indicator concept for exposure is discussed. A tentative guideline for VOC’s in non-industrial indoor environments is suggested. The no-effect level seems to be about 0.2 mg/m3. A multifactorial exposure range may exist between 0.2 to 3 mg/m3. Above 3 mg/m3 discomfort is expected.
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© 1992 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Mølhave, L. (1992). Human Reactions to Controlled Exposures to VOC’s and the “TOTAL-VOC” Concept. In: Knöppel, H., Wolkoff, P. (eds) Chemical, Microbiological, Health and Comfort Aspects of Indoor Air Quality — State of the Art in SBS. Eurocourses: Chemical and Environmental Science, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8088-5_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8088-5_16
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