Variations in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Residential Buildings during Construction Stage

Abstract

Most of the emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are introduced indoors during the construction stage. In order to investigate the chemical compositions and the concentration variation patterns of indoor VOCs, field measurements were carried out periodically in a newly built apartment in Nanjing. Typical VOCs identified during the construction stages were benzene, toluene, acetic acid-butyl ester, ethylbenzene, styrene, and undecane. The measured concentrations of formaldehyde and VOCs in rooms were slightly different. However, the overall concentration variation patterns of VOCs in different rooms were similar. The concentrations of formaldehyde and TVOCs ranged from 20.1–82.2 μg/m³ to 163.3–2910.5 μg/m³, respectively. Formaldehyde concentration increased significantly after putty, floor, and doors were introduced. VOCs concentrations increased and reached the peak value after the wooden doors were installed. The indoor air quality during the construction stages was poor even though the window was kept opened all the time.