How Your Building's Materials Affect Indoor Air Quality
When you think of air pollution, you might picture factory smokestacks or congested freeways. Yet, the air inside our homes, schools, and offices can be far more polluted than the air outside—and the very materials our buildings are made of are a primary culprit.
Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and their sources
At the heart of indoor air quality science are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that evaporate from certain solids or liquids at room temperature, entering the air we breathe 1 . They are not a single substance, but a vast group of chemicals, some of which can have significant short- and long-term health effects.
The core problem is concentration: studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have found that levels of several organic pollutants are consistently 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors 1 . During activities like paint stripping, indoor levels can skyrocket to 1,000 times background outdoor levels 1 .
Pressed wood products, new flooring, upholstery, carpets, and paneling 1 .
Paints, paint strippers, wood preservatives, and other solvents 1 .
Aerosol sprays, cleansers, disinfectants, air fresheners, and moth repellents 1 .
Copiers, printers, correction fluids, and permanent markers 1 .
How groundbreaking research changed our understanding of indoor air pollution
Our understanding of indoor air pollution was fundamentally shaped by a crucial piece of research: the Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study conducted by the EPA's Office of Research and Development. Completed in 1985, it was one of the most comprehensive studies of its time to measure people's exposure to pollutants 1 .
The findings were startling. The study concluded that for most people, the sources of pollutant exposure were indoor, not outdoor 1 . It revealed that individuals expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels when using products containing organic chemicals.
The study recruited a large number of participants across diverse locations, including both rural and highly industrial areas.
Unlike previous studies that relied on stationary outdoor monitors, the TEAM study equipped participants with personal monitors. These devices measured their individual exposure to a dozen common organic pollutants throughout their daily activities.
Researchers collected air samples from inside the participants' homes and from the immediate outdoor environment to directly compare the concentrations.
The data from personal monitors and indoor/outdoor samples were analyzed to determine where people were being exposed to the highest levels of pollutants.
The scientific importance of the TEAM Study was profound. It shifted the paradigm of environmental health, proving that for many toxic chemicals, the greatest risk occurs inside the most familiar of environments—the home. This underscored the need for consumer awareness, product regulation, and a greater focus on interior material selection.
Understanding how VOC exposure affects human health
Note: Some people, such as those with asthma or chemical sensitivities, may be more susceptible to these effects.
Advanced techniques for analyzing material emissions
How do researchers know what's in our indoor air? Analyzing material emissions is a sophisticated process that relies on specialized techniques and equipment.
A powerful technique used to separate the complex mixture of VOCs in an air sample into individual components for identification and measurement 6 .
Often coupled with GC (as GC-MS), this technique identifies chemicals by measuring their mass, providing a "fingerprint" for each VOC 6 .
A more advanced, sensitive technique that can detect VOCs in real-time without the need for pre-separation, ideal for tracking rapid changes in air composition 6 .
A self-contained unit that can be used for real-time measurement of pollutants like CO2, CO, and NOx, even on moving vessels; adapted for various environmental testing 5 .
Small, badge-like devices that absorb VOCs from the air over time. They are inexpensive and require no power, making them good for long-term exposure assessment 6 .
These tools allow scientists to create detailed profiles of the "chemical signature" emitted by building materials, from carpets and paints to furniture and adhesives 6 .
Practical strategies for improving indoor air quality
The good news is that we are not powerless against invisible intruders. A multi-pronged approach can significantly improve indoor air quality.
The most effective strategy is to remove the source of pollution or reduce its emissions 1 .
Increasing ventilation is a key step, especially when using products that emit VOCs 1 .
The growing demand for healthier buildings has led to robust green building programs like LEED and WELL 3 .
These certifications incentivize the use of low-emitting materials and provide clear guidelines for architects, designers, and consumers.
The journey from the revealing findings of the TEAM Study to today's advanced analytical toolkit has given us an unprecedented understanding of the air inside our buildings. The materials we choose for our interiors are not just aesthetic decisions; they are public health decisions. By opting for low-emitting materials, ensuring proper ventilation, and supporting sustainable building practices, we can all contribute to creating indoor environments that are not only beautiful and functional but truly healthy places to live, work, and breathe.