Effect of Building Envelope Materials on Indoor Air Quality in Low Energy Test Houses

Abstract

Five low energy test houses were investigated in order to study an effect of chemical and biological pollution on indoor air quality. It has been found that TVOC levels depend on building and finishing materials used in those houses. Ventilation is the most effective way to diminish TVOC concentrations in indoor air. To evaluate fungal contamination air and surface analyses were performed. Only the presence of Aspargillus and Penicillium indicated fungal pollution in air samples while surface analyses gave more complete information. The results showed that at standard ventilation conditions use of building materials with increased initial moisture content can cause significant mould development.