ABSTRACT

Indoor exposures to organic compounds are typically two to five times higher than those found outdoors. This is primarily attributed to emissions from construction materials, furnishings, office supplies/equipment, fixtures, and maintenance/cleaning products. Other contributing sources include individual-use products (e.g., perfumes and lighters) and outdoor air pollutants. Indoor air pollutants are truly a wonderland of surprises!

Indoor industrial exposures to toxic substances are generally 10 to 100 times those found in nonindustrial environments. This extreme difference raises a skeptical eyebrow whenever environmental professionals respond to office building complaints. Exposures are much lower in nonindustrial environments, but the complaints are greater. The speculated rationale is that nonindustrial environments are generally exposed to low levels of more than 300 chemicals—an amalgam that may exceed high industrial exposure levels to a limited number of chemicals.

As man spends 90 percent or more of his time indoors and buildings become more energy efficient, humanity is under assault from a multitude of chemicals. The response is to minimize exposures by the proactive approach of product emissions testing. Chamber testing methods are being refined, and the maximum acceptable limits are in a constant state of change.