Variables affecting indoor air quality in newly finished buildings: A multivariate evaluation

This paper presents results from a principal component analysis (PCA) on variables affecting on indoor air quality in newly established buildings, in which low-emitting, classified building materials were used. The concentrations of TVOC, VOCs, formaldehyde and ammonia) were determined for the newly finished and 6-, and 12-month-old buildings. Temperature, relative humidity and air exchange rates were determined simultaneously. These values were included in the PCA models, which were used to reveal which variables affected indoor air quality (IAQ). The variables included floor covering, air exchange system and the time of its operation (in the newly finished building), floor structure / leveling agent, walls, time of construction and season and time point from last construction work. The IAQ was by most affected by the air exchange system and ceiling product. Lowest concentration levels and classification of VOCs occurred for the buildings with mechanical supply and exhaust air system. IAQ was highly affected by indoor air humidity, especially in the 6 and 12-month- old building