Levels of VOCs Indoors After Decoration

Objective To study the levels of VOCs indoors before and after decoration, and provide reference to institute relative countermeasure for prevention and control. Methods 82 tenements were selected and the levels of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and dimethylbenzene and total VOC(TVOC) indoors were detected before and 30 days, 1 year, 2 years after decoration.Results The level of formaldehyde reached its utmost 1 year after decoration, and the mean concentration was 0.185-0.050 mg/m3. Furthermore, the level of formaldehyde 2 years after decoration was notablely higher than that before decoration (P0.01). The levels of benzene, toluene, dimethylbenzene and TVOC reached their zenith 30 days after decoration and decreased subsequently. The concentrations of toluene, dimethylbenzene were seriously over standard by 17.7 and 14.1 times according to “Indoor Air Quality Standard”. But benzene and TVOC are seldom over standard. Conclusion Decoration could cause serious indoor contamination of TVOC and resulted in comparatively severe harm to body health.