Volatile organic compounds in 169 energy‐efficient dwellings in Switzerland
Yang Shen, Vincent Perret, Corinne Hager Jörin, Hélène Niculita‐Hirzel, Joëlle Goyette Pernot, Dusan Licina
Abstract
), respectively. There was a strong positive correlation among VOCs that likely originated from common sources. Dwellings built between 1950s and 1990s, and especially, those with attached garages had higher TVOC concentrations. Interior thermal retrofit of dwellings and absence of mechanical ventilation system were associated with elevated levels of formaldehyde, aromatics, and alkanes. Overall, energy-renovated homes had higher levels of certain VOCs compared with newly built homes. The results suggest that energy efficiency measures in dwellings should be accompanied by actions to mitigate VOC exposures as to avoid adverse health outcomes.