Analysis on the Indoor Air Quality of Newly Decorated Homes and Offices in Zhongshan City in 2007－2011

Objectives To study the indoor air quality of newly decorated homes and offices in Zhongshan City.

Methods The data of air quality collected from 1 269 monitoring sites of 179 places in 2007－2011 in Zhongshan City were analysed. The indexes were formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, dimethylbenzene and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).

Results The max concentration of formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, dimethylbenzene and TVOCs was 1.48 mg/m³, 117.52 mg/m³, 21.68 mg/m³, 0.73 mg/m³and 10.3 mg/m³, respectively. The pass rates of formaldehyde, toluene and dimethylbenzene in homes were lower significantly than those in offices(χ²=83.51, P=0.000; χ²=86.15, P=0.000; χ²=64.68, P=0.000). The average rank on the indexes of indoor air quality of homes and offices was 844.94 and 570.00, respectively. The air quality of offices was better than that of homes(Z=-13.799, P < 0.001).

Conclusions The pollution of organic compounds in newly decorated places was different. Formaldehyde was the principal indoor air pollutant. The risk of pollution in newly decorated home was high. Strengthening prevention and controlling key pollutants and key places are important.