Question

CCG, limited owns an office building in west Amman. The Company decided to change 10-year-old carpets, install new wall coverings and drapes in the office building two months back. Some of the employees are complaining for the last two months of headaches, nausea etc. The president of the company thought that by installing the new carpets, it would improve the working environment for the employees. But now she has started doubting her judgment. You are asked to make recommendations to remedy this situation? Elaborate your response focusing on the sources of pollution and an action plan including options to mitigate the problem if you know that the possible cause is VOCs (Formaldehydes, likely from new materials).

Answer 1

Knowing that the possible cause of such problems is Volatile Organic Carbons; and since the problems have started only after the new materials have been installed two months back; hence first let's look at how VOCs are generated.

As per Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and ATSDR (Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry); some of the sources of VOCs and hence formaldehyde (as it is used in the manufacture of these products) are:

1. Permanent press fabrics like curtains, drapes on furniture

2. Manufactured wood products like laminate flooring, plywood, etc (due to the wood preservatives)

3. Building materials and furnishings

There are many more, but these are the most possible causes for the current scenario.

Also, since newer homes and offices built in this decade are better insulated, it may reduce the infiltration of air through the wall cavity leading to such Volatile Organic carbons, staying more in the building.

Some of the ways this can be countered are:

1. Use of exhaust fans: This is to ensure that airflow through ventilation is maintained and such volatile gases are continuously emitted out of the building. One way this can be done is through monitoring the indoor air quality level and then practicing ventilation accordingly.

2. If possible, the permanent press fabrics (curtains, drapes), carpets can be washed to decrease their tendency of off-gassing.

3. Air purifiers using a suitable adsorbent (most commonly used are activated carbon air filters) can be used in the enclosed office to remove the harmful organic airborne compounds.

4. Use of houseplants: to use aloe, spider plants, Chinese evergreens, peace lilies, Chrysanthemums inside the office can purify the air as they have been shown to absorb air toxins. Also, since these do not require professional-level gardening skills, these can be easily maintained.