Effects of Ventilation Flushout on Indoor Air Quality in a Newly Constructed Office Building

Abstract

Washington State building specifications require that all newly constructed public buildings be flushed out with fresh air at ambient temperature for 90 days prior to occupancy in an attempt to reduce air contaminants thought to be associated with construction materials and new furnishings. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of such a flushout in a new office building. Biweekly environmental measurements were taken to examine trends over the 90-day period. Air sampling stations were established at four locations in a new office building; each station was equipped to measure simultaneously selected aldehydes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, particulates, temperature, and humidity. Aldehydes and other VOCs measured were reduced midway through the flushout, but increased to the end of the flushout once furniture was installed. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that this flushout procedure offers only minimal potential as a means to reduce airborne contaminants, particularly VOCs, that off-gas from construction materials and furnishings.