Objective To source benzene as an indoor air pollutant after residential decoration and find control measures.
Methods Newly decorated residential houses (n=40) were selected and categorized into three test groups (based on the usage of polyurethane varnish and furniture installation) and two control groups.Benzene concentrations were determined with the method recommended by the Code for indoor environmental pollution control of civil building engineering (GB 50325-2010).
Results The benzene concentrations were in the range of 0.076-1.04 mg/m3 for the high polyurethane varnish group and 0.009-0.239 mg/m3 for the low polyurethane varnish group.The benzene concentrations of the furniture installation group were in the range of 0.051-0.143 mg/m3,and statistical significances compared with the control groups were found (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Indoor benzene pollution level is related to the amount and quality of polyurethane varnish and furniture load.Therefore,controlling the usage and quality of painting products and furniture are the key prevention measures against benzene pollution in newly decorated residential houses.
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