Objective To investigate the indoor formaldehyde pollution in new urban district of Yongchuan,Chongqing, and to explore means to control such pollution.
Methods During March and December 2008, the indoor formaldehyde pollution level in new urban district of Yongchuan was studied with a questionnaire and field sampling and laboratory determination.
Results Main sensory complains from the people enquired were offensive smelling, eye irritation, easy catch cold, skin hypersensitive, etc. Field studies showed the average concentration of formaldehyde was 0.158 mg/m3, with range of 0.002 to 0.634 mg/m3, and rate exceeded standard 55.2% in 37 recently decorated houses. The concentration of formaldehyde in bedroom and study were similar to each other, while they were obviously higher than those in living room and kitchen. Concentration of formaldehyde could be reduced by 34.1%-48.3% within 1.5 months on taking natural ventilation only in case the original concentration of formaldehyde was high; and the quality of indoor air could meet criteria by means as plant assimilation, sorbents adsorption and enforced ventilation within 2.5 months in case of the original concentration was low.
Conclusion The concentration of formaldehyde in indoor air is mildly exceeded the standard in most cases; however, it can be reduced in certain extent by usual preventive mesures.
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