A Study on Pollutant Emission Patterns from Composite Finishing Materials and Indoor Air Quality Improvement through Flush-Out

This study aimed to examine concentration changes in indoor air quality following interior finishing works in newly constructed apartment buildings, focusing on buildings that had completed their structural framework. Interior finishing works were categorized into five stages. Samples were analyzed at the completion of each stage according to the ‘Indoor Air Quality Testing Standards’ to observe concentration changes of indoor pollutants. After completing interior finishing, emission concentrations were measured at 51.2 µg/m³ for formaldehyde and 444.1 µg/m³ for toluene.<br/>Following completion of interior finishing work, a flush-out was conducted as prescribed by the ‘Health-Friendly Construction Standards’ to monitor concentrations of indoor pollutants. It was found that formaldehyde and toluene levels decreased by 45% and 74%, respectively. The flush-out conducted over a period of about 1 to 2 weeks significantly reduced concentrations of indoor pollutants in newly constructed residential buildings.