Integrated empirical and modelled determination of the human health impacts of building material VOCs

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is of crucial concern since humans spend more than 90% of their time indoors and are directly exposed to substances that can be harmful to their health. These substances, called pollutants, are either in the form of gases or are adsorbed to particulate matter (PM) and are either emitted directly by indoor sources (materials used in construction and furniture, human activities and humans themselves) or transferred from the outdoor environment through ventilation, infiltration and airing. Since people spend a lot of their time and get most of their intakes indoors, it is crucial to assess indoor pollutant concentrations and to identify their main sources in order to limit IAQ-related intake and health damage.