FURNISHINGS AND THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

This paper presents a survey of environmental issues related to furnishings. While many of the chemical and biological pollutants found indoors are related to building materials, furniture, carpet, draperies, and other wood and fabric furnishings are believed to contribute to occupant complaints. There has been extensive research on emissions of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds from wood products and office furniture. Although non-industrial buildings are not covered under current air quality standards, there are guide-lines for chemical levels in buildings as well as emissions from products. Research on biological pollutants has been less extensive.