Evaluating the impact of wood-based materials on indoor air quality and carbon storage capacity

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has gained significant attention as a critical determinant of human health, given the modern lifestyle where individuals spend substantial time indoors. Numerous studies have been undertaken to improve IAQ, with the application of wood-based finishes emerging as a promising strategy. However, most of the existing research has concentrated on the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) from natural forests, while the emission characteristics of BVOC and their physiological effects within indoor environments remain underexplored. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting a wood preference survey and analyzing the concentration characteristics of pollutants, including BVOC, particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (AVOC), through scale model experiments and elementary school wood remodeling. Additionally, the carbon storage potential of the wood employed was quantitatively assessed. The results revealed that α-pinene, which accounted for over 90 % of monoterpene concentrations, was present at high levels. Notably, BVOC concentrations from knotted wood were observed to be up to 2.7 times higher. Furthermore, the concentration of particulate matter decreased in the remodeled environments, indicating that the use of wood could enhance indoor air quality. Finally, with respect to carbon storage, sites primarily utilizing hardwood exhibited a 144 % greater carbon storage capacity compared to others, underscoring the considerable influence of wood type and density on carbon storage potential.