This study measured concentrations of formaldehyde, a pollutant in the indoor air in three departments, before and after the renovation of a medical facility used by the general public, and conducted a health survey on workers' subjective symptoms. The average concentration of formaldehyde was 25.8 ± 8.7 μg/m3 before the renovation and 47.3 ± 6.7 μg/m3 after the renovation. The concentration was increased; however, it did not exceed the maintenance standard set by the law. Measured concentration was high both before and after the renovation in the office, and the biggest difference was shown in the concentration change. For eight symptoms including dry throat, there were more workers who expressed the symptoms after the renovation than those who expressed them before the renovation. Factors that influenced subjective symptoms were the effects before and after the renovation. Even when formaldehyde does not exceed the maintenance standard set by the law, detailed and systematic management is required and adequate health effect evaluation or education is necessary, considering the characteristics of medical facilities.
Recently, concern about Sick House Syndrome (SHS) has been increased in Korea. And it is suspected that formaldehyde (HCHO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major factors for SHS. This study was surveyed the indoor air quality in new apartments in Korea. The HCHO and VOCs were measured at 90 sites and analysed by HPLC-UV and GC/MS, respectively. The range of HCHO concentrations at 90 sites were 9.39∼248.78㎍/㎥ and the mean value 105.41㎍/㎥ and the concentrations of HCHO at 42 sites (46.7%) exceeded the indoor air quality guideline (100㎍/㎥) in Japan. Among the 4 VOCs, toluene concentrations were the highest and the mean value 127.33㎍/㎥ and that concentrations at 12 sites (13.8%) were exceeded the indoor air quality guideline (260㎍/㎥) in Japan. There was a tendency which the longer the movement and measurement period is, the more the pollutants concentration is decreased. HCHO and VOCs concentrations of domestic results was similar to Japan's survey results in 2000.