Abstract:Many different methods and indicators are commonly used for the assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ). One of them is pollution source control; among the sources, building materials are of special concern. This study presents a source characterization of waterproofing products used mainly in non-industrial buildings. The authors have attempted to fill some research gaps by determining emission factors for waterproofing materials. The work contains a summary of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from dispersion and cementitious liquid-applied water-impermeable products. VOC emissions were determined in a 100-L stainless steel ventilated emission test chamber. Air samples were collected by an active method on Tenax TA ® , while VOCs were analyzed using a TD-GC/MS method. Identified VOCs were also expressed as the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and converted into area-specific emission rates q A . The results for different groups of identified compounds (alcohols, benzene derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, ethers and esters) were compared. It was found that VOC emissions clearly decreased with time during each experiment, which lasted 28 days. It is further noted that different types of products were characterized by the emission of specific groups of compounds that were not emitted by other types of products. An essential factor in the elimination and minimization of the occurrence of sources of indoor air pollution is the appropriate selection of finishing materials, which should be characterized by as low as possible emission of VOCs. The results presented in this work can lead to practical applications in the selection of low-emission products for certified green buildings.

One of the existing priorities of the European Union is to search for rational waste management and to keep such waste in the economic cycle, while meeting the highest safety requirements. The paper presents the results of environmental tests of composites based on the polyethylene (rPE) and polypropylene (rPP) matrix and reinforced with cellulose fibres (newsprint, NP). Raw materials were obtained by recycling post-consumer waste such as beverage bottles and newsprint. The composites were tested for their potential use as materials in cladding panels and acoustic barriers. Given that normative documents for these products do not define specific environmental requirements, the composites were tested for the release of dangerous substances, such as anions of inorganic compounds, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and their impact on the environment. A detailed in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of release of substances (diffusion, dissolution, surface leaching and depletion) from the rPP/NP composite into surface water, groundwater and soil was carried out. In turn, emission of VOCs from the rPE (low-density:high-density (LD:HD)—50:50) and rPE (LD:HD—30:70) composites into indoor air was also carried out. Raw materials in the form of granulates and loose cellulose fibres, used to produce the composites, were also tested for their environmental impact.