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The influence of temperature on the emission rate of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from four indoor materials was investigated in a small dynamic test chamber. The materials investigated were two carpets, a PVC flooring and a paint; the temperature range investigated was 23–50°C. The general trend was an increased initial emission rate and an increased decay rate with increasing temperature. The total emitted mass from paint is independent of temperature which means that bake‐out is expected to be successful. The total emitted mass of the carpets and the PVC flooring increased with temperature, which suggests an influence of chemical reactions. In these cases, bake‐out periods of a few days may be unsuccessful and the exposure of the population may be underestimated when using data from experiments performed at the (lower) standard temperature.

The indoor air quality in several types of dwellings that were renovated to save energy for spatial heating has been investigated. Concentrations of pollutants were monitored in three rooms of inhabited houses. Data of the outside air and ventilation and infiltration were also collected. Relationships were established between observed concentrations and ventilation. In some cases concentrations show a good relationship with the calculated air change rate, in other cases this relationship was poor or absent. Elevated levels of pollutants could be related to sources in most cases. The ventilation behavior of the inhabitants has a major influence on the concentrations. From this and other studies it can be concluded that, in general, making dwellings more airtight leads to higher concentrations of pollutants. Deviations from health‐related guidelines then become more likely.

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