Objective To assess indoor air quality and human health risk in offices of a corporation.
Methods Formaldehyde and benzene concentrations of indoor air in the offices of a corporation were detected in 2011-2013. Interventions such as ventilation and using absorbents were conducted in the offices with unqualified indoor air quality. The carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks of benzene and formaldehyde were evaluated by the human health risk assessment methods.
Results From 2011 to 2013, the concentrations of benzene and formaldehyde in most offices decreased except where new appliances contributed to the increased formaldehyde and benzene concentrations in air. After ventilating and adsorbing, the concentrations of benzene and formaldehyde in the offices with unqualified concentrations according to the Indoor air quality standard (GB/T 18883-2002) at the baseline were all below the detectable limit in the following year. The maximum carcinogenic risks of benzene and formaldehyde were 12.54& #215;10-5 and 11.0& #215;10-5, respectively. The highest non-carcinogenic risk of benzene was 1.027 5, which exceeded the safety limit of 1. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were lowered after the interventions.
Conclusion The indoor air concentrations of benzene and formaldehyde in some offices are high and suggest high health risks. Appropriate interventions could effectively improve air quality and reduce the health risks of office workers.
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