Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

High levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors can often be attributed to newly installed materials, particularly carpets. When new carpets are installed, they frequently release VOCs due to the adhesives used, the backing materials, and even the fibers themselves, all of which can emit gases that may affect indoor air quality. This release can create elevated concentrations of VOCs in the air within a building, especially in settings that are not well-ventilated.

While elements such as old furniture, curtains, and blinds may also contain some VOCs, they typically do not emit them at the same significant levels as new carpets and other recently installed materials. Foot traffic can contribute to the degradation of materials and potentially increase VOC emissions indirectly, but it is not a primary source of VOCs like newly installed carpet. Hence, focusing on the characteristics and materials involved with installation is crucial in understanding their impact on indoor air quality.