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Classroom microbial VOC measurements compared against reported respiratory symptoms in pupils

Kim JL, Elfman L, Mi Y, Wieslander G, Smedje G, Norbäck D (2007) · Indoor Air 17(2):153–163

Measured microbial volatile compounds in Swedish classrooms were reported in association with respiratory symptoms and diagnosed asthma among the pupils studied.

What they studied

Air sampling in 23 classrooms in Swedish schools, with 1,014 pupils surveyed.

Measurement of microbial volatile organic compounds, molds, bacteria, and plasticizers indoors and outdoors.

Questionnaire assessment of respiratory symptoms and doctor-diagnosed asthma.

What they found

Mean indoor microbial VOC concentrations were reported as substantially higher than outdoor concentrations.

Higher levels of 3-methylfuran, dimethyl disulfide, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-heptanone, and 3-octanone were each reported in association with respiratory symptoms.

Associations were reported in classrooms without visible mold growth.

What it does not establish

Cross-sectional design; symptom reporting and exposure were measured at the same time.

Symptoms were self-reported by questionnaire.

Associations do not establish causation or a safe concentration.

This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.

Source

  • Kim JL, Elfman L, Mi Y, Wieslander G, Smedje G, Norbäck D (2007). Indoor molds, bacteria, microbial volatile organic compounds and plasticizers in schools — associations with asthma and respiratory symptoms in pupils · Indoor Air 17(2):153–163 · Read at the source

Last reviewed August 30, 2026.

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