| Description: |
Experience from clean up of the Dalen development The Dalen residential area in southern Stockholm comprises 1481 apartments in 14 groups, built between 1978 and 1982. Ever since the first occupants moved in, there have been complaints to a greater or lesser extent about indoor air quality. A new type of smoothing compound for use on concrete floors was introduced at the end of the 1970s. Certain smoothing compounds contained a plasticiser based on casein, which is a protein, and smoothing compounds of this type were used in most of the Dalen apartments. However, after a while, problems arose in the apartments, concentrated in those in which casein rich smoothing compound had been used. Stained parquet flooring, stained cork o plast floors and floor coverings that came loose from their substrates were the obvious, visible problems. In addition, there were complaints about unpleasant smells and health problems. The work that was done on the Dalen development to tackle the problems was concentrated primarily on eliminating technical shortcomings. Drainage ventilation and ventilation of refuse rooms were adjusted , while comfort ventilation was adjusted to reduce pressure differences between apartments. Other measures concentrated on replacement of casein rich smoothing compound or other forms of remedial work on floors, replacement of floor coverings and improvement of ventilation. The work has been overseen by an evaluation group which has advised on appropriate choices of methods and also monitored the results by physical measurements and by questionnaires to occupants. The work has produced apartments in which the indoor environment is as good as in healthy control areas. Physical measurements show that the original indoor environment in the buildings did not differ decisively from that which is usually measured in Swedish buildings. Nevertheless, the occupants complained about the indoor environment quality, and exhibited several non specific health symptoms. For this reason, an investigation has been ... |