American scientists from Purdue University in Indiana have discovered high levels of pollution in the air coming from office buildings in cities. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Cell Reports Sustainability (CRS).
The analysis showed that business centers saturate the urban atmosphere with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are harmful to human health.
The study found indoor VOC concentrations were 2 to 15 times higher than outdoors, and VOC emissions from buildings per unit area were comparable to vehicular, industrial and biogenic emissions.
The team found that offices continue to be significant sources of reactive monoterpene and siloxane release into the environment. Siloxanes are widely used in deodorants, perfumes, lotions and hair care products.
According to scientists, this discovery raises questions about the feasibility of installing filtration systems in ventilation outlets where air exits office complexes.
Previous researchers I learnedGreenery along highways removes more than a third of pollutants from automobile emissions in the air.