Page 4 - Energy Recovery Ventilation

Necessity of Ventilation

The indoor air quality in South Korea is a growing concern due to high levels of bacterial
contamination and the presence of heavy metal particles in fine dust. Furthermore, asbestos,
a carcinogenic substance, has been detected at more than five times the recommended levels,
indicating an urgent need to improve air quality through ventilation systems.

Indoor Air Pollution in Residential Environments

Indoor Air Quality Survey by the Ministry of Environment (2016)

▶ Investigating Agencies Ministry of Environment, National Institute of Environmental Research,
Regional Environmental Offices
▶ Survey Targets Measurement at 689 points in 86 newly built apartment houses (as per
local government inspection results)
▶ Investigation Substances Formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, styrene
▶ Recommended Indoor Air Quality Standards for Newly Constructed Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

Recommended Standards Recommended Standards
Measurement Items Measurement Items
(µg/m3) (µg/m3)
Formaldehyde 210 or less Ethylbenzene 360 or less
Benzene 30 or less Xylene 700 or less
Toluene 1,000 or less Styrene 300 or less

Investigation vestigation
In
R
Resultsesults
13.2%
Exceeded the standard in
91 measurement points
in 10 locations

The investigation has revealed that indoor air pollution is a significant
issue, with locations exceeding the recommended standards in
10 locations and at 91 measurement points (13.2%) for major
pollutants such as formaldehyde, toluene, and styrene, which are
the main causes of “new house syndrome.” Specifically, toluene was
found to exceed the recommended standards in 52 locations, styrene Residential
in 27 locations, xylene in 14 locations, ethylbenzene in 13 locations, Buildings
and formaldehyde in 9 locations.
689 measurement points
in 86 locations

ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION 04