WOOD AS A LOW EMISSION BUILDING MATERIAL

UDC 674.8

Csilla Patko – PhD (Engineering), Assistant Professor, the Faculty of Architecture. Budapest University of Technology and Economics (3 Műegyetem rkp., 1111, Budapest, Hungary). E-mail: csilla.patko@gmail.com

Pásztory Zoltán – PhD (Engineering), Assistant Professor, the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries. University of Sopron (4 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky str., 9400, Sopron, Hungary). E-mail: pasztoryzoltan@ gmail.com

Bazhelka Ihar − PhD (Engineering), Assistant Professor, Head of the Department of Woodworking Technology. Belarusian State Technological University (13a Sverdlova str., 220006, Minsk, Republic of Belarus). E-mail: bikbstu@mail.ru

Mialeshka Volha – PhD student, József Cziráki Doctoral School of Wood Science and Technologies, the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries. University of Sopron (4 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky str., 9400, Sopron, Hungary). E-mail: volhamialeshka@outlook.com Mebratu Tufa – PhD student, József Cziráki Doctoral School of Wood Science and Technologies, the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Creative Industries. University of Sopron (4 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky str., 9400, Sopron, Hungary). E-mail: mebratuifaatufa@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.52065/2519-402X-2025-288-11.

Key words: eco-friendly building materials, wooden structures, indoor air quality, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOC), energy-efficient construction.

For citation: Patko Cs., Pásztory Z., Bazhelka I., Mialeshka V., Tufa M. Wood as a low emission building material. Proceedings of BSTU, issue 1, Foresty. Nature Management. Processing of Renewable Resources, 2025, no. 1 (288), pp. 105–113 (In Russian). DOI: 10.52065/2519-402X-2025-288-11.

Abstract

The growth of mass production of synthetic building materials for energy-efficient buildings leads to the risk of harmful substances accumulating indoors. This study aims to evaluate wood as a building material with low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde. The tests were conducted in an energy-efficient timber-frame house, where concentrations of harmful substances were measured during winter and summer periods. The study focused on the impact of temperature, humidity, ventilation, and furniture on air quality. Formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 5 to 55 μg/m3, with only one instance exceeding the permissible threshold, attributed to the introduction of cut wooden construction materials into the room. Total VOC levels varied depending on environmental factors but remained within international standards. The study builds on previous research, highlighting the influence of temperature and humidity on the emissions of harmful substances from building materials, including wood. Technologies such as high-temperature treatment of materials, the addition of absorbents, and the use of eco-friendly adhesives were found to reduce emissions. The research also examines methods to improve air quality, including enhancing ventilation and using materials with low formaldehyde content. The findings confirm that wooden structures are safe for residential buildings and contribute to a comfortable and environmentally friendly indoor environment. This research is of interest to designers and builders selecting materials for energy-efficient construction. The practical significance lies in providing recommendations to minimize the impact of building materials on indoor air quality, thereby promoting the health and well-being of occupants.

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