Oral Presentation World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026

Volatile organic compounds in prefabricated timber buildings – implications for sustainability and health (132093)

Nigel Goodman 1 2 3 , Priya Rajagopalan 2 3 , Matthew Francis 3 , Sotiris Vardoulakis 1 2 , Anne Steinemann 4
  1. HEAL Global Research Centre, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
  2. Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL), National Research Network, Canberra, ACT, Australia
  3. School of Property, Construction & Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Background: Urbanisation, population growth, and climate change require the built environment to be more sustainable. Prefabricated timber buildings can reduce construction costs, times, and the environmental impact of the buildings. However, emissions “off-gassing” from prefabricated timber materials can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ) and pose health concerns for occupants. Prefabricated building products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, glulam beams, plywood(s), and particle board(s) can emit potentially hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and nonanal. Exposure to VOCs including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and limonene has been associated with adverse health effects, such as sensory and skin irritation, headaches, breathing difficulties, asthma risk, and even cancer.

Aims: The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the types and concentrations of VOCs detected within indoor environments constructed from prefabricated timber materials and discuss implications for sustainability and health.

Methodology: This research systematically examined and analysed published studies on VOCs in prefabricated timber buildings over the past 24 years.

Results: All studies (n=7) detected hazardous air pollutants including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and acetaldehyde, with benzene concentrations potentially exceeding World Health Organization indoor air quality guidelines for long term / short term exposure. Most studies also detected terpenes. Highest concentrations of formaldehyde and terpenes were in a prefabricated house, and highest of benzene and toluene in a prefabricated office building.

Conclusions: The paucity of published evidence on IAQ in prefabricated timber buildings is notable given the growth in the sector and points to the need for further evaluation to assess potential health and environmental impacts. To minimise indoor exposure to VOCs, prefabricated timber buildings can utilise emission reduction techniques such as increased ventilation rates, and low emission materials that reduce indoor VOC concentrations and occupants’ exposures, especially to those chemical compounds associated with adverse health effects.