“Enrichment
of life through understanding of JIS” Series for easy understanding <JIS and
health> Page 1
1. Relation between sick-house
syndrome and JIS
Recently the phrase
“sick-house” has gained common currency. This phrase refers to a syndrome such
as headaches or nausea caused by newly-built or rebuilt houses. This syndrome
is considered to be partly the result of chemicals emitted from building
materials used in their construction.
Therefore, the Building Standard Act has been implemented to regulate the use
of building materials that are likely to emit formaldehyde, the effects of
which are considered to be particularly noteworthy (depending on the amount of
emissions, such materials can be classified into those subject to use without
limitation, those subject to limited use, and those not subject to use).
JIS also specifies criteria, classification, and display methods in relation to
the emission of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde emissions are displayed by way of a
combination of letter “F” and the number of stars (“☆”) (e.g. “F☆☆☆☆” or “F☆☆☆,” etc.).
These classifications are connected with those stipulated in the Building
Standard Act. Therefore, classification displays indicate how strictly the
emission of formaldehyde is regulated in regards to specific types of building
materials. These classifications enable people to easily select building
materials that are less liable to incur sick-house syndrome.
Pamphlet – Page
2 (Example of sick-house syndrome)
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Industrial Standards Committee. All Rights Reserved.