Improving indoor air quality and mitigating health risks with sheep wool as a sustainable material

Abstract

Sheep wool as a natural fiber is an increasingly important alternative to synthetic materials in the green economy. The study evaluates the effectiveness of sheep wool based materials in enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) and mitigating health risks in occupational settings. Two test cabins - one with conventional synthetic materials and another with sheep wool based materials - were designed to compare the performance of these materials in terms of noise insulation, volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, CO₂ levels and humidity regulation. A survey of the room occupants' perception of the material was also carried out. Results show that sheep wool panels provide sound insulation comparable to synthetic materials, especially at mid-range frequencies. Sheep wool's natural ability to regulate humidity contributed to a more stable indoor climate, while VOC levels remained low in both cabins, below the analytical determination limit for some parameters. The Synthetic cabin showed a slightly lower VOC level. The sheep wool cabin showed more rapid CO₂ fluctuations, demanding further study. User surveys indicated a preference for the sheep wool cabin, with participants noting comfort and an overall more pleasant environment. This novel approach, which simultaneously measures IAQ indicators and examines the room users' perception of IAQ, shows that sheep wool based materials, being both sustainable and biodegradable, provide a healthier alternative to synthetic materials, supporting the goals of reducing health risks and promoting environmental sustainability.