Not only do the odor-masking chemicals contribute to pollution, but they mask building operations in such a way as to prevent timely and healthful corrective measures to be implemented. If something is wrong as evidenced by malodors, then action should be taken. To avoid indoor pollution and maintain a healthful environment, ventilation must be carefully designed, installed and operated. It must be adequate and not in itself a source of irritation. At least in new construction, ecologically safer heating and cooling are relatively easy to accomplish with known materials and techniques.
Ventilation is more difficult, perhaps even to the point of needing additional basic research.
Existing fans and motors themselves contribute pollutants when they are in the ventilation airstream. Radon, aldehydes, suspended particulates, and numerous offensive gases must be removed by ventilation, but without excessive energy loss. A pattern language . Oxford University Press, 1977. Solar Age , June 1981, pp 30-32.