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Pulverised quartz crystals and granite dust could help prevent sick building
syndrome, say Japanese researchers. Chemicals such as formaldehyde and
anti-fungal agents, which are thought to contribute to the syndrome, can seep
into living-room air from the adhesives used to bond building materials such as
laminates and compressed cardboard, according to the Japanese Ministry of
Health, Labour and Welfare. But inventors Takeji Motai and Toshiaki Fujii say
that the fine crystals and dust could be added to the adhesives to absorb the
irritant odours, catalyse their breakdown and purify the air (EP 1132445).