Dynamics of airborne fungal populations in a large office building.

Documents a study of airborne fungal concentration in a newly constructed building on the Gulf coast. States that fungal concentrations indoors were consistently below those outdoors, and samples did not clearly indicate contamination in the building, although visible growth was evident in the ventilation system. Concludes that the intrusion of most of the outdoor fungal aerosol is prevented by modern mechanically ventilated buildings, and that even extensive air sampling may not give the whole picture.

Effect of a new ventilation system on health and well-being of office workers.

Examines the effect of a new, individually controlled ventilation system on employee symptoms. Two groups of employees were studied in one office building with mechanical ventilation, with one group the control. Individual control of the workspace ventilation was given to the intervention group. The new system gave higher air velocities, more variable temperatures, and higher concentration of airborne dust and fungal spores. Nevertheless, after four months, employees reported fewer symptoms.

Nasal patency and biomarkers in nasal lavage - the significance of air exchange rate and type of ventilation in schools.

Describes a study carried out in order to examine the relationships between the ventilation rate and the type of ventilation system on one hand, and objective nasal measures on the other. The method was to carry out a standardised investigation which included acoustic rhinometry and nasal lavage at a school. 279 persons at 12 primary schools in Sweden were invited and 84% participated.

The quality of mechanical ventilation systems in Belgian office buildings: findings of field research, analysis and opportunities for improvement.

The aim of this paper is to identify the weak points in nowadays ventilation installations in Belgium and to discuss energy performance approach of buildings as a way to solve many of the ventilation related problems.

Air toxics in a new Australian dwelling over an 8-month period.

Outlines a 'healthy house' design for suburban Australia. The design incorporated a tight building envelope and a ducted mechanical ventilation (and heat recovery) system, providing a minimum ventilation rate of 0.35 air changes per hour. Partial filtration and dehumidification of the air was also included. Low-VOC building materials were chosen. Total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations were approximately 4,000 microgrammes per m3 just after construction, decreasing by a double-exponential model to 300 microgrammes per m3 by eight months, which is good.

Public housing breaks the mould. Part II: Veterans era housing.

Part 1 of this feature discussed the particular moisture and air quality related problems of midrise housing, and took a close look at two cases. This article analyses issues unique to 'Veterans Era Housing' (US housing built for World War II veterans during the 40s and 50s) and presents three cases where moisture problems were successfully addressed.

Residential ventilation issues. Proceedings.

The symposium aimed to address the merits and drawbacks of various requirements for residential ventilation along with the problems encountered in implementing these requirements. Discusses proposed and existing ventilation standards and codes in the United States and Canada. Presentations included investigations of site-built as well as manufactured homes and highlighted issues relating to implementation, IAQ, energy, moisture and economics. Also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of requiring mechanical ventilation in residences.

Feasibility study of an indoor air quality measurement protocol on 12 parameters in mechanically ventilated and air conditioned buildings.

The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department has recently launched a set of guidance notes on indoor air quality (IAQ) management for offices and public places. An IAQ Certification Programme will be conducted on a self-regulatory basis that is intended to divide IAQ in mechanically ventilated buildings into three classes. Due to the large number of buildings in Hong Kong and the associated cost implications, a simplified, operationally feasible and scientifically sound assessment has been developed.

School design.

             

Lifting the lid. Are our schools adequately ventilated?

               

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