air quality

Measurements of vapours and gases from organic solvents (GC-MS) of formaldehyde and of odour were performed inside and outside an uninhabited experimental house with and without operating the ventilating system.< The indoor air quality is evaluated with respect to human health andwellbeing, and guidelines for the setting of hygenic standards for indoor air quality are discussed, taking into account that building materials should neither emit carcinogens, respiratory irritants nor odorous compounds.

Reports study of the energy consumption and ventilation requirements of typical existing public schools in New York. Electricity and fuel-oil consumption data from May 1970 to April 1973 from 19 schools were analysed.

Reviews the topic of indoor air quality as it relates to energy efficient homes. Discusses air pollution from combustion, airborne particles, formaldehyde and radon. Concludes that indoor air quality in existing homes and those currently being constructed, can be managed so as to avoid adverse effects on the occupants.

Reports findings of investigations carried out by West German Federal Ministry of Health in July 1978 into the internal climate in the one third of the rooms in a representative West Berlin school which are located in the building core. These rooms have mechanical ventilation and artificial lighting. Gives results of measurements of room temperatures, air change rates, (measured using N2O as a tracer gas), concentration of carbon dioxide and acoustic performance of the rooms.

The indoor air quality of five detached dwellings, two townhouses, six apartment units, two mobile homes, one school and one hospital have been monitored. The pollutants monitored were CO, NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4, CO2 and total hydrocarbons. Reports results and describes a mathematical model developed to predict indoor concentrations of these pollutants. Briefly discusses the effect of energy conserving measures on indoor air pollution.

Indoor concentrations of pollutants often equal or exceed outdoor concentrations, and since most people spend 90% of their time indoors this constitutes a health threat much greater than that posed by outdoor pollution, which has received most of the attention in the U.S.A. The problem has been made worse by energy conservation measures which reduce ventilation. Thisarticle reviews recent research findings and their implications for pollution control programmes, and considers the further research that is needed.

In order to reduce heating energy consumption, single glazed windows are commonly replaced by double glazing and joints tightened in Danish dwellings. Reports investigation of the influence of such tightening of dwellings on the indoor climate. 25 tightened and 25 not-tightened identical flats were investigated. Finds an improvement in thermal climate and a significant reduction in heat consumption in the retrofitted flats. Finds absolute humidity of indoor air was significantly higher in improved flats, probably due to reduced ventilation.

Tests carried out during the sixties and seventies showed that there was a correlation between lung cancer and the existence of radon gas in mines and that there was radon gas in homes built of aerated concrete based on slate. This led to political activity with regulations for limits on emanation in new, re-built and existing buildings. Provisions were also made for grants to help house owners finance the improvements specified.< In the new bye-laws, SBN 80, gamma radiation is not to exceed 50 mu.R/h, the radon content is not to exceed an annual mean of 70 Bq/cu.m.

Discusses acceptable levels of CO2 contamination in occupied rooms. Describes measurements in a classroom over 3 days using an infra-red analyser with natural ventilation via the windows. Illustrates curves for CO2 concentrations in 8 graphs for closed windows. Notes that limiting value of 0.1% by volume CO2 (1000ppm) is reached in from 5 to 15 minutes. Repeated sudden ventilation by opening windows is not practicable. Evaluates air change rate. Concludes energy saving for ventilation in heavily populated rooms is only attainable by mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

Reviews ventilation criteria for occupied buildings. Considers minimum ventilation for the control of carbon dioxide, odours, cigarette smoke, moisture and radon. Discusses future work to improve ventilation routes.