Investigating IAQ complaints after renovations at an office building in New York City.

Describes an investigation of the indoor air quality of a music company at their New York City office. The office was on the 31st floor of a block. Recommendations for producing better IAQ were as follows: 1) Recalibrate return airflows where needed to harmonise them with the values specified in the HVAC system design. At the same time verify and adjust airflows from the supply-air diffusers. The amount of outdoor air should comply with the ASHRAE Standard 62.1-1999 industry guideline of 20 ft2 per person per minute in offices.

IAQ in ambiente ospedaliero. Definizione di una metodologia di indagine in relazione all'inquinamento degli impianti aeraulici. Indoor air quality in hospitals. A methodology of sampling in relation with pollution of ductwork.

This paper presents the result of a research carried out on the valuation method of ductworks hygienic condition. Both the methodology and the results of the samplings carried out on the HVAC systems of ten hospitals are presented. For every HVAC system the following characteristics have been checked: typological and building features, air filters characteristics and maintenance programmes. Upon inspections openings carrying out, air dust concentration, dust on the duct surface, total and specific microbial concentration from the outdoor air inlet to the air intake have been sampled.

Proceeding of the Second International FLEC (Field and Laboratory Emission Cell) Symposium.

The Field and Laboratory Emision Cell (FLEC) was presented for the first time at the Healthy Buildings Conference in 1991. The FLEC is now used worldwide for many different applications that are related to emission testing of building products. Several labelling schemes are now on the market using both the FLEC and more classic climate chambers to fulfil the increasing demand for more indoor environmentally friendly building products.

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.

Responding to and preventing IAQ problems in schools.

States that the poor indoor air quality of US schools has become a real concern for students, parents and educators. This article discusses why the problem exists. A second article is to cover source management and mechanical controls, and a third will provide a summary and list addional resources. States that modern schools are differently designed; buildings used to be able to handle small, common rainwater leaks without growing mould because they were constructed of masonry, steel, ceramics and plaster.

Energy efficient ventilation filters.

To ensure good indoor air quality in buildings, filters are installed in the ventilation ducts. These filters cause a pressure drop in the ducts, so that increased power to the ventilation fans is required to maintain the flow of fresh air. To reduce this problem, the Norwegian company, Interfil, developed a new energy efficient filter in 1995. This filter has been carefully tested in recent years. The test results show that, compared to ordinary filters, the new filters could reduce fan power by about 10%, while maintaining indoor air quality.

New test methods for air filters do they reflect the "real life" performances?

New laboratory test methods using different dusts have been developed for measuring and classifying air filters but could give very misleading results compared with filter behavior in an installation. The paper describes the differences between laboratory tests and performances in atmospheric air. It provides a basis for a better understanding of air filters and filter testing to meet IAQ problems and to reflect a filters' behavior "in service".

Effect of quality and maintenance of the ventilation to the indoor air quality.

The aim of this study was to find out the indoor air quality in the real estates of the state and what was the effect of ventilation to the indoor air quality in these buildings.

A general primer pressure gradients against disease, weather, smoke.

This paper attempts to provide a general basis for implementing the principles of pressure differentials to aid in providing more user friendly air quality in buildings. This is a new technology application to be added to the commonly used air changes and filtering for cleaner air. The success story of smoke control can now be used as a major strategy against pollution and disease control in buildings. Stale bacteria-infiltrated air can also be contained to its spaces of origin and exhausted from its sources in the building.

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