English

Solving IAQ problems requires strategies and tools for making observations and measurements. This article covers the tools a future article will impart strategies for using them.

An experimental method for the determination of the internal diffusion coefficient (D) and partition coefficient (ke) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is developed for dry building materials (such as carpet, vinyl flooring. plywood, etc.). The method is used to determine D and k0 for four VOCs (toluene, nonane. decane, and undecane ) through the backing material of a carpet specimen, for four vocs (ethylbenzene, nonane, decane, and undecane) through a floor tile specimen, and three vocs (cyclohexene, ethylbenzene. and decanc) through a plywood specimen.

Energy efficient ventilation has a key role to play in achieving the Government's objectives for reducing carbon-dioxide emissions. Ian Andrews discusses the background to the issues.