English

An air sampling and analytical system for formaldehyde measurements based on a solid sampler is described. The samplers were tested on a standard atmosphere in the range of 0.2 to 0.8 mg/m3 dry air. 

Concentrates on low energy housing construction in Scandinavia, and Sweden in particular, where typical new detached houses with a floor area of 140 m2 now use less energy for space heating than water heating. 

The quantitative determination of formaldehyde in air using the fluorimetric acetylacetone method is described. Known concentrations of formaldehyde were generated and collected in water using absorbers. The sampling rate was 0.5 l/min, and the sampling volumes varied from 2 to 20 l, depending on theconcentration level. Under these conditions the entire sampling and the analytical method were evaluated over a range of 0.2-1.7 mg formaldehyde per m3 of air.

The emission of organic gases and vapours of solvent type from 42 commonly used building materials was measured under standard atmospheric conditions. 

Smoke control makes use of mechanical fans to produce airflows and pressure differences to control smoke movement. Describes one day of tests of the smoke control systems at the 6-storey VA hospital, San Diego, California. 

Gives basic facts about indoor air pollution for homeowners. Lists common indoor air pollutants and guidelines for generally acceptable levels of selected air contaminants. Some suppliers of measurement equipment are mentioned.

Contains articles on rain penetration and moisture damage in residential construction, moisture sources in houses, control of surface and concealed condensation, and ventilation of houses. Illustrates the various types of condensation problems that may occur, explains the active processes involved in some of these problems and discusses in detail the principal factors surrounding these phenomena i.e. sources of moisture, choice of construction detail, and current ventilation practice.

Local exhaust ventilation is a more effective system for reducing contaminants in the workplace.

The various meanings of ventilation efficiency are briefly summarised. The residual life time of a released tracer gas is chosen as the most meaningful and convenient basis for local efficiency measurements in large, occupied, mechanically ventilated buildings. Measurements were carried out in ten public swimming pool halls. Sulphur hexafluoride tracer gas was released from a 20 ml syringe at various locations around the pool hall and the integrated concentration with respect to time was measured at the exhaust air duct. This was extrapolated to infinite time using the measured decay rate.