Discusses building 'safe' houses, describes the decay chain of uranium 238 and the qualities of radon, and risks of developing lung cancer run by miners and householders. Figures for lung cancer in the USA are quoted. Details from three studies in Houston, Maine and Sweden are given. Discusses sources of radon, e.g. water, building materials, soil. A study of houses in Pennsylvania indicated that high radon concentrations occurred over Cambro-ordovician sediment rock. Discusses movement of radon from soil into dwellings.
Introductory talk on the indoor air quality problem. Compares risk of radon pollution in houses to the risks of smoking tobacco, and gives a definition of levels of concern. Mentions filtering of indoor air by means of an air-to-air heat exchanger, the interaction between ventilation and sources, e.g. unvented combustion heaters and carbon dioxide emissions; measurements of nitrogen dioxide are compared, and formaldehyde concentrations in 28 different commercial buildings.
Subjects covered include: problems of radon, formaldehyde build-up in the home, residential indoor air quality, effect of moisture on other pollutants, epidemiology of indoor air problems, setting standards for recognising harmful concentrations in homes, the effect of retrofit conversion measures, thepublic's perspective.
Classification and characteristics of particular methods of investigations on thermal energy balance in dwelling houses aiming at determination of economy attained owing to modernization measures, are presented in the paper. Guidelines on execution of respective measurements and on working out theinvestigation results are given.
Describes factors to be taken into account for air conditioning and heating in a theatre. Nature and purpose of the building call for an adequate supply of conditioned outdoor air, with a total supply air rate up to 69,000 m3/h. Economical use of energy was stressed. Detailed description of the problems involved with the auditorium and stage shaft are given.
Existing models for predicting air infiltration account for three dominant variables, namely envelope leakage characteristics, indoor-outdoor temperature difference and wind speed. Building shape, wind direction and sheltering, also influence the wind induced component of air infiltration. In this report, these variables are examined analytically and experimentally using wind tunnel data and field infiltration measurements. A sensitivity analysis of a power law infiltration relationship reveals that these factors are most significant at small temperature differences.
Evacuation of people from their homes and workplaces is a standard response to the hazards created by the release of toxic gas. However, by staying indoors a person can take advantage of the clean air stored within the house volume, as well as the damping the house provides for sudden changes in outdoor toxic gas concentration. The relation between indoor and outdoor concentration is explored in this study, where it is shown that in most cases the risk of exposure to high concentration levels is substantially reduced by remaining indoors during the entire period of toxic gas release.
Notes field evidence of increased condensation in houses with reduced ventilation and increased thermal insulation installed to conserve energy. Treats the possible long term effects. Gives advice on taking into account the whole package of heating and ventilation of the property when energy conservation measures are being contemplated.
Notes increasing concern with the quality of indoor air, allied with the desire to conserve energy by minimising ventilation rates. Examines on the basis of a literature search the sources of indoor air pollution and the characteristics of the pollutants. Pays particular attention to tobacco smoke and its deleterious effects on health. Discusses minimum ventilation rates for rooms in which people smoke. Points out that ventilation alone cannot ensure that the strictest criteria for room air quality are met with smoking.
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