Air pollution due to volatile compounds in six unoccupied houses with intended low energy consumption was measured. The measurements included air temperature, air humidity, ventilation rate and concentration of organic gases and vapours. On average 14 different compounds were identified in concentrations exceeding 0.005 mg/m3 in the samples, and Toluene and alpha-Pinene were the most frequent compounds. A total concentration of organic gases and vapours averaged for the five periods of measurements 0.46 mg/m3 (0.032 - 5.5 mg/m3).

Describes approach based on the Predicted Mean Vote concept as a suitable index of discomfort for housing with evaporative cooling. This index accounts for all important environmental factors and in addition allows dynamic modelling of human responses to the thermal environment, such as adjusting clothing levels and metabolic rate. The computer program TEMPAL is used to predict internal environmental conditions within a dwelling. TEMPAL is shown to be sufficiently accurate for this purpose by comparing predictions with monitored conditions.

The air velocities and air temperatures distributions within the occupied zone of a room were determined and the wall surface temperatures were measured, in steady-state conditions. For each one of the 5 selected comfort criteria, and at every point of a three-dimensional network, a comfort index, derived from the physical measurements, characterizes the level of discomfort. The data is then synthesized in the form of a comfort profile, taking into account not only the frequency of the 5 types of discomfort, but their intensity as well.

Air flow in an enclosed space, whether from natural or mechanical ventilation, has generally a rather slow velocity, 0.1-0.25 m/s, but may still cause local discomfort. Tests were carried out on laminar and turbulent air flows in this velocity range. Turbulent air flow was found to always cause more discomfort than linear air flow.

A test chamber was designed and constructed at Princeton University for research purposes. The structure is essentially a miniature house, with no internal partitions, built with simplicity and uniformity in mind. Also thetest chamber was built to have minimal infiltration rates, and with versatility to facilitate experimentation. The test chamber is a tool to study subtle effects in the thermal performance of structures.

A survey was carried out on 15 homes in Northern Italy to evaluate the occurrence of 35 selected volatile organic compounds and of total volatile organics in indoor air and in ambient (outdoor) air. Respirable suspended particulates and venti

Gives detailed results of an extensive programme of wind tunnel testing of a standard scale model of a one-room, flat-roofed building. A major requirement was coverage of those characteristics of window openings or window accessories which were known (or which appeared) to have a significant effect on indoor air flow.

Air-to-air heat exchangers were evaluated as a method of maintaining indoor contaminant concentration levels below acceptable levels. A mathematical simulation of air infiltration and indoor contaminant generation was used todetermine the distribution of contaminant concentrations at various average intervals including hourly and yearly. Both spot generation such as from unvented combustion, and diffuse sources, such as from materials, were considered for four contaminants, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and formaldehyde.

A representative panel of 37 conventional houses in Eastern Pennsylvania was chosen. Each house was located with respect to its geological formation (the underlying substrate). Blower-door ventilation measurements were made. The concentration of radon in the domestic water supplies was analysed and passive radon monitors were used to measure the radon in the air. It was concluded that the radon in these houses arises largely from the soil and passes through the foundations.

Regulations relating to building design, construction and occupancy in the various States of the USA are examined to assess the technical bases for their ventilation provisions and to determine if they permit innovation in indoor air quality technology.