Sampling and monitoring toxic gases in indoor environments

A discussion of different approaches to indoor air pollutant monitoring is presented. Indoor sampler design criteria are outlined. Grab samplers, personal samplers, passive and single-use devices, and in-situ measurement instruments are compared to novel, syringe/adsorbent tube samplers. These instruments provide automated, sequential, time-averaged collection of avariety of indoor pollutants, including hydrocarbon/halocarbon organic vapours, CO, CO2, HCOH, tobacco smoke, combustion and odorous mixtures, and particulate matter. In addition, the samplers can be used in infiltration studies.

An investigation of operational factors that influence emission rates from gas appliances

Reports the result of investigation of the impact of various operational factors on trace combustion products emission rates from unvented gas appliances including ranges and space heaters. The impact of the following factors on the indoor NO, NO2 and CO emission rates were evaluated under controlled conditions in an environmental chamber - 1) the appliance typeand/or design, 2) the primary aeration level, 3) the fuel input rate, 4) the time dependence of emission rates, and 5) the presence of absorbing surfaces such as wood, plaster board, curtains, carpets, linoleum and plaster.

A systems approach to the monitoring of indoor air pollutants

Building design and building construction technology has improved in the past decade and the concern over indoor air pollutants and their health effects has increased. A multi-point, multi-pollutant air sampling and analysis network was insta

Characterization of particulate and organic emissions from major indoor sources

As our understanding of human exposure to air pollutants improves, it is becoming increasingly evident that indoor environments play a critical role in determining exposures. However, it is not possible at the present time toestablish the relative contribution of indoor and outdoor sources to personal exposures, nor can the contribution of specific indoor emissions be quantified. To address these issues, a chamber experiment was initiated to measure particulate and organic emissions from important indoor sources.

A pilot study to obtain 24-hour air pollution exposure profiles

A pilot study was conducted using workers from a semiconductor plant. Describes the methods used to acquire and evaluate air pollution exposure data for significant environments (including workplace, in-transit, and residence) to which workers are exposed throughout a typical 24-hour day. Summer andwinter measurements were made on products of combustion, radon, respirable particulates, and a variety of organic compounds including methylene chloride.

Modeling and measurement of pollutants inside houses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mathematical models for predicting indoor pollutant levels are being developed and compared with measured concentration in three residential dwellings - a relatively new townhouse constructed according to rigid energy-conservation guidelines,

Equipment for personal and portable air monitoring - A state-of-the-art survey and review

The Harvard School of Public Health and the Energy and Environmental Policy Centre of the Kennedy School of Government, under the auspices of the Electric Power Research Institute and the Gas Research Institute, conducted a"Workshop on Evalu

Multivariate model for predicting NO2 levels in residences based upon sources and source use

Diffusion-type passive monitors were placed for a two-week period in each of 303 residences in the New Haven (Conn.) area during a 12 week sampling period January to April 1983. For each home NO2 levels were recorded outdoors, and in three ro

Characterization of indoor air quality and "sick buildings"

Notes the increased attention being paid to "sick buildings" of the irritating type. Occupants complain of deteriorated indoor air and subtle medical symptoms that may be related to the indoor air. The problem seems to coincide with energy economising. To evaluate the actual quality of the air in a building it is necessary to conduct field studies with mobile investigation units, taking representative air samples for immediate sensory and chemical analysis.

Predicting thermal comfort of people in naturally ventilated buildings

Describes a new procedure for predicting the thermal comfort of people in naturally ventilated buildings. The procedure starts by obtaining, for each important wind direction, velocity ratios between points of interest inside the proposed bu

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