Discusses some problems of interpretation of the French regulations concerning domestic ventilation promulgated 24th March 1982. Notes in particular problems connected with natural ventilation.

Lists and explains the 10 rules to ensure correct domestic ventilation< 1. Ensuring the correct air supply< 2. Maintaining correct flow directions< 3. Maintaining stable ventilation conditions< 4. Avoiding discomfort zones< 5. Maximum use of window ventilation< 6. Matching the flow of air to the ventilation requirement< 7. Observing energy saving ventilation principles< 8. Considering smoke carryover in case of fire<9. Quiet operation<10. Ensuring low maintenance requirements for the system< Illustrates examples of ventilation practice in diagrams.

Uses "Track Etch" detectors to measure nearly 40000 time-averaged radon concentrations in Canadian, Swedish and US homes. In some areas indoor exposure rates exceed 20 pci/l in as many as 15% of homes surveyed. Such levels may lead to an increased lung cancer risk. The "Track Etch" detectors are based upon a plastic nuclear track detector which undergoes permanent radiation damage when struck by an alpha particle. These small detectors are very convenient to use in occupied homes and buildings.

Describes a mathematical model for the detailed calculation of ventilation losses in buildings. The model takes account of the prevailing wind and buoyancy forces, the leakiness of the building facades and internal doors and the effect of exhaust installations. Derives a simplified calculation method for practical calculations by heating engineers which is applied in the new SIA Recommendation 384/2 "Heat demand of buildings".

Lists in a table and discusses the chief sources of indoor air pollution. Distinguishes between short term and long term pollution. Provides advice for reducing pollution from various sources. Discusses the minimum permissible fresh air supply rates. Gives recommended humidity values and when, how often and for how long should ventilation be carried out. Recommends 12-15 m3 fresh air per person per hour, with double this rate for physical activity or smoking. States fresh air supply should be monitored to ensure the carbon-dioxide content does not exceed 0.15%.

Provides results of research in Switzerland into window ventilation in typical rented dwellings as a function of outdoor climate, and the research support activities of the Air Infiltration Centre in the UK funded by the International Energy Agency. Describes in particular the creation of an air infiltration database, the comparison and validation of computer models of air infiltration, the development of a reporting format for measurement of air change in buildings, and the compilation of a glossary of technical terms.

Reports measurements carried out from summer 1979 to summer 1981 in a well-instrumented unoccupied house, and in a less intensive manner in 60 occupied houses of the same construction. 

Provides the first results of a comparison of computer predictions of building energy demands with measurements in actual buildings - the Maugwil single family house and the "La Chaumiere" block of flats. Describes the buildings and summarises the measurement results and predicted values in graphs. Concludes the results indicate that the DOE-2 program can predict the thermal behaviour of buildings with an accuracy to within 5-10% on condition that it uses precise hourly meteorological and air change rate data. Stresses the important influence of the program user.

Illustrates the building, comprising 24 flats in four storeys constructed in 1957 and heated by an oil fired boiler. Notes the intensive monitoring of the thermal characteristics of the building since 1980, with readings from 600 sensors.

Explores the various roles that mathematical models can play in the design of energy efficient ventilation systems. Uses an example (an existing terraced house) to illustrate how models may be used to investigate the energy implications and air distribution patterns of a range of mechanical andnatural ventilation options. Identifies key parameters needed for accurate results, and compares predicted infiltration rates with actual measurements taken in the house. Concludes that models of proven validity are an invaluable aid in ventilation design studies.