The paper presents the first and the second phases of a work in progress aimed to prepare aguide for the IAQ evaluation of the real estate of the Politecnico di Milano University, intended for the technicians of the university building department.The overall work is structured in four phases: (1) census and classification of theconstruction and technical features of the buildings; (2) preparation of a check-list for thedetection of hazards based on homogeneous category of building; (3) monitoring ofrepresentative building of the Politecnico real estate; (4) proposal of techniques and materi

The main objective of this study was to investigate the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in officebuildings and to understand better how HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning)systems work and what their effects are on IAQ over a sustained period. Two Frenchcommercial buildings were chosen, located in urban areas of Lyon and Paris, and for one daya month, over the course of 1 year, a number of IAQ related variables were recorded bothinside, including the HVAC system, and outside the buildings.

In Germany, the radon concentration of 200 Bq/m3 in accordance with the European recommendation (Kommission der Europäischen Gemeinschaften, 1990) is valid as design level for new buildings. Radon from building material can make a significant contribution

The adverse health effects and costs of IAQ problems could be reduced significantly with proper use and maintenance of buildings and early detection and remediation of problems.Dissemination of information is the key to these savings. Therefore, the Finnish ministries responsible for IAQ decided to launch an education and information campaign IndoorClimate 2002. The activities were coordinated by the Finnish Society of Indoor Air Qualityand Climate (FiSIAQ).

IAQ investigators have a responsibility to give correct advice to the client. In cases with mould growth, the question of people’s health is often involved. Economical aspects can also be considerable due to the high costs of necessary actions during and

This paper reviews the flow network model based on power balance as applied to wind-induced cross ventilation in a residential building. The characteristics of wind-induced cross-ventilation with open windows in buildings are different from those of air infiltration through cracks in walls. The features of the velocity and pressure distributions are apparently different. In cross-ventilation, it seems that a kind of stream tube is formed through the building.

Public health services are increasingly confronted with inquiries from the public concerningindoor air pollution. But so far no standardized procedures have been applied by authoritiesand experts in this field.

There is a worldwide trend to develop a tool that can provide comprehensive assessment ofbuildings for sustainability. Many efforts were found to propose approaches for energy-savingand resource-recycling, and on the other hand buildings for sustainability should maintain theacceptable indoor environment quality to maintain the occupants health. This paper presentsa comprehensive index, IEI(AHP), composed of the filtered physical indicators, for quantitativeassessment on the built environment.

Toxicologically derived guidelines for the evaluation of VOC concentrations are still sparse.Therefore a schema is proposed for establishing target or intervention values which includesfollowing basics: i) Guidelines are derived from statistical values of representative studies. ii)Guidelines should refer to standardized analytical methods. iii) Guidelines should exist for allvolatile indoor air contaminants. iv) Possibility of dynamic adaptation, if the VOC mixturechanges. v) Up-to-dateness. vi) TVOC concept and values for groups of VOC should beincluded.

To promote good indoor air quality (IAQ) and public awareness of its importance, theHKSAR Government has implemented an Indoor Air Quality Management Programme since2000. This paper gives an overview of the programme and the progress made to date. It alsogives a brief account of the voluntary Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme for Offices andPublic Places promulgated by the government in September 2003, to promote and recognizegood IAQ management practices in these buildings.