Identifies alternative methods available to control indoor air pollutant exposures. Describes the performance characteristics of ventilation systems and of air cleaning devices used in mixed modes for ventilation of occupied spaces. Reviews models for predicting effectiveness of several alternative modes, with field trial validation results cited where available. Briefly reviews previous confined-space studies as points of departure for consideration of necessary air quality, ventilation and air cleaning.
Describes a test carried out in the Fridley, MN, Junior High School Music Dept. to obtain air quality, energy and subjective response data on an Automatic Variable Ventilation System. Devises a control system with both CO2 and temperature inputs to control the use of outdoor air. Infiltration measurements lead to a quantitative measure of ventilation efficiency, which in turn lead to recommendations for air circulation patterns in rooms. The measured ventilation efficiency enables energy and CO2 models to fit measured data. Finds energy savings of approx. 20% in this application.
Describes a system installed in the EKONO office building in Helsinki which allows the amount of CO2 in the exhaust air to control the ventilation rate. Uses a CO2 indicator, and adjusts the mixture of exterior and recirculated air so that the amount of CO2 during working hours is kept on ca 700 ppm. Describes use of equipment during winter 1981-82, when exterior air flow is registered. Measures the proportion of CO2 locally in order to study occasional variations that may occur. Studies the proportion of other pollutants in the room air with a gas chromatograph.
Shows the usefulness of a model for extrapolating environmental chamber results on pollutant emissions from combustion appliances to determine indoor pollutant concentrations in actual residences. Investigates the effects of infiltration, whole-house ventilation, and spot ventilation on pollutant levels. Results show that a range hood is the most effective means of removing pollutants emitted from a gas-fired range; removal rates vary from 60%-87%.
Studies a sample of 58 occupied homes in Rochester NY to assess 1. the effectiveness of construction techniques designed to reduce air leakage 2. the indoor air quality and air-exchange rates in selected airtight houses and 3. the impact on
Using miniature perfluorocarbon tracer (PFT) sources and miniature passive samplers, tests conducted in the lab and in a typical home successfully demonstrate the utility of the PFT kit as a means for implementing wide-scale infiltration meas
Studies a modern energy efficient office building in a series of experiments with mobile laboratories connected on-line with the building. Measures inorganic air contaminants (CO, CO2, NO2). Makes off-line measurements of volatile organic con
Carries out measurements of indoor atmospheric environment in a day nursery and a kindergarten in Denmark, where natural air infiltration supplies the room with only 1-2 m3 fresh air per person and hour under the prescribed occupancy. Duplicates situation under controlled conditions in a climate chamber. Results indicate unacceptably high concentrations of carbon-dioxide, and show the need for more elaborate building design in airtight buildings.
Reports a survey on both solar and conventional homes in north-eastern New York State. Finds that houses which are more airtight have 3 times the radon levels of conventional houses. The highest 2 levels of radon in the solar homes give doses over 30 yrs that are known to produce lung cancer in 1% of uranium miners. Summer readings in more than one half of the cases are different from winter ones by a factor of 2 or more, so that year-round measurements are necessary for precise dosimetry. The track etching technique is ideally suited for such measurements.
Discusses 2 reports by the Agrement Board which indicate that insulated doors in busy industrial buildings such as warehouses do not save much energy. Further studies by the Bolton Gate co. show that the addition of a plastic strip curtain gives significant savings. When a door is open for 5 mins perhour, the mean saving can be 15% depending on outside temperature and the air leakage of the curtain. When the door is open for 15 mins per hour, the mean saving can be 29%. States that it is easier to use plastic strip curtains with horizontal folding shutters than with doors.