Discusses in general terms the problem with formaldehyde in schools in Cologne, reported by Deimel (abstract no.803). Considers problems of ventilating school buildings to reduce the concentration of formaldehyde. Discusses toxicity of formaldehyde and reports a survey of 37 children from one of the Cologne schools. Measurements of formic acid and formaldehyde in the childrens' urine were made after 7 hours of exposure and after 17 exposure-free hours. Concludes that current standards should be adhered to.
Notes that as houses become tighter, adventitious ventilation decreases. Discusses attitudes to varying degrees of tightness. Explains introduction of the supply exhaust system which comprises air supply, air exhaust and heat recovery. Notes requirements for economic use of the system and relates installation costs to potential savings. Tabulates systems currently available in Sweden(December 1980)noting maximum air flow, position of heat exchanger and other factors.
The study concerns the problems and prediction of room flow in air-conditioning. It is shown how difficult it is to form mathematical models, especially of the three-dimensional flow field occurring in practice. After basic definitions, an explanation of the influence of different air flow systems on the structure of room flow is given. The microstructure of the flowis so complex that a precise mathematical model formation seems to be impossible. Measurements on isothermal and models(reduced from the original)supply reliable three-dimensional results.
At the HPAC laboratory of the State Research Centre, supply air tests were conducted partly with a supply air window, partly with a porous, 0. 1m thick insulation above the window. The best results were obtained with low supply air velocities allowing the air to flow down close to the outside wall. Thetests with a supply air window of about 1m*1m showed that an upward air-flow between the panes gave better results then down- flow. The air distribution was improved with a guiding vane in front of the air-flow holes in the window frame.
Measurements of dark smoke and SO2 concentration made inside and outside a school showed no significant difference in the case of smoke but SO2 concentrations indoors were only 71% of those outside. Holiday periods, when the buildings were unoccupied gave similar results to those periods when thepupils (non-smokers) were present.
Reports measurements of formaldehyde in four newly-built schools. In one school, one year after opening during the hot summer of 1976, concentrations of formaldehyde between 0.3 and 0.9ppm were measured. In another school the average concentration for almost all rooms was over the maximum for working places of 1ppm. The cause was emanation from ceiling and furniture and concentration depended on humidity, temperature and ventilation rate.
Reports survey of indoor climate problems in dwellings. Questionnaires were distributed to 424 families who had complained of indoor climate problems and 240 replies were received. The questionnaires dealt with complaints relating to the dwellings and the age, profession, health and smoking habits of theoccupants. The dwellings are described by type, age, material of outer and interior walls, ceiling and floor. There are questions on ventilating habits, cleaning habits and occupants' views on dust, noise, odour, temperature, humidity and draughts.
This practice represents a standardized technique for measuring air leakage rates through a building envelope under controlled pressurization or evacuation, and is applicable to small temperature differentials and low-wind pressure conditions. It is primarily intended for use in one- story buildings.
The perfomance of single-family houses built to the new swedish building code was considered. In the code, the requirements for thermal insulation for different building sections were strengthened, and completely new requirements for a building`s airtightness were introduced. One site- built design acheived a estimated 1/3 reduction in energy consumption, but another less airtight factory-made house showed serious shortcomings in the indoor climate acheived.
Reports measurements of indoor air quality in an air conditioned California High School over a range of ventilation rates, ranging from 13.3 cu.ft. of outside air per minute for each classroom occupant to approximately 1.5 cfm per occupant. Parameters measured include outside air supply rate, theoccupants' perception of indoor air quality, microbial burden, concentration of CO2, CO, NOx, SO2, O3 in two classrooms, a hall and outdoors.