Heating system-generated indoor air pollution

Heating systems may emit pollutants into living spaces of buildings. Presents model for estimating exposure to pollutants allowing for variation of air change rate and inside-outside temperature differences. Examines the effect of energy conservation measures. Concludes that if ventilation alone is reduced the pollutant concentrations will rise but if reduced ventilation is balanced by increased insulation then pollutant contributions will remain unchanged. The analysis applies only to pollutants generated by the heating system.

Measurements of ionising radiation doses in dwellings in Poland. Pomiary promieniowania jonizujacego w niektorych budynkach mieszkalnych wPolsce

A portable background gamma-radiation dosimeter with a high-pressure ionization chamber was designed. The gamma background radiation dose rate and radon concentration in the air of the 97 new flats were measured. The flats were selected in the houses of the experimental settlement in Suzewiec (quarter of Warsaw), of three settlements of Kodz, and of five settlements of the upper silesian industrial area. For the construction of these settlements building materials typical for new constructions in Poland were used, such as products derived from metallurgical wastes like slag or boiler ash.

The relative radioactivity of building materials

Reports measurements of concentrations of thorium, potassium, uranium radium, and relative radioactivity of building materials used in the United Kingdom. Gives table of results. Examines in particular calcined gypsum prepared as a by product in the manufacture of superphosphate fertilizers. Discusses the relationship between radium concentration and gamma-ray dose rate

Measurement of environmental gamma radiation in Norwegian houses

Reports results of measurements of the environmental radiation inside Norwegian houses. Three types of measuring equipment were used: a scintillation rate meter specially designed for low intensity measurement, a geiger counter with a rate meter, and an ionisation chamber. The average doserate in air due to environmental radiation was found to be 87 mrad/year insidehouses with outer walls of wood. 115 mrad/year for buildings with outer walls of concrete and 129 mrad/year for buildings with outer walls of brick.

Outdoor sources of indoor air pollution.

Points out that conservation measures such as storm windows which seal a building protect occupants from outdoor air pollution but amplify effects of pollution generated indoors. Considers which effect is greater. Develops a model relating indoor air pollutant concentrations to outdoor concentrations and to v, the air exchange rate, which is consistent with reported behaviour of common pollutants. Model predicts that indoor concentrations follow outdoor concentrations but maxima and minima lag behind, and are not as pronounced as theiroutdoor counterparts.

Environmental radiation background variations between residences.

Reports environmental background radiation exposure measurements made in approximately 100 residences in the vicinity of Livermore, California showing variations in annual exposure from 52 to 130 mr. Measurements were made with CaF2:Dy (tld-200) dosimeters at quarterly intervals for a period of 1 year. Dwellings were typically wood-frame structures with stucco exteriors. Interior exposure rates were, on average, about 25% lower than those outdoors.

Studies on the natural background radiation in Italy.

Reports study of the exposure rate due to the gamma-ray natural background in some representative areas of Italy using a portable high-pressure ionization chamber. In some areas spectrometric measurements were made to distinguish between contributions to the total from cosmic rays and from natural radioactive series. The measurement areas were chosen to be representative of the main geological formations.

Preliminary studies of the effects of sealants on radon emanation from concrete.

Reports study of emanation of radon from concrete blocks enriched with uranium ore, placed in an airtight enclosure. The radioactivity of air samples was determined using a high resolution silicon diode detector system.

A representative survey on heating and ventilation conditions in dwellings. Reprasentativumfrage uber die Heiz- und Luftungsverhaltnisse in Wohnungen.

Gives results of a survey carried out in December 1978 on heating and ventilating of dwellings. 2000 men and women were questioned throughout the federal republic. Gives range of dwellings, desired and actual room temperatures, types of windows, frequency and duration-of window opening and the existence of draughts.< Concludes inter alia that heat loss through ventilation is greater than commonly assumed. In particular this heat loss is through leaky windows and ventilated bedrooms.

On simulating the atmospheric boundary layer in wind tunnels

Contains two papers reprinted from the Jnl. of Ind. Aerodynamics:-< 1) Wind-tunnel simulation of the adiabatic atmospheric boundary layer by roughess, barrier and mixing-device methods.< Discusses the philosophy of roughness, barrier and mixing-device simulation methods. Illustrates methods by measurements of simulations in the B.R.E.boundary layer wind tunnel.

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