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Air leakage tests (using the fan pressurisation method) were conducted on four schools, before and after they were retrofitted, in order to determine the effectiveness of various measures for reducing leakage. Caulking wall joints will generally reduce air leakage and is worthwhile if the joints are accessible. Replacing leaky windows will also improve airtightness but may not be cost effective. Routine inspection of outside dampers of the air handling system can help ensure continued airtightness of schools.

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.

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 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.

The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory measured the indoor air quality at Fairmoor Elementary School in Columbus, Ohio. A mobile laboratory was used to monitor air outdoors and at three indoor sites (two classrooms and a large multipurpose room); tests were made at three different ventilation rates. The parameters measured were outside air flow rates, odor perception, microbial burden, particulate mass, total aldehydes, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen oxides.

Reports study of the energy consumption and ventilation requirements of typical existing public schools in New York. Electricity and fuel-oil consumption data from May 1970 to April 1973 from 19 schools were analysed.

Reports findings of investigations carried out by West German Federal Ministry of Health in July 1978 into the internal climate in the one third of the rooms in a representative West Berlin school which are located in the building core. These rooms have mechanical ventilation and artificial lighting. Gives results of measurements of room temperatures, air change rates, (measured using N2O as a tracer gas), concentration of carbon dioxide and acoustic performance of the rooms.

Discusses acceptable levels of CO2 contamination in occupied rooms. Describes measurements in a classroom over 3 days using an infra-red analyser with natural ventilation via the windows. Illustrates curves for CO2 concentrations in 8 graphs for closed windows. Notes that limiting value of 0.1% by volume CO2 (1000ppm) is reached in from 5 to 15 minutes. Repeated sudden ventilation by opening windows is not practicable. Evaluates air change rate. Concludes energy saving for ventilation in heavily populated rooms is only attainable by mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

Indoor air quality in an air conditioned California high school has been measured over a variety of ventilation rates ranging from 13.3 cubic feet of outside air per minute for each classroom occupant to approximately 1.5 cfm per occupant.< Parameters measured include outside air supply rate, the occupants' subjective perception of indoor air quality, airborne microbes, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone in two classrooms, a halland outdoors.