A booklet for consumers explaining the effects of house-tightening measures on pollutant levels. It also provides a guide to detecting and controlling pollutants commonly found in homes.
Reviews the scientific literature on indoor air pollution. Low-pollution design and construction techniques employed in the Sunnyhill Low-Pollution Research Centre are outlined in detail and suggestions are made on their applicability to new and existing housing in Canada. The study recommends a four-fold approach to the indoor air pollution problem by government and the building industry: A) short-circuit major potential hazards, B) deal with low-pollution housing needs, C) spread and apply present knowledge, and D)foster more research and discussions on regulation.
A single family residence in St. Paul, Minnesota, constructed in 1957, was retrofitted in 1983. This resulted in approximately 50% reduction in annual heating consumption compared to the average consumption over the previous three years. However, the occupants complained of poor air quality. Measurements indicated that total particulates, CO, CO2, relative humidity, and temperature were at levels of some concern; NO2, radon and formaldehyde concentrations were not significant.
Covers maximum permissable levels of various substances, including tobacco smoke, asbestos and benzole, found indoors. The reduction of formaldehyde levels is given special attention.
A gas sensor was used which measures the partial pressure caused by gases polluting the air. The sensor signal was measured in different rooms and compared with the pollution and CO2 rate in the air. The sensor can measure the air quality under various conditions and be used to control the fresh air volume, thus reducing ventilation heat losses.
Discusses ventilation requirements to achieve acceptable air quality. In many cases, this would lead to unacceptable energy costs, so instead recommends setting standards for heat-exchanger systems, for filters that can control particulates, hydrocarbons and radon gas, and for details such as flow direction and system maintenance. Also standards for 'pollustat' systems should be encouraged by which four surrogate pollutant levels would be kept below suggested threshold levels in all conditions of building use and occupancy.
Evaluates results of the 'Ventilation in Residential Buildings' research programme of the German Federal Ministry for Research and Technology. It was found that conventional ventilation methods based on infiltration and window opening cannot secure proper air quality and at the same time provide energy conservation and user comfort, nor can intelligent ventilation habits be expected of the average user, for subjective and objective reasons. All ventilation systems evaluated had shortcomings.
In new buildings, the requirements for indoor air quality and energy efficiency cannot be met with natural ventilation. In renovations of existing buildings it is, however, often difficult or uneconomic to install a mechanical system. What is often forgotten is that the conditions for natural ventilation will have changed, even if no alterations are made to the ventilation system.
Reviews the possible indicators for monitoring the indoor air quality and controlling the outdoor air intake. The technical feasibility of the system is also discussed. At present CO2 seems to be the best and most reliable indicator for indoor air quality when occupancy load varies. In future, however, it is likely that measuring devices based on semiconductor technology and measuring devices for particles will be more reliable and inexpensive and so very suitable for controlling the air quality, because they can take into account both occupancy load and tobacco smoke.
Identifies sources of gaseous, vaporous, particulate (inert and viable) and radioactive contaminants within nine functional categories of a hospital. Preliminary criteria for control purposes are recommended, and available methods of control are reviewed. It is concluded that control of gases, vapours and radionuclides may be as important to occupant well-being as control of viable particulates, and that air distribution patterns within and between rooms are as important to dilution and removal control as the quantity of air supplied to the rooms.
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