Indoor air quality is regarded as the single most important health issue facing us in the 1980's. The total number of serious health effects related to IAQ in non- industrial buildings have been miniscule compared to the total building stock.
A benchmark study by Geomet Technologies, Inc, is developing data on the air quality effects of weatherizing a home. One effort under this study has bee nhas been an experiment carefully designed to quantify the relationships between the thr
Points out that increased thermal insulation and draughtproofing of homes can increase the risk to health of indoor air pollution. Includes condensation as a pollutant along with associated mould growth. Notes collaboration by Pilkington the glass company and the Timber Research and Development Association plus Laing the housebuilding group, to combat condensation by passive ventilation. Treats sources of indoor air pollution - formaldehyde, asbestos, gas appliances, tobacco smoke, thoron, radon.
Discusses use of a gas sensor developed on the Taguchi principle to measure air quality and control the volume of outside air introduced. Presents case studies of a concert hall and a lecture room, and calculates energy saving.
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.
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