Describes a sampling system developed to collect, analyze and identify organic contaminants in air over as wide a range of molecular carbon number range as possible. Describes sampling technique and reports results of sampling in 36homes in the Chicago area. Two samples were taken simultaneously inside and outside. Fifteen homes were sampled in both summer and winter.< Concludes that people are exposed to a wide range of organic compounds on average at concentrations of below 100ppb.
Air quality inside buildings depends on the contamination of outside air as well as on the air pollution inside the room. The human being contaminates the air through carbon dioxide, odours, vapours and particulates. The most important sources of pollution are tobacco smoke, consumer materials (organic solvents), building materials and furniture fittings (formaldehyde) and the use of gas for cooking and heating (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide).< Discusses these pollutants and reported levels of pollution in Swiss buildings. Discusses methods of removing pollutants from the air.
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.
Measurements of vapours and gases from organic solvents (GC-MS) of formaldehyde and of odour were performed inside and outside an uninhabited experimental house with and without operating the ventilating system.< The indoor air quality is evaluated with respect to human health andwellbeing, and guidelines for the setting of hygenic standards for indoor air quality are discussed, taking into account that building materials should neither emit carcinogens, respiratory irritants nor odorous compounds.
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.
Reviews the topic of indoor air quality as it relates to energy efficient homes. Discusses air pollution from combustion, airborne particles, formaldehyde and radon. Concludes that indoor air quality in existing homes and those currently being constructed, can be managed so as to avoid adverse effects on the occupants.
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.
The indoor air quality of five detached dwellings, two townhouses, six apartment units, two mobile homes, one school and one hospital have been monitored. The pollutants monitored were CO, NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4, CO2 and total hydrocarbons. Reports results and describes a mathematical model developed to predict indoor concentrations of these pollutants. Briefly discusses the effect of energy conserving measures on indoor air pollution.
Indoor concentrations of pollutants often equal or exceed outdoor concentrations, and since most people spend 90% of their time indoors this constitutes a health threat much greater than that posed by outdoor pollution, which has received most of the attention in the U.S.A. The problem has been made worse by energy conservation measures which reduce ventilation. Thisarticle reviews recent research findings and their implications for pollution control programmes, and considers the further research that is needed.
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