For more than 1 year, indoor and outdoor O3, NO, N02 (NOx - NO), temperature, and relative humidity as well as the air exchange rate have been measured continuously at a commercial building in Burbank, CA. The indoor concentration of a given pollutant is a function of its outdoor level, the air exchange rate, the rate at which it is removed by indoor surfaces, and the rate at which it is produced or removed by indoor chemistry. Several examples of indoor chemistry are inferred from daily and seasonal variations in the collected data.
The classification of outdoor (ambient) air as fresh for the purposes of ventilation is not always appropriate, particularly in urban areas. In many cities of the world, urban air frequently violates health-based air quality standards due to high ozone concentrations. The degree of protection from exposure to ozone offered by the indoor environment depends on the relationship between indoor and outdoor ozone levels. Existing concentration data indicates that indoor/outdoor ozone ratios range between 10 and 80%.
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 cross sectional survey investigating building sickness was carried out in two buildings with similar populations of office workers but differing ventilation systems, one being fully air conditioned with humidification and the other naturally ventilated.
Pollutants in a substantial number of buildings have now been investigated by public and private agencies. The archive of data on indoor pollutant levels observed in office buildings under conditions of normal operation and occupancy are reviewed using a computer based Building Performance Database. Representative values of 153 pollutants as well as detailed frequency distributions of commonly measured pollutants and of temperature and humidity are presented.
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