Identifies alternative methods available to control indoor air pollutant exposures. Describes the performance characteristics of ventilation systems and of air cleaning devices used in mixed modes for ventilation of occupied spaces. Reviews models for predicting effectiveness of several alternative modes, with field trial validation results cited where available. Briefly reviews previous confined-space studies as points of departure for consideration of necessary air quality, ventilation and air cleaning.
Shows the usefulness of a model for extrapolating environmental chamber results on pollutant emissions from combustion appliances to determine indoor pollutant concentrations in actual residences. Investigates the effects of infiltration, whole-house ventilation, and spot ventilation on pollutant levels. Results show that a range hood is the most effective means of removing pollutants emitted from a gas-fired range; removal rates vary from 60%-87%.
Studies a modern energy efficient office building in a series of experiments with mobile laboratories connected on-line with the building. Measures inorganic air contaminants (CO, CO2, NO2). Makes off-line measurements of volatile organic con
Briefly reviews different types of air-to-air heat exchangers, and their relative efficiency. Discusses their effectiveness in removing indoor pollutants such as radon and formaldehyde from tight houses.
Discusses common sources of indoor air pollution in buildings and the specific pollutants emitted by each source, including combustion emissions, formaldehyde and other organic substances and radon. Also covers potential health effects and possible control techniques, including dilution by natural or mechanical ventilation.
Assesses the impact of energy conservation retrofits on the indoor air quality of residential buildings, through a field monitoring project in which air leakage, air exchange rates and indoor air pollutants are measured before and after retrofit. Uses a mobile laboratory to make detailed on-site measurements of air exchange rates and concentrations of pollutants in 2 houses, and measures effective leakage area in 7 other houses. Impact on indoor air quality of the energy conserving retrofits seem to be minimal.
Studies formaldehyde and other aldehydes as a function of building air exchange rates in public buildings and energy efficient research houses. Uses sequential gas bubbling systems in conjunction with a pneumatic flow control system for field sampling. Finds that concentrations of formaldehyde and aldehydes in public buildings are about the same in indoor and outdoor air because of the high ventilation rates in these buildings. However, indoor air in general has higher formaldehyde and total aliphatic aldehyde levels than outdoor air.
Describes a study of indoor air quality in 12 retrofitted houses of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Midway Substation Residential Community, undertaken by LBL and BPA. Measures effective leakage areas and average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and radon before and after retrofit. Finds average reduction in leakage area of 32%. None of the pollutants measured before or after retrofit reached levels exceeding existing guidelines.
Lists three factors causing a high radon and radon daughter concentration in Swedish dwellings:< 1. By energy-saving measures the ventilation rate has become low.< 2. 10% of existing houses are built of light-weight concrete with a high proportion of radium.< 3. Large regions have high radium content in the ground.< Describes a method for detecting high radon daughter levels by measuring gamma radiation from the outside.
Shows that recent investigation has revealed harmful pollutants in greater concentrations in energy-conserving buildings then in the surrounding outdoor air. Some of the pollutants found include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and radioactive radon. In the use of some construction materials, measures intended to reduce energy consumption may contribute to the buildup of indoor air pollution. Reviews characteristics of indoor pollutants and major methods of control.
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