English

Reports measurements of radon daughters in air. The daughters were collected on filters for different lengths of time. A silicon semiconductor detector and the etch foil technique were used to measure the alpha particles from the radon daughters. Finds that alpha particle concentrations in living rooms have the same variation with time as outdoors.

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.

Discusses use of an instrumented energy audit, as opposed to a walk-through audit. Describes use of the audit to pinpoint infiltration sites. Method used is to depressurize a building and use thermography to locate air leaks. Briefly describes equipment and gives example of an instrumented audit of a residential building. States advantage of instrumented audit is that it gives a quantitative energy analysis as opposed to a qualitative one.

An anemometer which was developed for indoor climate research has been modified in order to get the same shape of calibration curve for each anemometer. Experiments in a wind tunnel showed that this was the case for more than 80% of a test series of the modified anemometers. The time constant has increased but is still acceptable. Calibration curves and time constants could be predicted by calculation with reasonable accuracy. Some influence of dust particles on the instrument was noticed.

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.

Briefly reviews factors to be taken into account in considering natural ventilation in commercial and industrial buildings. These factors include the location of the building, surrounding buildings, activity within the building and results required of the installation. Notes some of the problems andpossible advantages of combining natural and fan powered systems.

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.

Assesses the role of natural ventilation in modern hospitals. Considers optimum standards of air change rates for winter and summer conditions and reviews factors within the hospital context that are likely to affect the achievement of natural ventilation. Notes an air change rate of 1.5/hr. is usually assumed for heat loss calculation. Finds cross ventilation is unlikely to be achieved and designs should be based on single sided ventilation. Reports tracer gas measurements of natural ventilation in Southland Hospital, Shoreham by Sea.

Reports measurements of air leakage in several supermarkets and an enclosed shopping mall, all constructed between 1954 and 1979. All tests were conducted by using a large fan to depressurize the building. Gives graphs of leakage rates. Finds supermarkets are two to four times leakier than schools or high-rise office buildings.

Presents a new method for determining the airborne concentrations of RaA, RaB and RaC in atmospheres contaminated with radon-222. The method employs alpha spectroscopy to measure the count rates of RaA and RaC' present on a membrane filter sample at two post-sampling times. The individual air concentrations and the statistical variances associated with each may then be calculated from the equations given. Presents theoretical and experimental comparisons which indicate the improved accuracy of the spectroscopic method over methods previously available.