Impact of infiltration-reducing energy conservation measures on indoor air quality.

This paper reviews both the theoretical and actual impacts of energy conservation measures on indoor air quality in residential structures. Though it is widely believed that energy conservation measures either cause or contribute to indoor air pollution and possible health effects, the relationship is far more complex than is normally assumed. The impact of energy conservation measures on indoor air quality depends in considerable measure on the nature of a given contaminant, its sources, and responses to changes in infiltration and ventilation conditions.. For specific contaminants the effect of energy conservation measures which reduce infiltration may be, in some cases, significant, and in other cases minimal or of little consequence. The effect of infiltration-reducing measures on indoor radon and moisture levels are discussed. The primary cause of indoor air pollution is strong sources. Although energy conservation measures may, in some cases, exacerbate an indoor air pollution problem, the assurance of good indoor air quality is best accomplished by source control.