Ventilation and "building sickness" - a brief review.

As the thermal performance of buildings continues to improve, air exchange will eventually become the dominant mechanism for building heat loss. Although, therefore, an essential parameter of the energy equation, ventilation is nevertheless vital forthe dilution and removal of pollution generated within buildings. An inadequate supply of fresh air or poor air distribution will result in high levels of indoor contaminants, discomfort and a poor living environment, it could also result in more serious health related problems. As a consequence, reduced air change as a means to minimise energy demand hasbecome inextricably linked to the problems associated with unhealthy buildings. The purpose of this note is to summarise some of the International Energy Agency related and other activities in this field and to introduce the AIVC's Literature List on "Sick Buildings".