Attempts to determine the influence of the installation of highly insulated windows and central heating systems on indoor climate, and mite-allergen (Der f 1) and mould spore concentrations. A before and after study was carried out on 98 apartment bedrooms, with measurements taken of air exchange rate, temperature and humidity. A lifestyle and housing conditions questionnaire was undertaken by the occupants and dust on carpets and mattresses was analysed for mould spores and Der f 1.
Describes a study of indoor aeromycota in 15 homes in Canada. Significant differences in airborne spore concentrations were found in the different types of room. Living rooms held the highest count of airborne propagules, followed by family rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Kitchens had the greatest variety of fungi. Increased numbers of spores were the result of dampness and carpets, in general. Concentrations of airborne fungi were found to be reduced by the presence of forced air heating systems, humidifiers, air filters and air conditioners.
Describes a study of the emissions from five commonly used building products: three floor coverings - PVC, floor varnish on beechwood parquet and nylon carpet on a latex foam backing; an acrylic sealant and a waterborne wall paint on gypsum board. Small scale test chambers were used over 50 days. A sensory panel was used to assess odour intensity and VOCs were measured. Emissions were studied under two or three different area-specific ventilation rates.
An experimental method for the determination of the internal diffusion coefficient (D) and partition coefficient (ke) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is developed for dry building materials (such as carpet, vinyl flooring. plywood, etc.). The method is used to determine D and k0 for four VOCs (toluene, nonane. decane, and undecane ) through the backing material of a carpet specimen, for four vocs (ethylbenzene, nonane, decane, and undecane) through a floor tile specimen, and three vocs (cyclohexene, ethylbenzene. and decanc) through a plywood specimen.
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