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Indoor Air Quality (indoor + air_quality)
Selected AbstractsIndoor Air Quality in the 21st Century: Search for ExcellenceINDOOR AIR, Issue 2 2000P. OLE FANGER Abstract Field studies demonstrate that there are substantial numbers of dissatisfied people in many buildings, among them those suffering from sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, even though existing standards and guidelines are met. The reason is that the requirements specified in these standards are rather low, allowing a substantial group of people to become dissatisfied and to be adversely affected. A paradigm shift from rather mediocre to excellent indoor environments is foreseen in the 21st century. Based on existing information and on new research results, five principles are suggested as elements behind a new philosophy of excellence: 1) better indoor air quality increases productivity and decreases SBS symptoms; 2) unnecessary indoor pollution sources should be avoided; 3) the air should be served cool and dry to the occupants; 4) "personalized air", i.e. a small amount of clean air, should be served gently, close to the breathing zone of each individual; and 5) individual control of the thermal environment should be provided. These principles of excellence are compatible with energy efficiency and sustainability. [source] Achieving ,excellent' indoor air quality in commercial offices equipped with air-handling unit , respirable suspended particulateINDOOR AIR, Issue 2 2006K. S. Lam First page of article [source] Relationship between outdoor and indoor air quality in eight French schoolsINDOOR AIR, Issue 1 2005P. Blondeau First page of article [source] The effects of indoor air quality on performance and productivityINDOOR AIR, Issue 2004D. P. Wyon First page of article [source] Ventilation filters and indoor air quality: a review of research from the International Centre for Indoor Environment and EnergyINDOOR AIR, Issue 2004G. Clausen First page of article [source] Organic compounds as indicators of air pollutionINDOOR AIR, Issue 2003L. Mølhave Abstract The most important indoor air pollutants have already been addressed with individual national guidelines or recommendations. However, an international set of guidelines or recommendations for indoor air quality (IAQ) is needed for these pollutants based on general and uniform rules for setting such standards. A major research need exist on the less adverse pollutants before recommendations or guidelines can be established. In the interim period a precaution principle should lead to an ALARA principle for these secondary causalities. It should be noted that volatile organic compound (VOC) as an IAQ problem still is in the end of a phase of ad hoc solutions, in the middle of a research phase and only in the beginning of a regulatory phase. Any final official regulation in this area will have to be tentative and the final regulation must await further research. Total volatile organic compound (TVOC) is an indicator for the presence of VOC indoors. The TVOC indicator can be used in relation to exposure characterization and source identification but for VOCs only, not as an indictor of other pollutants and their health effects. In risk assessment the TVOC indicator can only be used as a screening tool and only for sensory irritation. [source] Developing a new cost-efficient control strategy for an actual confectionery plant through the combined exploitation of experimental and numerical analysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2003Piero Lunghi Abstract Achieving energy absorption reductions while improving indoor air quality is a major task when designing new air conditioning systems. A cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency without compromising the thermal comfort consists of developing better control. In the present work, an extensive experimental campaign has been coupled with a theoretical analysis with an effective approach. A simulation tool has been implemented and, through its predictions, an efficient control strategy has been developed in a system that resulted in significant energy savings and environmental benefits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of ventilation strategies on air contaminant concentrations and energy consumption in buildingsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2001Ismail M. Budaiwi Abstract Considering the diversity of indoor contaminant characteristics and generation patterns, finding an appropriate ventilation strategy that can secure acceptable indoor air quality with minimum energy consumption is a challenging task for HVAC system designers and operators. This study theoretically models and investigates the impact of various ventilation strategies on contaminant concentration behaviour and corresponding ventilation cooling energy requirements for a single-zone enclosure. Two types of contaminants are considered; carbon dioxide as an occupancy dependent and formaldehyde, which is independent of occupancy. An airflow model is used to predict space pressure and air leakage rates across the enclosure envelope, and an air quality model is used to predict time-varying contaminant concentrations. In addition, a building energy simulation model is utilized to predict the corresponding ventilation cooling energy requirements under hot climatic conditions. Results from this study show that acceptable contaminant concentrations during occupied periods can be achieved by different ventilation strategies but at substantially different ventilation energy requirements. More than 50 per cent reduction in ventilation energy requirements can be obtained while maintaining acceptable IAQ if proper ventilation strategy is employed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Determination of aerial microbiological contamination in scholastic sports environmentsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2003C. Dacarro Abstract Aims: To assess the microbiological indoor air quality (IAQ) of high school and college gyms during physical training lessons and to evaluate the effective microbiological exposure of students. Methods and Results: Air samples from 11 high school and college gyms of Pavia, Italy were collected. Total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and characterization of fungal taxa were determined. Air quality was evaluated using three microbiological contamination indices: the global index of microbiological contamination per m3 (GIMC per m3), the index of mesophilic bacterial contamination (IMC) and the amplification index (AI). Conclusions: This work testifies that air contamination in indoor gyms is always superior to that of the outdoor environment. Nevertheless, students are exposed to relatively low concentrations of airborne micro-organisms. The highest values of fungal counts and GIMC per m3 (>14 661) were observed between April and October when the central heating systems were switched off. The lowest fungal counts were detected in modern buildings equipped with forced ventilation systems. From qualitative aeromycological studies, 45 fungal taxa were identified, and different potentially allergenic species were isolated. Significance and Impact of the Study: The standardization of air sampling methods and the correct evaluation of aeromicrobiological results allow the classification of indoor air healthiness. The proposed microbiological contamination indices together with the characterization of airborne fungal taxa are useful tools for detailed description of IAQ. [source] Occupational therapy adaptation of the home environment in Sweden for people with asthmaOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2002Doctoral Candidate, Margot Frisk Occupational Therapist Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes of lung function, respiratory symptoms and indoor air quality after reducing allergens and indoor pollutants in the home environment of people with asthma (n = 21). A quasi-experimental pre-/post-test design with one group of participants was implemented. The interventions included removal of wall-to-wall carpets (n = 14) or improvement of indoor air exchange (n = 7). Participants' lung function, symptoms, medication and type-1 allergy were recorded before and after the intervention. The indoor environment was monitored at house calls by an occupational therapist using conventional physical, biological and chemical methods. There was an improvement of lung function evidenced by an increased mean Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1 %) and a reduction of airway obstruction (reversibility, % of baseline value), which indicate an improved asthmatic condition. Lung function assessed by vital capacity, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, mean of Peak Expiratory Flow, symptom score and medicine consumption did not change significantly. There was a tendency that the amount of airborne dust (p=0.06) was reduced in the indoor environment. Relative humidity, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and house dust mite levels had decreased after the intervention, but not significantly. Asthma symptoms related to the home environment are probably caused by several factors. When people with asthma suffer from increased symptoms in the home, house calls should be performed routinely. Dust samples from beds and carpets for analysis of allergens give information about exposure, and environmental assessments should be performed before interventions. Occupational therapists can make a valuable contribution in evaluating the home environment and suggesting ergonomic adaptations for individuals with asthma. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Prevalence of building-related symptoms as an indicator of health and productivityAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2006Raimo Niemelä PhD Abstract Background The prevalence of building-related symptoms (BRS) is commonly used to characterize the indoor air quality in office buildings. To analyze the costs of building renovation and the improvement of the indoor environment, it is useful to quantitatively relate the prevalence or intensity of BRS to productivity. The intent of this study is to summarize the links between the BRS and productivity, and demonstrate this linkage in two case buildings. Material and Methods A literature was surveyed for studies that measured simultaneously the prevalence or intensity of BRS and subjectively reported or objectively measured productivity. Case studies in two office environments were performed. An association between the prevalence of BRS and productivity of workers in a call center and in an insurance office were investigated. In the first case study, the productivity was expressed using the direct productivity metrics, namely the number of telephone contacts during active working hours while in the second case, the productivity was assessed by using the data concerning sick leave rates. Results Employees who report more BRS also have more often absences which relate to indoor environment quality (IEQ). Their productivity is lower than those who have better IEQ in their offices. Despite uncertainties related to the data concerning recorded sick leave and self-reported productivity, the number of studies showing an association between BRS and productivity or sick leave suggests that such a relationship exists. The present case studies also demonstrated an association between the BRS and the direct productivity. Based on the data from the call center, a reduction of 10%-units in the prevalence of general symptoms (such as fatigue, headache, nausea, etc.) corresponded with a gain of 1.5% in performance. Based on the findings in the insurance company, a reduction of 10%-units in the prevalence of irritation symptoms corresponded with a decrease of 0.7% in the short-term absenteeism. Conclusions A review of 23 studies suggests that a linkage exists between typical BRS and productivity indicators such as task or work performance or absence from work. Quantitative associations between BRS and productivity were demonstrated in two office environments. Quantitative associations between BRS and economic metrics enable cost-benefits analysis. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Addressing soil gas vapor intrusion using sustainable building solutionsREMEDIATION, Issue 4 2009Ellen Moyer Soil gas vapor intrusion (VI) emerged in the 1990s as one of the most important problems in the investigation and cleanup of thousands of sites across the United States. A common practice for sites where VI has been determined to be a significant pathway is to implement interim building engineering controls to mitigate exposure of building occupants to VI while the source of contamination in underlying soil and groundwater is assessed and remediated. Engineering controls may include passive barriers, passive or active venting, subslab depressurization, building pressurization, and sealing the building envelope. Another recent trend is the emphasis on "green" building practices, which coincidentally incorporate some of these same engineering controls, as well as other measures such as increased ventilation and building commissioning for energy conservation and indoor air quality. These green building practices can also be used as components of VI solutions. This article evaluates the sustainability of engineering controls in solving VI problems, both in terms of long-term effectiveness and "green" attributes. Long-term effectiveness is inferred from extensive experience using similar engineering controls to mitigate intrusion of radon, moisture, mold, and methane into structures. Studies are needed to confirm that engineering controls to prevent VI can have similar long-term effectiveness. This article demonstrates that using engineering controls to prevent VI is "green" in accelerating redevelopment of contaminated sites, improving indoor air quality, and minimizing material use, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. It is anticipated that engineering controls can be used successfully as sustainable solutions to VI problems at some sites, such as those deemed technically impracticable to clean up, where remediation of underlying soil or groundwater contamination will not be completed in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, green buildings to be developed in areas of potential soil or groundwater contamination may be designed to incorporate engineering controls to prevent VI. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Ausstattung von Klassenräumen mit Einrichtungen zum Temperieren, Lüften und BelichtenBAUPHYSIK, Issue 3 2009Gruppenleiterin Raumklimaqualität Runa Tabea Hellwig Dr.-Ing. Bauphysik allgemein; Energieeinsparung Abstract Fast alle Schulräume werden in Deutschland ausschließlich über Fenster mit Außenluft versorgt. Messungen haben gezeigt, dass die Belüftung der Schulräume vor allem in der kalten Jahreszeit unzureichend ist. Hybride Lüftungssysteme mit einer automatischen Unterstützung der Fensterlüftung könnten eine Möglichkeit bieten, die Häufigkeit schlechter Innenluftqualität in Schulen zu minimieren. Hierbei ist die Anordnung der dezentralen Zuluftöffnungen in den Fassaden eine der kritischsten Systemkomponenten, und es besteht gerade bei Schulgebäuden weiterer Untersuchungs- und Optimierungsbedarf. Im Rahmen des vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie geförderten Verbund- projektes "Heizenergieeinsparung, thermische Behaglichkeit und gute Luftqualität in Schulgebäuden durch hybride Lüftungstechnik" werden die Eigenschaften von Klassenräumen im Landkreis Miesbach bezüglich der Temperierung, Belüftung und Belichtung aufgenommen. Die Begehung von 22 Schulen im Landkreis Miesbach ermöglicht für einen gesamten Landkreis die Bewertung der baulichen Gegebenheiten, welche die raumklimatischen Verhältnisse entscheidend beeinflussen. Die Belegungsdichte der Klassenräume im Landkreis Miesbach ist eher als normal bis gering einzustufen, da in ca. 80 % der Räume der Mindestwert von 2 m2 je Schüler eingehalten wird. 88 % der untersuchten Räume weisen eine mittlere bis hohe thermische Masse auf. Die meisten Klassenräume im Landkreis haben einen Fensterflächenanteil von 30 bis 60 %. Etwa 50 % der Räume besitzen keinen Sonnenschutz. Der bauliche sommerliche Wärmeschutz muss überwiegend als unzureichend bewertet werden. Etwa zwei Drittel der Klassenräume weisen eine gute bis mittlere Tageslichtversorgung auf. Die Klassenräume werden über Fenster belüftet. Die Fassaden besitzen vielfältige Öffnungsmöglichkeiten, wobei Drehkippflügel und Schwingflügel am häufigsten angetroffen werden. Equipment of classrooms with systems for maintaining temperature, for ventilation and for illumination. Most German classrooms are not equipped with mechanical ventilation systems. Natural ventilation controlled by the occupants opening the windows is the main way to provide fresh air. Measurements in real classrooms showed that the ventilation especially in cold season is insufficient. Hydrid ventilation systems with automatically controlled windows might reduce the prevalence of high carbon dioxide concentration inside the classrooms. The position of the air supply opening in the façade is the most sensible design task. There is still a big potential for optimization. In the frame of the project "Energy saving, thermal comfort and good indoor air quality in schools using hybrid ventilation" supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Technology the properties of classrooms in the county Miesbach/Germany regarding thermal comfort, ventilation and illumination were collected. In sum data of 106 classrooms in 22 schools were collected. The density of persons is normal to low. Approximately 80% of the rooms offer at least 2 or more square meter per pupil. 88% of the investigated classrooms are built with medium or high thermal mass. The glazed facade area is between 30 and 60% for most of the classrooms. 50% of the classrooms do not have any sun shading device. The summer overheating protection by passive means is insufficient. Two thirds of the classrooms offer a good to acceptable daylight condition. The classrooms are ventilated by opening the windows. There are different opening types of the windows and several combinations of the types in the façades. Tilt and turn windows and the horizontally pivot-hung type are the most prevalent types. [source] | |||||||||||||