摘要:

AbstractThe paper evaluates ocular manifestations as reported in two different questionnaires completed within one to Two weeks by 164 office workers in four town halls in Copenhagen. Among 14 previously investigated, these town halls constitute the two with the highest and the two with the lowest prevalence of the Sick Building Syndrome (defined as mucous membrane complaints such as eye, nose or throat irritation, and general symptoms such as headaches or fatigue several times a week). There was a highly significant rank correlation in each of the four town halls between the frequency of self‐reported ocular manifestations in the two questionnaires. Furthermore, the eye complaints reported in both questionnaires were significantly correlated with an objective measure for eye dryness, investigated using a biomicroscope. By combining the two questionnaires it was possible to define subgroups using both frequency of eye complaints and consistency of reporting in the two questionnaires. The subgroup of 107 subjects with consistency in the frequency of their eye complaints in the two questionnaires showed a significantly higher correlation with the objective index than did the subjects with inconsistent reporting. Furthermore, with increased frequency of complaints and consistency of reporting, not only the prevalence of microscopically determined eye dryness, but also the number of up to 7 different eye symptoms per subject increased, and an increased percentage of these symptoms was found to be related to sensory reactions in the common chemical sense, which earlier has been postulated to be involved in the Sick Building Syndrome. In conclusion, the study shows that data from two different questionnaires on self‐reported ocular manifestations associated with the Sick Building Syndrome are reproducible and associated with objective dryness in the e

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.01-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA chamber method for the characterization of the complex composition and time dependence of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from household products is described and the results obtained for five household products (two liquid floor detergents, one wax, a spray detergent for carpets, and a spray polish for furniture) are reported and compared to headspace measurements.An empirical mathematical model has been used to describe the time dependence of VOC concentrations in the chamber. The model allows characterization of complex emissions and their time dependence with relatively few parameters.Significant differences in the composition of emissions determined in the chamber and in headspace air have been observed and are discussed in terms of polarity and water solubility of the emitted compounds.

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.02-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThe interaction of indoor air pollutants with interior surfaces (i.e., sinks) is a well known, but poorly understood, phenomenon. Studies have shown that re‐emissions of adsorbed organic vapours can contribute to elevated concentrations of organics in indoor environments. Research is being conducted in small environmental test chambers to develop data for predicting sink behaviour. This paper reports on the development of sink models based on fundamental mass transfer theory. The results of experiments conducted to determine the magnitude and rate of adsorption and desorption of vapour phase organic compounds for several materials are presented. Five materials were evaluated: carpet, painted wallboard, ceiling tile, window glass, and upholstery. Two organic compounds were tested with each material: tetrachloroethylene (a common cleaning solvent) and ethylbenzene (a common constituent of petroleum‐based solvents widely used in consumer products). The results of the experimental work are presented showing the relevant sink effect parameters for each material tested and comparing the sorptive behaviour of the two organic compounds evaluated. An indoor air quality (IAQ) model was modified to incorporate adsorption and desorption sink rates. The model was used to predict the temporal history of the concentration of total vapour phase organics in a test house after application of a wood finishing product. The predicted results are presented and compared to measured values. Suggestions for further research on indoor sinks are presen

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.03-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOC) in office buildings originate from multiple sources, such as outdoor air, building materials., occupants, office supplies, and office equipment. Many of the VOC found in office buildings are also present in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), e.g., benzene, toluene, formaldehyde. Measurements made to date in office buildings have been interpreted by some to imply that the contributions of ETS to VOC exposures in office buildings are small. We have made a first order estimate of the contributions of ETS to VOC concentrations based on the VOC content of ETS and a time‐dependent mass‐balance model. Four different ventilation‐infiltration scenarios were modelled for a typical office building.The results indicate that ETS can contribute significantly to total indoor levels of VOC in office buildings, even under moderate ventilation conditions. Ranges of concentrations for three of the four modelled scenarios substantially overlapped measured ranges of the compounds in office buildings. Average daytime concentrations of benzene from ETS, for example, for three of the four modelled scenarios, ranged from 2.7 to 6.2 μg m−3, compared to reported measurements of 1.4 to 8.1 μg m−3for four office buildings. Under a “worst reasonable” case scenario, the average modelled ETS‐contributed concentration of benzene was 33.9 μg m−3for

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.04-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractDisplacement ventilation is acknowledged to be an efficient system for the removal of contaminants and excess heat from occupied zones of rooms. However, airflow rates, temperature and the design of the air supply device strongly influence the parameters which determine thermal comfort. This paper reviews experiments and theoretical models which show the connection between these parameters. The width and shape of the air supply device have been varied, and a porous media has been used on the inlet area of the air supply device. The velocity and temperature profiles have been measured. The results presented show also that the flow can be described with respect to width and form of the profiles for temperature and velocity. The flow does not operate like a turbulent jet due to thermal stratification. It is shown that the Archimedes number of the supply air is the parameter which determines the air velocity in the area close to the floor. (The Archimedes number is here defined as the ratio between buoyancy and inertia forces.) The results show that it is possible to remove considerable amounts of excess heat from a room, typically 40‐50 W/m2, without exceeding the limits for thermal comfort. However, this requires relatively high airflow rates and supply air terminal units at least along one of the wall

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.05-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractAirborne pollutants can cause failures in switching and computing equipment. This paper focuses on a subset of such pollutants ‐ airborne fine panicles (<2.5 μm diameter). It begins by examining the extent to which different improvements in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems reduce indoor concentrations of fine particles. For each modification, the consequent reduction in soiling rate is derived. The concomitant increase in operating costs is also calculated. These costs are then compared with the costs of failures in telephone switching offices, leading to estimates of failure rate reductions that would make improvements cost‐effective. Finally, the reduction in failures required to offset the costs of the improvements are compared with documented differences in failure rates between unimproved and improved environments. This study suggests that, in many telephone switching offices, the added operating costs associated with more efficient building filters and continuous fan operation are more than offset by reductions in failure r

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.06-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIn recent yean, some building design professionals have become more aware of the indoor air quality concerns of owners and occupants and as a result, they have made some important changes to improve indoor air quality and climate. These changes include improvements in site planning and design; overall building design; ventilation and climate control systems; and materials selection and specifications. In addition, changes that limit the chemical contamination of building air during the construction process and during occupancy of buildings are also occurring; some of these changes are specified or controlled by design professionals. However, the majority of design professionals have little or no awareness of indoor air quality considerations. There is inadequate dissemination of building science research results to design professionals. There is a need for a useful general body of knowledge, theory, and practice regarding building‐environment‐occupant interactions. The lack of such knowledge, theory, and practice is an impediment to developing the necessary professional design tools and practices to address effectively indoor environmental quality and energy conservation iss

ISSN:0905-6947    

DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0668.1991.07-11.x

出版商:Munksgaard International Publishers    

年代:1991

数据来源: WILEY