Page 36 - Climate Control News Aug-Sep 2020

Avoid pollution
and head outdoors
CONTAMINANT SOURCES FROM BUILDING MATERIALS OR HUMAN BEHAVIOUR INDOORS, CAN MAKE THE INDOOR AIR EIGHT TO 10 TIMES MORE POLLUTED THAN THE EXTERIOR AIR, ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO).
Isolating the source of contaminants should also be considered. For example, some printers release ozone, which is a contaminant, so having the printer in a ventilated room or open area, rather than in a closed room, should help.
IAQ does not consist of only measuring the temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a space.
Admittedly, Dr Beato-Arribas said measur- ing for a long list of contaminants can be ex- pensive, which is why an informed approach is necessary.
“The level of CO2 in an occupied space is a good indicator of the general IAQ and overall ventilation effectiveness, but it is only meaning- ful if the space is occupied,” she said.
Human behaviours (e.g. the use of perfumes and cleaning products), office furniture and building materials are sometimes a source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
VOCs are many and their effect on health can vary, depending on the contaminant (from caus- ing respiratory system irritation to cancer).
Measuring for Total VOCs (TVOC) as a whole and identifying the VOCs with the largest con-
AT THE SAME time research re- ports have confirmed the impact of poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) on employee productivity and poor health.
Despite this, some employers and building owners tend to be reactive rather than proactive, neglecting the maintenance of ventilation sys- tems, according to Dr Blanca Beato-Arribas, Mi- croclimate team leader at the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA).
“Some IAQ-related problems could be avoided if it was considered at the design stage,” Dr Bea- to-Arribas said.
“For example, the location of supply and ex- tract grilles in the building, filtration selec- tion as well as choice of building and furni- ture materials.
“The next steps would be proper commission- ing and maintenance of the ventilation systems.” Dr Beato-Arribas said duct cleaning and filter maintenance should reduce the levels of external contaminants, such as PM 2.5 and PM 10, being
brought into the space.
She said checking and limiting condensation
and the use of UV lights should stop bacteria from growing in the ventilation systems and be- ing spread in the building by the ventilation sys- tem itself.
It is also important to control humidity levels and to ensure the right ventilation in places such as kitchens and bathrooms to stop mould from growing.
“Well designed, effective ventilation should re- move most pollutants and odours in a common office environment,” she said.
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