Controlling Indoor Air Quality
From the number of articles that have appeared on sick building syndrome, it
might appear that we are losing the war against contaminated air trapped within
commercial and industrial buildings.
Perceptions, however, are misleading
because there are proven ways to combat the rising levels of gaseous and
particulate contaminates to which we are subjected.
In the mid to late 1970's, energy conservation efforts by architects and
engineers resulted in buildings designed not only to reduce air losses but also
to minimize ventilation rates. These efforts paid off: building owners and
operators were delighted with their significantly reduced energy bills.
In older structures, abundant ventilation flushed the air of contaminants such
as tobacco smoke, carbon from copiers and laser printers, dust, and lint as well
as formaldehyde and other organic gases. Although increased ventilation is an
easy way to rid a building of contaminants, it is not the most efficient.
In many new buildings, these elements remain trapped and are recirculated with
the ventilation air, often accumulating until they reach unacceptable levels
while occupants complain of headaches, eye irritation, respirator problems,
and other flu like symptoms. Building owners should strive for a balanced
combination of increased ventilation and air filtration to accomplish the
goal of better air quality. This is achieved through regularly scheduled filter
changes and regular maintenance inspections of HVAC systems and should be
examined by all building owners and/or managers.
Excerpt from “Heating, Piping, Air Conditioning” Magazine
Copyright (c) Broadway Refrigeration
