GREEN BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE

SECTION – A&B | 28/12/18

R.DEEPTI

01/8
 UNIT – 5
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
GREEN BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE

R.DEEPTI

02/8
COMPONENTS OF THE CHAPTER

• Fresh air requirements standards

• Sick building Syndrome

• VOC & Pollutants

GREEN BUILDINGS &INFRASTRUCTURE_SEMESTER-07_VSAP @Deepti 03/8

INDOOR AIR QUALITY
IEQ Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and
structures, specially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of
indoor health concerns.
Acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) is typically not achieved by addressing any one
specific building product, system, or procedure.

It is the result of careful attention to each of the following fundamental elements:

• How much air does a building

need?

• How can you be sure you’re

delivering it?

• How do you measure the

volume of fresh air?

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality, https://www.contractingbusiness.com/archive/how-much-fresh-air-enough, https://www.rehva.eu/publications-and-resources/rehva-

journal/2011/012011/standards-for-ventilation-and-indoor-air-quality-in-relation-to-the-epbd.html, http://www.seedengr.com/Methods%20of%20Calculating%20Minimum%20Fresh%20Air%20Requirements.pdf,
https://www.trane.com/commercial/Uploads/PDF/520/ISS-APG001-EN.pdf, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/building_codes_and_iaq.pdf
GREEN BUILDINGS &INFRASTRUCTURE_SEMESTER-07_VSAP @Deepti 04/8
FRESH AIR REQUIREMENTS STANDARDS

• EPA - Environmental Protection Agency, ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
• CFM stands for cubic feet per minute (also referred to as airflow)

For Natural ventilation :

• Opening size must be a minimum of 4% of floor area.
• Openings must be accessible and open during occupancy.
OAT - Outside air temperature
RAT - Return air temperature
MAT - Mixed air temperature
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality, https://www.contractingbusiness.com/archive/how-much-fresh-air-enough, https://www.rehva.eu/publications-and-resources/rehva-
journal/2011/012011/standards-for-ventilation-and-indoor-air-quality-in-relation-to-the-epbd.html, http://www.seedengr.com/Methods%20of%20Calculating%20Minimum%20Fresh%20Air%20Requirements.pdf,
https://www.trane.com/commercial/Uploads/PDF/520/ISS-APG001-EN.pdf, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/building_codes_and_iaq.pdf
GREEN BUILDINGS &INFRASTRUCTURE_SEMESTER-07_VSAP @Deepti 05/8
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME
WHAT ?
A condition affecting occupants of a building, experience acute health- or comfort-
related effects that seem to be linked directly to the time spent in the building.
• No specific illness or cause can be identified.
• The complainants may be localized in a particular room or zone or may be
widespread throughout the building.
SYMPTOMS ?

Blocked or runny nose, Tiredness and difficulty

Headaches Dry, sore eyes Dry, itchy skin, Rashes respiratory problems concentrating
CAUSES ?
Outdoor
PollutionRadon,
formaldehyde, 3. Electromagnetic radiation 4. Psychological factors
asbestos, dust & Pollen, bacteria,
lead paint viruses, fungus, molds,
Indoor and building Insect and bird 5. OTHER - Poor and inappropriate lighting with
VOC’s exhausts droppings absence of sunlight/bright lighting, bad acoustics,
1. Chemical contaminants 2. Biological contaminants poor ergonomics and humidity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796751/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-
08/documents/sick_building_factsheet.pdf, https://livepureinc.com/sick-house-syndrome/,
GREEN BUILDINGS &INFRASTRUCTURE_SEMESTER-07_VSAP @Deepti 06/8
VOCs AND POLLUTANTS
WHAT ? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that easily become vapors or gases.
RELEASED FROM ? EFFECTS ?
Pesticides, cleaning agents,
and maintenance products Short-term exposure to various VOCs
Paint fumes may cause:
•Irritation of the eyes and respiratory
Adhesives tract
Tobacco •Headaches, Dizziness
smoke Upholstery •Visual disorders
Copy machines •Memory problems
Long-term exposure to various VOCs
Manufactured wood may cause:
products •Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
Respirable
Particulate matter
Carpeting •Nausea, Fatigue
•Loss of coordination
•Dizziness
•Damage to the liver, kidneys, and
central nervous system
Unvented space Synthetic fragrances Combustion byproducts
•Cancer
heaters, AC’s in personal care products from stove, fireplace
https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-
quality, https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/air-quality-VOCs,
GREEN BUILDINGS &INFRASTRUCTURE_SEMESTER-07_VSAP @Deepti 07/8
 Thank you…
GREEN BUILDINGS &INFRASTRUCTURE_SEMESTER-07_VSAP @Deepti 08/8