This document discusses indoor air quality in buildings. It identifies several common indoor air pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and radon which can have negative health effects. It also outlines different ventilation systems that can be used to expel pollutants from buildings, including natural ventilation, passive stack ventilation, and mechanical ventilation options. Finally, it discusses improving indoor air quality by considering ventilation strategies early in the design process, properly installing and commissioning systems, and providing maintenance and support for users.

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Indoor air quality
Saryu Vatal
Sustainable Construction Group

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Temperature and humidity
Source: NF44 Understanding overheating – where to start

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Pollutant Source Effects
Carbon dioxide Combustion, respiration
Dizziness, suffocation,
death
Carbon monoxide Combustion
Lethal at low
concentrations
Hydrogen sulphide Organic waste Strong odour, irritant
Nitrogen dioxide Combustion appliances Lung irritant
Ozone
Electrical equipment,
(motors), UV light sources
Lung irritant
Sulphur dioxide Traffic, combustion Lung irritant
Radon Building materials, rocks
Increase risk of lung
cancer
Other pollutants

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Designing for good IAQ

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Keeping pollutants out
Source: NF44 Understanding overheating – where to start

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Expelling pollutants

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System 1:
Natural
ventilation
with
intermittent
extract
System 3:
Continuous
mechanical
extract
ventilation
System 2:
Passive stack
ventilation
System 4:
Balanced
mechanical
supply &
extract
ventilation
Expelling pollutants
Source:NF44Understandingoverheating–wheretostart

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How are we doing?
Source:www.salem-news.com

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• Investigation of Ventilation Effectiveness, CLG Mar 2009
• Mechanical Ventilation in recently built Dutch homes – Architectural
Science Review Feb 2012
• MVHR in new homes – interim and final reports by ZCH, July 2013
• Assessment of MVHR systems and air quality in zero carbon homes -
NHBC Foundation, Aug 2013
Evidence base
Design Cleanliness
Commissioning Noise
Installation Access Maintenance

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Design and Installation issues

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1. Early consideration of ventilation strategy in the process, taking
into account specific conditions of the site
2. Reality check design of system – keeping end users in mind
3. Procure against the spec – watch out for product substitutions
4. Installation – consider skills and training required
5. Test and commission – training and certification requirements
6. Provide simple guidance, handover and support for users
7. Maintain the systems, they are not ‘fit-and-forget’
Moving forward

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Thank you!
Saryu Vatal
saryu.vatal@bsria.co.uk
Sustainable Construction Group