Indoor Air Quality Lecture 4 PDF

Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture Building Physics I Course Code: ARCH / INAR209 INDOOR AIR QUALITY Fall 2024-25 Human Health “Health does not only mean the absence of sickness or disability, but a whole condition physically, psychologic...

Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture Building Physics I Course Code: ARCH / INAR209 INDOOR AIR QUALITY Fall 2024-25 Human Health “Health does not only mean the absence of sickness or disability, but a whole condition physically, psychologically, & socially" according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Buildings may also play an important role in improving health and happiness. Human Health As a result, a building that protects the physical, mental, and social health of people in the built-environment may be considered HEALTHY. Problem Statement Have you ever noticed that when you enter a building, you immediately want to open the window to let in some fresh air because you feel like there is enough air or good ventilation? Problem Statement Or you will find out all of the people who live in the same apartment building have the same illness syndrome such as headache? Problem Statement Another problem with the building is that it smells awful and has moist walls everywhere. The negative aspects indicate that we are living in a sick building. What can we do as architects to assist users in finding the best solution? Air Quality Air is a major essential factor to keep all living creatures alive. The quality of air has a very important role in this. Air quality is the state of the air which surrounds us. Good and health air means fresh, clean, clear and unpolluted air. Indoor Air Quality INDOOR AIR: “Any enclosed space where people spend 1 hour/ day or more” Indoor Air Quality It is important to be clear on what you or others may mean when discussing IAQ. 1.Engineer (building ventilation rate) 2.Architect (the occupants' perception of the building) 3.Microbiologist (level of spores from plants, molds, etc.) 4.Hygienist or toxicologist (exposures to specific pollutants) Indoor Air Quality Indoor Air Quality is the air quality within and around the buildings. Poor air quality has been linked to sick building syndrome Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) IAQ is a part of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) Which is included of: Lighting Visual quality Acoustics Thermal Comfort Indoor air quality IAQ is the totality of attributes of indoor air that affect a person's health & wellbeing. Attributes can mean: Pollutant Level Air Temperature Humidity Air Velocity Odors, etc. What Is Air Pollution? Air pollution is a type of environmental pollution that affects the air and is usually caused by smoke or other harmful gases, mainly oxides of carbon, Sulphur and nitrogen. Air pollution has been classified as a danger to human health as well as Earth's ecosystems for a long time. Indoor Air Pollution Unfortunately, buildings and residential zones have become major sources of air pollution, contributing significantly to illness and mortality. Indoor Air Pollution Indoor Air Pollution is more dangerous than the outdoor pollution, because we do everything in enclosed environments where air circulation may be restricted. Indoor Air Pollution Indoor Air Pollution Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution There are many sources of indoor air pollution such as cooking and heating appliances, vapor from building materials and furnishing, the pollution of household products and chemicals. Indoor Air Pollution Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Indoor Air Pollution Where the pollution is coming from? Some of these products release gas pollutants, such as radon or formaldehyde, and some release particles such as asbestos and carbon monoxide (CO) that can be just as deadly. Indoor Air Pollution Indoor Air Pollution Pets Dust Mites Pests Molds Indoor Air Pollution sources Indoor air contaminants Building occupants Carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, Perfume, body odors Building materials Dust, fiberglass, asbestos, gases Cleaners, insect killer Gases, odors Carpets, fabric, foam Carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, chair cushions Perfume, body odors Damp area. Microbial containments, molds,… Condensate pans Indoor Air Pollution Classification of Indoor Air Pollutants According to the Gaseous and vapors physical properties Particulates According to the Organic chemical properties Inorganic According to their Pollutants from outdoor source Pollutants from indoor Indoor Air Pollution Classification of Indoor Air Pollutants Toxic pollutants Harmful and irritant pollutants According to the adverse Narcotic pollutants health effects Carcinogenic pollutants Mutagenic pollutants Allergens Indoor Air Pollution VOCs are a large group of carbon- based toxins that are invisible and often have no odour. They are found in various everyday household products and furnishings, including synthetic carpets, and cannot be eradicated by traditional cleaning methods. VOCs are responsible for sick building syndrome and have numerous negative effects on health, causing skin allergies like eczema, respiratory problems, and even cancer. Health Building VS Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) The name "sick building syndrome" (SBS) refers to situations in which building occupants have extreme health and comfort problems that appear to be related to time spent in the building, but no particular illness or cause can be found. Healthy building may be defined as the next generation of green building, which includes not just environmental responsibility and resource usage, but also human well-being and performance. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Sick Building Syndrome is caused by a variety of factors: Inadequate ventilation: Sick Building Syndrome is assumed to be caused by inadequate ventilation, which can occur when heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not sufficiently circulate air to persons in the building. Tighter buildings and reduced ventilation Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Sick Building Syndrome is caused by a variety of factors: Indoor sources of chemical pollutants: The most of indoor air pollution comes from inside sources. The structure cements, carpets, and other similar products are examples. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Sick Building Syndrome is caused by a variety of factors: Poor Filters or Poor Filter Maintenance Excessive dust and dirt in the supplied air Insects Mold spores Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Sick Building Syndrome is caused by a variety of factors: Chemical pollutants from the outside: The outside air that enters a building might pollute the inside air. Motor vehicle exhausts, pipe vents, and building exhaust systems (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) can all enter the building through incorrectly placed air intake vents, windows, and other openings. Additionally, smoke from a nearby garage can enter a building. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Sick Building Syndrome is caused by a variety of factors: Biological pollutants include bacteria: Such as molds, pollen, and viruses, among other things. These pollutants may grow in stagnant water in ducts, humidifiers, and drain pans, as well as water that has collected on ceiling tiles, carpets, or insulation. Insects and bird droppings can sometimes be a source of biological pollutants. Cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscular pains, and allergic reactions. Legionnaire's Disease and Pontiac Fever are both caused by the same indoor bacteria, Legionella. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Sick Building Syndrome is caused by a variety of factors: Noise Noise levels within the building can cause additional stress to inhabitants, regardless of whether the noise is low or high, regular or irregular, and so on. Building Syndrome (SBS) Building Related Illness: A diagnosable illness whose symptoms can be identified and whose cause can be directly attributed to airborne building pollutants (e.g., hypersensitivity pneumonitis or Legionnaire’s disease). Building Syndrome (SBS) Building Related Illness: Legionnaires' disease, also known as legionellosis, is a form of a typical pneumonia caused by any type of Legionella bacteria. Signs and symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains, and headaches. Building Syndrome (SBS) Building Related Illness: Asbestosis is long-term inflammation & scarring of the lungs due to asbestos fibres. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Complications may include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease. Asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. Building Syndrome (SBS) Building Related Illness: Humidifier fever: A form of sick building syndrome. The symbol of the disease is the sudden onset of fever. Other features may include muscle aches and pains and mild shortness of breath. Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, allergies, and fatigue. 20% or more of occupants experience the same symptoms. No medically diagnosable symptoms. Complaints persist for more than two weeks. Symptoms often lessen after the person leaves the building. Building Syndrome (SBS) Wool is the only fibre able to naturally absorb VOCs and reduce their presence in the home, thereby reducing health risks and boosting wellness. These effects are achieved simply through the presence of wool bedding or carpets in the home. Wool beds, bedding, mattresses, and 100% wool carpets can continue purifying the air for up to 30 years. On Your Shoulder Features of Indoor Air Quality ▪Source Control For Controlling Indoor Air Pollution ▪Filtration / Air Purification ▪Proper Ventilation ▪Humidity Control Minimizing Air Pollution & Healthy Building Natural Ventilation & Building Orientation Improving the ventilation system of a building can efficiently lower the energy usage of the building while also improving the indoor air quality and comfort for the residents. Minimizing Air Pollution & Healthy Building Position of Opening Poorly Located Air Intakes Entrainment of vehicle exhaust from parking areas Entrainment of bio-aerosols from debris on the ground Entrainment of exhaust from adjacent roof vents, e.g., HVAC system, sewer Minimizing Air Pollution & Healthy Building Material Selection Indeed, the rapid population growth and the corresponding development of the residential sector are closely intertwined with environmental concerns, particularly regarding pollution from building materials. Choose Low-VOC and Non-Toxic Materials: Using of natural material like clay, wood, and stone, which generally have lower emissions compared to synthetic alternatives. Use Of Eco-friendly Materials are less harmful to both the environment and occupants as well as Recycled and Renewable Materials to improve waste management Incorporate Air-Purifying Materials that contain activated carbon, which can adsorb pollutants and improve air quality. Avoid Materials That Contribute to Mold Growth Minimizing Air Pollution & Healthy Building Regular Maintenance and Monitoring Regular cleaning of surfaces and materials can help reduce the accumulation of dust, allergens, and other pollutants. Minimizing Air Pollution & Healthy Building Proper Drainage and Insulation Ensure that insulation materials are non-toxic and resistant to moisture, to prevent pollutant and reducing mold risks within wall cavities. Water Quality One of the fundamental duties of healthy buildings is to provide clean, safe water. Water quality, water purification, and control of levels of pollution are the three fundamental units of the current water quality control implemented in the process of system design, operation, and maintenance. Minimizing Air Pollution & Healthy Building Thermal health The primary goal in designing an indoor thermal environment is comfort, which traditionally has been seen as separate from health considerations. On the other hand, considering thermal comfort maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing reliance on air conditioning that can recirculate stale air also stable temperature contribute to better air quality by reducing humidity swings that can encourage mold and dust mites.