Indoor Air Quality
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) defines acceptable IAQ as: "air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and with which a substantial majority (80% or more) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction." This should be the goal for all concerned with maintenance of good IAQ, and this introduction hopes to suggest ways to achieve it.
In recent years, the pollution of outdoor air has been focused on as a major health concern in urban environments. Though this concern is certainly valid, it often overshadows the equally pertinent issue of indoor air quality (IAQ). More and more information is becoming available as more studies on indoor air quality are conducted, and the findings show that the levels of contaminants are actually higher indoors as compared to outdoors. IAQ issues/problems are especially relevant to public places such as theatres, which attract a large number of people from different walks of life and in varying conditions of personal health.
A large number of indoor contaminants are biological in nature. Common biological contaminants found indoors include: molds, bacteria and viruses, pollen, and animal dander. Microbial contamination occurs when molds, viruses, or bacteria accumulate in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; water damaged ceiling tile, carpets, insulation, walls; hot water heaters; humidifiers etc. IAQ problems also tend to increase with the age and usage of a building and its components such as plumbing, air conditioning, and air conveyance systems.
Examples
Airborne Particulate Matter (2.23 MB video clip)
For a visual description of duct cleaning methods using robotic equipment,
click on the following clips: Vertical Brush, Whip Brush
(If you experience any difficulty viewing the videos, right click on the file name and select 'Save Target As...'. You will then be able save the file and download it from the saved location.)
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