Filtration and indoor air quality: A practical approach

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · ASHRAE Journal

OSTI ID:37084

Liu, R T ^[1]; Huza, M A ^[2]

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1. Filtratech Consulting, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
2. Flanders Filters Inc., Washington, NC (United States). Micro Environment Div.

This article describes how filtration systems can be a practical and effective means to control indoor contaminants when properly designed and applied. Although indoor air quality appears to be a complex subject, in reality it reduces to two simple concerns: human health and human comfort. While the interactions exist, the environmental factors that affect human comfort are different from those factors that affect human health. Generally speaking, temperature, relative humidity, air movement and noise level contribute to human comfort, and indoor contaminants affect human health, but they can also cause comfort problems, such as odors. It is important to point out this distinction because many IAQ problems can be solved simply by a small adjustment of the temperature, humidity o ventilation rate, especially when the environment of concern is outside of the comfort zone and the air is perceived as stuffy. However, when the occupants experience headaches, fatigue, eye irritation or coughing or when they smell odors, it is likely that the problems are caused by contaminants in the indoor air. Indoor contaminants may be grouped into four categories: bioaerosols (microorganisms); respirable particulates; gaseous contaminants; and vaporous contaminants. While their concentrations may vary, all of these contaminants may exist regardless of types of building, HVAC system and occupant activity.

• OSTI ID: 37084
• Journal Information: ASHRAE Journal, Journal Name: ASHRAE Journal Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 37; ISSN ASHRAA; ISSN 0001-2491
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR FILTERS
AIR QUALITY
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
FILTRATION
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
VOLATILE MATTER