Lecture 7 - Indoor Air Quality

Question 1

What are the recommended temperature and humidity ranges for a healthy home?

Answer 1

Temperature: 18-24
Humidity: 40-60%

Question 2

Humidity: Where does moisture come from?

Answer 2

• Ground
• Outdoor air
• Leaky claddings
• Plumbings
• Human activity

Question 3

Issues: What are the detrimental effects of moisture?

Answer 3

1. Poor indoor air quality
2. Fungi, dust mites
3. Asthma, headaches, flu
4. Structural integrity issues

Question 4

What are at least 3 indications of moisture in a building?

Answer 4

1. Dampness
2. Mould
3. Condensation
4. Smell

Question 5

What is Building Related Sickness (BRI)?

Answer 5

Illnesses caused directly as the result of being in and around the building environment. Symptoms can be related to airborne building pollutants

Question 6

What is Sick-Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Answer 6

Discomfort, adverse reactions, or non-specific sicknesses that appear to be linked to the time people spend in a particular building

Question 7

What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCS)?

Answer 7

Condition of sensitivity to a number of chemicals at very low concentrations

Question 8

What are 3 strategies for good IAQ?

Answer 8

1. Control of moisture and condensation in the building
2. Limit entry of outdoor contaminants
3. Limit production of indoor contaminants

Question 9

List 3 methods to control moisture in the building assembly

Answer 9

1. Avoid leaking rainwater
2. Direct rainwater away from the building
3. Limit condensation of water vapour in the building envelope