Mechanisms by which outdoor air becomes part of the indoor air environment

| June 19, 2008

In a process known as infiltration, outdoor air flows into the building through openings, joints, cracks in walls, floors, ceilings, and around windows and doors.  In natural ventilation, air moves through opened windows and doors.  Air movement associated with infiltration and natural ventilation is caused by air temperature differences between indoors and outdoors and by [...]

Outdoor sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

| June 9, 2008

Pollen, dust, fungi, industrial pollutants, and general vehicle exhaust are common outdoor sources of indoor air pollution.  Other sources include exhaust from vehicles on nearby roads or in parking lots or garages, loading docks, odors from dumpsters, unsanitary debris near outdoor air intakes, and cigarette smoke from office workers now required in most cities to [...]

Redecorating, remodeling, and repairing as sources of indoor air contamination.

| June 1, 2008

Significant among office building activities are the frequent redecorating, remodeling and repair activities undertaken by new commercial tenants that often have very different spatial and other business needs from those of the prior tenant. These activities and objects lead to emissions from new furnishings; dust and fibers from demolition, including lead and asbestos; odors and [...]