United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Information Services
and Library
Washington DC 20460
EPA/IMSD-85-002
June 1985
vvEPA Bibliographic Series
Indoor Air Pollution
c,\
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BIBLIOGRAPHY ON
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
JUNE 1985
Headquarters Library Staff
Information Management and Services Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W. PM-211A
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 382-5922
U.S. Environment-' P-r;t-'*!on Agency
Region V, I.:'
230 Soul1' r
Chicago, ill;.:
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Environment,.! . . , ,.::n Ascncy
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PREFACE
The Bibliography on Indoor Air Pollution was prepared at the
request of the Offices of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, and
Air and Radiation. It is a selective, annotated listing of
information sources on the increasingly important topic of
residential and industrial indoor air pollution. The EPA
Headquarters Library staff compiled the Bibliography under the
direction of the Chief, Information Services Branch, Information
Management and Services Division, Office of Information Resources
Management.
The Library staff wishes to gratefully acknowledge the
invaluable assistance of Mr. Timothy R. Titus, Deputy Director,
Existing Chemical Assessment Division, Office of Toxic
Substances, and Dr. David H. Mudarri, Special Initiatives
Officer, Office of Program Management Operations, Office of Air
and Radiation, in the development of this bibliography. Special
thanks are also due to Mr. Michael Bouchard, EPA Reference
Librarian, for his thorough editorial review.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction i
I. Sources of Indoor Air Pollution 1-1
II. Factors Contributing to Indoor Air Pollution 2-1
III. Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution 3-1
IV. Measures to Mitigate Indoor Air Pollution 4-1
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INTRODUCTION
The subject of indoor air pollution is a complex one. There
are many EPA employees, other government agencies, outside groups
and independent researchers interested in the problem. The
purpose of this bibliography is to help answer the wide variety
of requests for information about indoor air pollution.
Consequently, it is organized according to four major topic
areas: (1) sources, (2) contributing factors, (3) health
effects, and (4) mitigation measures.
The citations include books, journal articles, government
reports and conference papers. Within the four topic areas,
citations are in alphabetical order by author's last name, or if
there is no author, by title.
Citations preceded by an asterisk are held in the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Library System. Other citations
can be borrowed for EPA employees through interlibrary loan. An
EPA librarian can assist in identifying other citations for
further research on indoor air pollution.
In compiling the bibliography, the Library staff searched
the databases listed below and interviewed selected EPA program
staff. Citations found in databases were screened for relevance
to the four topics of the bibliography. When available from the
databases, abstracts are included in the bibliography. Each
abstract is followed by a two-letter abbreviation that identifies
its source. The databases and their abbreviations are listed
below.
(CA) CAS Online
STN-Columbus
c/o Chemical Abstract Service
2540 Olentangy River Road
P.O. Box 2228
Columbus, OH 43202
(EN) Enviroline
Environment Information Center, Inc.
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(ME) Medline
Medlars Management Section
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20209
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(NT) National Technical Information Service
U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Sprinqfield, VA 22041
(PA) Pollution Abstracts
Cambridge Scientific Abstacts
5161 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20816
We hope this bibliography is useful. If you have any
questions or wish to obtain additional copies, please contact the
EPA Headquarters Library staff at (202) 382-5921.
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I. SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
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I. SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
*Alfheim, I., et_al_. "Contribution of Wood Combustion to Indoor
Air Pollution as Measured by Mutagenicity in Salmonella and
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentration."
Environmental Mutagenesis, Vol. 6, No. 2, 1984. (PA)
Samples of airborn particles have been collected in the same
room when heated by electricity and when heating was done by
woodburning. These samples were compared with respect to
mutagenic activity and concentration of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH). The effects of the various heating
conditions were examined in the presence and absence of tobacco
smoking. Whereas wood heating in an "airtight" stove was found
to cause only minor changes in the concentration of PAH and no
measurable increase of mutagenic activity of the indoor air, both
of these parameters increased considerably when wood was burned
in an open fireplace. The effects of wood burning in an open
fireplace on the mutagenic activity of indoor air could still be
considered moderate when compared to those resulting from tobacco
smoking in the room as measured in the Salmonella assay with
strain TA98 with metabolic activation.
*Becker, A.P. Ill, jet^ ai^. Evaluation of Waterborne Radon Impact
on Indoor Air Quality and Assessment of Control Options.
NTIS, Springfield, VA, EPA/600/7-84/093.Sept. 1984.PB84-
246404. (NT)
This research program was conducted with two objectives:
(1) evaluation of waterborne radon impact on indoor air quality,
and (2) assessment of available control technologies to limit
indoor exposure to radon and its decay products. This report
contains a review of radon's physical, chemical and radiological
properties; a summary of its decay chain; and a synopsis of
health risks, existing regulations, and recommendations
concerning exposure to radon and its progeny. This report also
presents assessments of reported techniques for removal of radon
from water or indoor air. Techniques evaluated for removal of
radon from water include decay, aeration and granular activated
carbon. Techniques evaluated for removal of radon and/or progeny
from air include circulation, various types of ventilation,
filtration, electrostatic precipitation, charcoal adsorption,
chemical reaction, and space charging. Where the reports
examined include a sufficient amount of information to do so, an
evaluation of the cost, efficiency and practicality of each
technique is provided.
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*Becker, D.S., et^ al_. Organic Contaminants in Indoor Air and
Their Relation to Outdoor Contaminants; Phase 2 -
Statistical Analysis. 83-004945. (EN)
Data were collected at 35 sites in and around Chicago to
determine the relationship between indoor and outdoor air
contaminants. The information was collected from samples of
indoor air, samples of outdoor air, and data, consisting of 50
factors, for a site characterization survey. The air samples
were analyzed using a MS/GC technigue. Chi sguare analysis,
clustering analysis and regression analysis were used in the
statistical examination of the data. One conclusion was that
indoor air contains a larger number of organic contaminants than
outdoor air.
*Boeniger, M., ^t_ jal^. Industrial Hygiene Survey Report of A. O.
Smith Inland Incorporated, Little Rock, Arkansas. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, IWS-143.10. Feb. 1984. PB84-241751. (NT)
Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for
4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA) at Smith Inland, Incorporated,
Little Rock, Arkansas in July 1983. MDA was found in all air,
dermal, and wipe samples. Ventilation measurements were taken in
the upper level mixing rooms. Since MDA has been shown to be
carcinogenic in laboratory animals, the authors recommend that an
improved program of use of engineering controls and personal
protective equipment be implemented. Specific recommendations
include improving ventilation in the mixing room, use of natural
latex gloves, identification of the emission sources of MDA
generated by the heating resins, installation of local exhaust
ventilation at these sources, and proper use of disposable dust
respirators.
*Boeniger, M. Industrial Hygiene Survey Report, Olin
Corporation, Moundsville, West Virginia. NTIS, Springfield,
VA, IWS-143-12. Mar. 1984. PB84-243237. (NT)
An industrial hygiene survey at the Olin Corporation,
Moundsville, West Virginia was conducted in August 1983 to
determine if a health hazard existed from 4,4'-methylenedianiline
exposure. The facility employed 300 workers, most of whom were
middle aged. Environmental and breathing zone samples were
analyzed for MDA, as were dermal samples. Ventilation
measurements were made. The author concludes that dermal contact
with MDA probably affected only six employees. Recommendations
include improving exhaust ventilation and the use of personal
protective equipment.
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Boleil, J., et^ al_- "Indoor Air Pollution by Carbon Monoxide and
Nitrogen Oxides; Innenluftverunreinigungen durch
Kohlenmonoxid Und Stickstoffoxide." Luftqualitat in
Innenraumen, 1982, pp. 199-208. (PA)
The results of an exploratory survey of indoor levels of
carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (N02) from gas-fired
cooking and waterheating appliances in the Dutch cities of
Arnheim and Enschede in the fall of 1980 are reported.
Measurements were carried out electrochemically (Ecolyzer 2000)
or with Draeger tubes in the case of CO and with Palmes diffusion
tubes (5 to 8 days exposure) in the case of NO?- For CO, in 18%
(27%) of the homes visited the limit of 600 (300) ppm in the flue
gases was exceeded in 17% of the homes. The arithmetic mean
values of the NO^ concentration in 286 homes was 118 )g/m with a
range of 35 to 472 )g/m3. The corresponding figures for living
rooms were 58 and 35 to 346 )g/m , respectively. Outdoor NO2
concentrations were 2 to 3 times lower than indoor
concentrations.
*Brunekreef, Bert. "The Arnhera Lead Study. I. Lead Uptake by 1
to 3 Year Old Children Living in the Vicinity of a Secondary
Lead Smelter in Arnhem, The Netherlands." Environmental
Research, Vol. 25, No. 2, August 1981, p. 441. (EN)
This epidemiological study was conducted in the vicinity of
a secondary lead smelter in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Blood lead
levels for one to three year old children were determined and
proved to be slightly elevated. Lead in air, dustfall, soil,
street dust, house dust, and drinking water was also measured.
Analysis showed that lead levels in garden soil and dustfall
indoors and outdoors were the most useful parameters in
explaining the variance in the blood lead levels of the study
population.
*Bruno, Ronald C. "Sources of Indoor Radon in Houses: A
Review." Air Pollution Control Association Journal, Vol.
33, No. 2, Feb. 1983, p. 105. (EN)
The primary sources of indoor radon are analyzed and
discussed. These include soil gas, building materials, and tap
water. Within the framework of a simple steady-state analysis of
the radon concentration in a model of a typical house, the
potential contribution to indoor radon levels from each source
was determined. When these results are compared with reported
file studies of radon in houses, it appears that the infiltration
of soil gas directly into a house is by far the largest
contributor to indoor radon levels.
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*Cecala, A.B., ^t a\_. New Bag Nozzle to Reduce Dust from
Fluidized Air Bag Machines. NTIS, Springfield, VA, BUMINES-
RI-8886. 1984. PB84-224484. (NT)
A new prototype bag nozzle system has been designed under a
Bureau of Mines contract to reduce dust generated during the
bagging operation of fluidized air baggers. A field analysis of
the new system has shown that the bag operator's dust exposure
was reduced 83%. The amount of blowback was reduced 89%, which
corresponds to a significant product saving. The new prototype
system has been operating for a substantial period of time with
no major problems.
*Chambers, D., et^ a±. "Lead Levels in Exhaust Replacement
Centres." Science of the Total Environment. Vol. 33, Feb.
15, 1985, p. 31. (EN)
The atmospheric lead levels in three garages serving as
automotive exhaust system replacement centers in the U.K. were
documented. Airborne particulates and deposited dust samples
were analyzed. Results show lead levels above those caused by
ambient concentrations arising from vehicular emissions. The
likely source of contamination is the dust removed from the
internal surfaces of exhaust systems; the dust contained 24.9-
58.7% lead during replacement operations. Dust with levels of
0.5-3% lead was deposited throughout the facilities.
*Chaplan, P.E. Control Technology Assessment of Solid Materials
Handling, Phase 1 Bag Opening, Emptying, and Disposals,
Delaware Valley, Inc., Bristol, Pennsylvania. NTIS,
Springfield, YA, CT-144-18, May 1984. PB84-241926. (NT)
A preliminary survey was conducted to assess control
technology at Rohm and Haas Delaware Valley, Incorporated,
Bristol, Pennsylvania, in May 1981. The ability of engineering
controls, housekeeping, and work practices to control exposures
to polyvinyl-chloride, acrylic resins and barium-cadmium-stearate
dusts during the opening, emptying, and disposal of bags,
containers, and powdered chemicals was investigated. Air
concentrations of the dusts were not measured, as they were
monitored by the company. The author concludes that the
engineering controls, housekeeping procedures, and work practices
are effective in controlling dust concentrations. An in depth
survey is recommended.
Claydon, M.F., jet^ a±. Review of Bitumen Fume Exposures and
Guidance on Measurement. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONCAWE-
6/84.1984. PB84-225291. (NT)
Part I of the report reviews available data on exposure to
bitumen fumes in various activities involving handling and use of
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bitumen. These data show that bitumen fume exposures are usually
below the 8-hour time-weighted average exposure limit of 5 mg/m
recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists. However, this level can easily be exceeded in indoor
applications if good ventilation is not provided. Inhalation
exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also appear to be
very low. The critique of the methodology for sampling and
analysis of bitumen fumes (Part II) identifies aspects of
sampling, filter weighing and solvent extraction of filters which
require particular attention if reliable exposure measurements
are to be obtained. These items are taken into account in Part
III which provides a detailed methodology for determination of
total particulate and benzene soluble personal exposures.
*Cote, William A., et_ al_. A Study of Indoor Air Quality. NTIS
Report PB-238 556, Sept. 1974. 75-006690. (EN)
A study of indoor air quality was conducted for 15 months.
The program consisted of laboratory investigations, field
studies, and an inventory of indoor sources. Tasks 1 and 2
established the emissions and effect on air quality of gas stoves
and heaters both in the laboratory and in four homes. Task 3
developed information on indoor sources of air contamination in
typical Southern New England homes, and also on the effects of
products and of their use on indoor air quality.
*Diemel, Jodokus A., et al. "The Arnhem Lead Study. II. Indoor
Pollution, and Indoor/Outdoor Relationships.* Environmental
Research, Vol. 25, No. 2, Aug. 1981, p. 449. (EN)
An extensive investigation was carried out on the lead
content of house dust collected near a lead smelter in Arnhem,
the Netherlands. Samples were taken of ambient air indoors, lead
deposition indoors, and floor and window dust. Indoor pollution
levels were lower than the corresponding outdoor levels.
Statistical analyses show that in Arnhem, lead is carried into
houses in the form of lead particles that adhere to shoes and
clothing.
*Dimmick, Robert L., et al. "Problems of Measuring Numbers of
Microbes in Occupied Spaces." Emerging Environmental
Solutions for 80s, Los Angeles, Vol. 2, May 5-7, 1981,
p. 97. 82-004873. (EN)
Problems associated with sampling air for viable microbes
are discussed. Even though sampling is expensive and often
yields confusing data, scientific curiosity provides support for
its continued use. Being able to locate airborne microbes is an
important aspect of air sampling. Differences between before and
after-the-fact studies are explained.
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*Dobbs, A.J. , et^ ai_. "Indoor Air Pollution from Pesticides Used
in Wood Remedial Treatments." Environmental Pollution;
Series B, Vol. 6, 1983, p. 271. (EN)
Air samples were collected from inside houses that had been
given commercial remedial treatments to combat wood-boring
insects or dry rot. Measured concentrations of Gamma-
Hexachlorocyclohexane (Gamma-HCH), Dieldrin, and
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) are reported. In the absence of
guidelines for safe concentrations of these chemicals in homes,
acceptable air concentrations were derived from acceptable daily
intake values implemented in the U.K. Assuming that inhalation
is the sole route of exposure, documented Dieldrin levels are in
excess of the acceptable concentrations; results from Gamma-HCH
and PCB are below acceptable levels.
*Douville, Judith A. "The Chemical Nature of Indoor Air
Pollution." Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials
Report, Vol. 4, No. 3, May-June 1984, pp. 2-8. 84-005622.
(EN)
As formal indoor air standards do not exist, more research
is needed to ascertain average and permissible levels of indoor
air pollutants. Building materials, appliances, and other
consumer products are major sources of indoor air contaminants.
Cigarette smoke and wood-burning fireplaces contribute to
elevated levels of interior benzo-a-pyrene, carbon monoxide, and
carbon dioxide. Radon and asbestos emitted by insulation and
building materials have been recognized as potential health
hazards.
*Dudney, C.S., jet_ al_. Report of Ad Hoc Task Force on Indoor Air
Pollution. NTIS, Springfield, VA. 1981. ORNL/TM-7679.
(PA)
The quality of air within a man-made structure is likely to
be affected by energy conserving modifications made on that
structure. Information was reviewed on indoor air pollution and
the potential impact on human health of energy efficient
residences. Studies that have been done and those in progress
indicate that the indoor air pollution may significantly affect
human health. The task force concluded from its investigations
that: (1) the indoor environment is likely to include exposure
to radon daughter nuclides, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen dioxide, respirable particulates, and asbestos, as well
as other undefined pollutants; (2) indoor exposure may constitute
80 to 95% of the total exposure for some pollutants; (3) studies
have not been done to provide a basis for adequate assessment of
indoor air quality.
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*Dra£t Criteria Document for Vinyl Chloride. Environmental
Protection Agency, Criteria and Standards Division. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, Feb. 1984. PB84-199538. (NT)
This document summarizes the health effects of Vinyl
Chloride. Topics include: General Information and Properties;
Human Exposure; Pharmacokinetics; Health Effects in Animals and
Humans; Mechanisms of Toxicity; Risk Assessment and Quanti-
fication to Toxicological Effects.
*Fingerhut, M., et^ jaJU NIOSH Dioxin Registry Site Visit Report
of Rhone-Poulenc Incorporated, Portland, Oregon. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, IWS-117-14. Jan. 31, 1984. PB84-240035.
(NT)
Worker exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin were
assessed at Rhone Poulenc, Incorporated, Portland, Oregon in
January 1982. The survey was conducted to evaluate the
feasibility of including workers involved with the synthesis of
2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid in the dioxin registry.
Complete personnel records were kept for all workers beginning in
1960. Limited medical information was available. Processes in
the production of 2,4,5-T, its isooctyl and isobutyl esters, the
formulation and packaging of its esters, and the production of
its triethylamine salt were assessed. Formulation included
blending the complete acids and esters and mixing the solutions
to the proper strengths. Synthesis, dilution, and addition of
additives and filtering were part of the formulation operation
for amines. The same equipment was used for processing 2,4,5-T
and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. No pressure releases or blow
outs occurred during processing. No industrial hygiene data on
worker exposures to process materials was available. No analysis
for dioxin contamination or process contamination was
available. The authors conclude that potential exposure to
2,4,5-T or other products derived from 2,4,5-trichlorophenol
exist among the workers. The cohort of workers should be
included in the dioxin registry.
*Flachsbart, P.G. , jrt jil_. Field Surveys of Carbon Monoxide
Commercial Settings Using Personal Exposure Monitors. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, EPA-600/4-84-019. Feb. 1984. PB84-211291.
(NT)
This study employed miniaturized personal exposure monitors
(PEMs) to measure carbon monoxide (CO) in 588 different
commercial settings (e.g., retail stores, office buildings,
hotels, restaurants) in five California cities. Altogether, 5000
CO observations were made by recording the instantaneous
instrument readings at 1 minute intervals as the investigators
walked along sidewalks and into buildings. For 11 of 15 survey
dates, two investigators walked side-by-side, permitting two
adjacent PEMs to be compared. Quality assurance tests for 1706
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pairs of values showed a very high degree of agreement. CO
levels for indoor commercial settings were similar to those
measured outdoors on sidewalks, apparently because the pollutant
seeps into the structures from traffic outside. Although indoor
levels usually were above 0 ppm, they seldom were above 9 ppm
(the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for an 8-hour
exposure), unless some indoor source (e.g., enclosed parking
garage) could be identified. For example, an office building
with high CO levels from its garage was "Hot" in the sense that
CO permeated the upper floors, exposing many office workers to
concentrations above 9 ppm, well above ambient levels outside.
Indoor settings, without their own sources of CO, were
sufficiently similar in concentrations to be treated as a class,
although levels did vary slightly from date to date. CO levels
on outdoor streets did not vary greatly on different sides of the
street, on corners and faces of blocks, and intersections.
Formaldehyde. June/ 1976-July, 1984 (Citations from the Energy
Data Base). NTIS, Springfield, VA. July 1984. PB84-
870104. (NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning the chemical
and physical properties of, and applications for, formaldehyde.
The health effects of formaldehyde exposure are also
considered. (This updated bibliography contains 108 citations,
24 of which are new entries to the previous edition).
Formaldehyde. June, 1970-July, 1984 (Citations from the NTIS
Data Base). NTIS, Springfield, VA. July 1984. PB84-
870229. (NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning the health
hazards of formaldehyde inhalation. Health hazard evaluation
reports of industrial sites are discussed and the effects of
formaldehyde on animals and humans are considered. Industrial
hygiene sampling methods and analytical methods to guantitate
formaldehyde exposure are also discussed. (This updated
bibliography contains 231 citations, 48 of which are new entries
to the previous edition.)
*Formaldehyde Levels in Mobile Homes. Franklin Research Center,
Philadelphia, PA. NTIS, Springfield, VA, HOD-0003474.
March, 1984. PB85-126571/XAB. (NT)
A series of experiments tested the effectiveness of the
following four methods for reducing levels of formaldehyde
concentrations in a mobile home: normal furnace operation under
thermostatic control, continuous furnace blower operation,
continuous operation of the kitchen exhaust fan, and the use of a
furnace modification kit. The kit introduced fresh air from the
ceiling plenum, which was vented outside to the blower intake.
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Two different makes of furnaces were used in identical tests.
Since the mobile home's background formaldehyde level was below
the discomfort level, the level was artificially raised prior to
each test. The furnace modification kits for both types of
furnaces reduced formaldehyde to background levels within 4
hours. Both makes of furnaces produced essentially similar
levels with or without the modifications. Photographs, figures,
and extensive data tables are provided.
*Ganunage, R.B., et al. Current Status of Measurement Techniques
and Levels of Formaldehyde in Residences. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, CONF-84015-21. April 1984. DE84011660.
(NT)
For measuring levels of formaldehyde in residences, the
trend is toward the increased use of passive integrating
monitors. This popularity is due to ease of use, cost-
effectiveness, ability to provide time-weighted-average
concentrations over periods of one or more days and a sensitivity
sufficient to make accurate measurements down to a few times 0.01
ppm. The more traditional modified NIOSH method lacks the
sensitivity to make accurate measurements at the 0.1 ppm or lower
concentrations that are encountered frequently inside houses. It
is desirable that more rigorous intercomparisons of various
monitoring systems be conducted, both under laboratory and field
conditions. The age of urea formaldehyde-resin containing
sources is a most important parameter; as the sources age they
emit formaldehyde less strongly. Marked dependence of
formaldehyde concentrations on age is observed for different
classes of dwellings, including modern conventional houses.
Levels of formaldehyde generally average about 0.03 ppm in older
conventional homes. In mobile homes and a fraction of new and
urea formaldehyde foam insulated (UFFI) homes, mean levels of
formaldehyde frequently exceed 0.1 ppm. More systematic data are
needed on the frequency and magnitude of short-term peak
exposures as well as long-term seasonal variations in levels of
formaldehyde. Limited studies have revealed diurnal and seasonal
within-house fluctuations of two and tenfold, respectively.
Occasional excursions to 0.1 ppm seem to occur in the majority of
houses.
Girman, J.R., et al. Volatile Organic Emissions from Adhesives
with Indoor Applications. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-17594;
CONF-840803-7. Feb. 1984. DE84015965/XAB. (NT)
Studies have shown that volatile organic compounds (VOC)
emitted from building materials are a potentially important
source of indoor air pollution. In this study, we investigated
emissions of VOC from both solvent- and water-based adhesives.
Adhesives were applied to an inert substrate and dried for at
least a week. VOC were cryogenically trapped and identified by
GC-MS or sorbent trapped, solvent extracted, and quantified by
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GC-FID. Among the compounds emitted by adhesives were toluene,
styrene, and a variety of normal, branched, and cyclic alkanes.
The measured emission rates ranged from below the limit of
detection for some adhesives to a total alkane emission rate of
over 700 )g/g'^/h"-*- for a water-based adhesive. A simple, well-
mixed tank model was used to assess the potential impacts of the
adhesives studied and to demonstrate that adhesives can be
significant sources of VOC.
*Girman, J.R., et^ ai^. Sources and Concentrations of Formaldehyde
in Indoor Environments. LBNL Report 14574, June 1983. 84-
004239. (EN)
Formaldehyde is a common component of resins used in many
building materials. The formaldehyde can be released from these
building materials into the indoor environment. Unvented
combustion appliances, such as ranges and heaters, also
contribute to the indoor atmospheric formaldehyde load. Emission
rates from a variety of combustion appliances are discussed, and
the formaldehyde concentations detected in 40 residential indoor
environments are summarized. Energy-efficient houses were found
to have higher concentrations of the pollutant compared with
those in weatherized structures.
*Godish, T. "Low Cost Sampler for Formaldehyde and Other Indoor
Air Contaminants." Journal of Environmental Health, Vol.
46, No. 5, 1984, pp. 229-232. (PA)
Consumer requests for assistance in investigating indoor air
quality complaints and provision of air testing are directed to
local health agencies. Local responses to such requests are
desirable since they can in general provide a quicker response
than a state agency, and the minimal travel time involved results
in the most efficient use of personnel time. The provision of
such consumer assistance is often limited by the availability of
sampling equipment. The construction of a low cost sampler for
formaldehyde and other indoor air contaminants is described.
*Halpern, Marc. "Indoor/Outdoor Air Pollution Exposure
Continuity Relationships." Air Pollution Control
Association Journal, Vol. 28, No. 7, July 1978, p. 689.
(EN)
The relationships between indoor and outdoor pollutant
concentrations and exposure continuities were evaluated using
particulate leads as an index contaminant. Lead was collected
using a serial filtration technique, and analyzed by atomic
absorption spectrophotometry. Significant differences were
observed between indoor and outdoor lead levels and between
indoor and outdoor ratios of the respirable and nonrespirable
lead particulates. The widely accepted hypothesis of a
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homeostatic balance between indoor and outdoor pollutant levels
was thus refuted. It is important to consider parameters other
than outdoor pollutant levels in determining indoor air quality.
*Harley, N.H. Factors Controlling Indoor Radon Levels. Annual
Report/ June 1983-May 1984. NTIS, Springfield, VA,
DOE/EV/10374-4. May 31, 1984. DE84012712. (NT)
The factors which contribute to indoor radon levels were
investigated. Soil moisture content appears to be such a factor
and influences indoor radon levels in a subtle way. The single
family dwelling studied here is a typical suburban home, with a
full basement, two living levels and a full attic. Seasonal data
for 1981 and 1983 are shown by hour (about 90 hours in each
average) for the basement, first floor and outdoors. A twenty-
five story, 225 unit apartment building has been under study for
about the same time interval. The apartment has five rooms, and
is on the 24th floor. Continuous monitors are located in a work
room and outdoors on a terrace. Data are available from the
summer of 1981.
Hawthorne, A.R., et al. Formaldehyde Levels in Forty East-
Tennessee Homes. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONF-840803-12.
1984. DE84-016672/XAB. (NT)
Extensive measurements of formaldehyde levels were conducted
in 40 East Tennessee homes as part of a larger indoor air quality
study. Measurements were made with passive, integrating monitors
for a period of 24 hours in three rooms of each house and
outdoors as part of a larger indoor air quality study. Monthly
measurements of this type were made in the study houses from
April through mid-December of 1982. Over 6000 formaldehyde field
measurements were made during the study. The measured
formaldehyde concentations were generally lower in older homes.
Older houses averaged 40 ppb of formaldehyde while houses less
than 5 years old averaged 80 ppb. Formaldehyde levels exhibited
a statistically significant temperature dependence in most homes
with formaldehyde concentrations greater than 80 ppb. Homes with
urea-formaldehyde foam insulation were more likely to show this
relationship.
*Hawthorne, A.R., et^ al^. Formaldehyde; An Important Indoor
Pollutant. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONF-8405169-1. 1984.
DE84012331. (NT)
Formaldehyde is an important pollutant in determining the
acceptability of indoor air quality. Concern over both acute and
chronic health effects have led to the desire to minimize the
exposure of the public to this substance. Numerous sources exist
within the indoor environment. The emission rates of many of
these sources are dependent on environmental parameters. Field
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measurements of residential levels of formaldehyde indicate that
some homes, especially mobile homes and new homes with pressed-
wood materials, are frequently likely to exceed the 0.1 ppm
concentration guideline. A variety of remedial measures are
available to reduce formaldehyde levels. Cost and effectiveness
of these measures vary. Finally, formaldehyde is but one of many
volatile organic compounds that must be assessed to determine
impacts on indoor air quality.
Hawthorne, A.R. Indoor Air Quality; A Researcher's
Perspective. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONF-8409155-1.
1984. DE85001251/XAB.(NT)
A brief review of some of the pollutants and the potential
health effects of concern in the indoor environment are
provided. Specific pollutants discussed include radon, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, smoke, asbestos, formaldehyde and
biological organisms. Conservation and research needs were also
discussed.
*Hileman, Bette, "Indoor Air Pollution." Environmental Science &
Technology, Vol. 17, No. 10, Oct. 1983, p. 469A. 84-
000734. (EN)
The average concentration of pollutants typically found in
indoor air has increased over the last decade. This is primarily
due to decreased ventilation resulting from the implementation of
residential energy conservation measures. High concentrations of
radon in indoor air have been documented; building materials,
soil gas, and groundwater are major pathways for this
pollutant. Tobacco smoke is another indoor contaminant, as are
nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulates. A concerted
interagency effort at the federal level is advocated to research
this problem and devise means of correcting it.
Hollowell, Craig D. "Impact of Reduced Infiltration and
Ventilation on Indoor Air Quality." ASHRAE Journal, Vol.
21, No. 7, July 1979, p. 49. (EN)
Reduced infiltration and ventilation rates in buildings,
proposed as important energy conservation measures, can lead to
elevated levels of indoor-generated air contaminants that may
impair the health, safety, or comfort of occupants. Nitrogen
dioxide, formaldehyde, and radon, three indoor-generated
contaminants of particular concern in residential buildings, are
discussed. Possible regulatory approaches for limiting exposure
to indoor contaminants are mentioned.
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Indoor Air Pollution. January, 1983 - October, 1983 (Citations
from the Energy Data Base). NTIS, Springfield, VA. Oct.
1984. PB84-876812. (NT)
The bibliography contains citations concerning the types and
sources of indoor air pollution, the impact of energy efficient
construction, and measures to relieve the problem. Radon and
radon-daughters, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, asbestos,
formaldehyde, and particulates are discussed as potential
pollutants, and recirculated air, insulation material, water, and
natural gas are considered as potential sources of pollution.
Mechanical ventilation systems with air to air exchangers are
briefly discussed.
Indoor Air Pollution. November, 1983 - October, 1984 (Citations
from the Energy Data Base)." NTIS, Springfield, VA. Oct.
1984. PB84-876820. (NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning the types
and sources of indoor air pollution, the impact of energy
efficient construction, and measures to relieve the problem.
Radon and radon-daughters, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide,
asbestos, formaldehyde, and particulates are discussed as
potential pollutants, and recirculated air, insulation material,
water and natural gas are considered as potential sources of
pollution. Mechanical ventilation systems with air to air
exchangers are briefly discussed.
*"Indoor Air Quality Research." House Committee on Science and
Technology Hearings, 98 Con 1 54, Aug 2-3, 1983. 84-
004249. (EN)
Indoor air guality has become a major concern since the
discovery that energy-efficient houses, with reduced air
infiltration, may have higher concentrations of pollutants.
Since most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, this
could be a significant health hazard. Hearings were held to
discuss various issues, including indoor air contaminants and
characteristics, observed concentrations, personal exposure to
contaminants, health effects, and control of indoor contami-
nants. Contaminants include formaldehyde, radon, molds, spores,
fungi, aeropathogens, asbestos fibers, chlordane and other
insecticides, house mites, photocopying solvents, and tobacco
smoke. Ironically, millions have been spent to improve outdoor
air quality, while indoor air guality has been widely ignored.
Associated documents and memoranda are transcribed.
Janssen, F.J.G. "Measurements at the Sub-ppm Level of Sulphur-
Fluoride Compounds Resulting from the Decomposition of SFg
by Arc Discharge." NTIS, Springfield, VA, PB84-213412,
1984. (NT)
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Arcing experiments from sulphur hexafluoride have shown
reactions between SFg, moisture, oxygen and metals; various
compounds were formed, namely SF4, SOF2, SOF4, S02F2, S2F10, HF,
SO2, H2S and S2OF^Q* Some of these compounds appeared in very
low concentrations. The compounds are toxic even at these levels
of concentration and they show corrosive properties; so it is
important to identify them and to determine the quantities of
these arcing products. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
have proved to be relevant tools for the trace analysis of
disulphur decafluoride and disulphur oxydecafluoride.
*Jungers/ R.H., ^t^ jil_. "Exposure to Perchloroethylene Associated
with the use of Coin-type Dry Cleaning Machines." EPA
Pollutant Monitoring of Ambient Air and Stationary Sources
Symposium, Raleigh, NC. May 1982, p. 153. 84-002969. (EN)
Nearly all coin-type dry cleaners use perchloroethylene
(PERC) as the cleaning solvent. Research was sponsored by EPA to
obtain data demonstrating the potential for public exposure to
PERC that may result from dry cleaning in these self-service
laundries. Testing at a laundry facility and at an overhead
apartment was conducted in Washington, D.C. Indoor ambient PERC
levels varied in the range of 90-14,000 ppb. PERC levels in the
apartment were practically identical to those in the laundry
downstairs.
*Kirsch, Laurence S. "Behind Closed Doors: The Problem of
Indoor Pollutants." Environmentf March 1983, Vol. 25, No.
2, p. 16. 83-004368. (EN)
Health hazards associated with indoor air pollution are
examined. The indoor air pollutants currently under scrutiny
include radon and its decay products, chemical products of
combustion (such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide),
formaldehyde, asbestos, residues from consumer products,
allergens, microorganisms, and tobacco smoke. These pollutants
cause respiratory diseases, cancer and sometimes death. Since
they are more concentrated indoors, current statutory and common
law mechanisms for dealing with indoor air pollution are
inadequate.
*Kotharif Brajesh K., et^ al^. "Association of Indoor Radon
Concentration and Uranium in Surficial Material."
Northeastern Environmental Science, Vol. 3, No. 1, 1984,
p. 30. 84-005955. (EN)
Exposure to radon in the indoor environment of homes
averages 0.2-4 PCI/L. Radon data for houses with identified
sources of the radionuclide are analyzed for available data from
nine locations. The geometric means of equivalent uranium data
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from the National Uranium Resource Evaluation Survey for the same
sites correlate with the percentage of homes with radon levels
above a desired limit. This provides a basis for identifying
areas in the U.S. where high values of indoor radon might be
found for further investigation. (EN)
*Leidy, R. B., et al. "Concentration and Movement of Diazinon in
Air." Journal of Environmental Sciences & Health-
Pesticides, Food Contaminants & Agricultural Wastes, Vol.
B17, No. 4, 1982, p. 311. 82-005539. (EN)
Airborne concentrations of diazinon were measured in rooms
for 21 days after crack and crevice application. Treated rooms
had residue levels of 38 mg/m^, adjacent rooms had levels of 1
mg/m . Low levels of diazinon were detected in all rooms 21 days
after application; small amounts of the residues were found on
respirator pads and waist pads worn by the applicator. Data
indicated no serious hazard to an individual from the prescribed
diazinon application rate.
*Livingston, J. M., et_ BL!_. "Living Area Contamination by
Chlordane Used for Termite Treatment." Bulletin of
Environmental Contaminants and Toxicology, Vol. 27, No. 3,
September 1981, p. 406. (EN)
Chlordane contamination in living areas at a midwestern U.S.
Air Force Base was monitored. The contamination resulted from
chlordane treatments for termite control. Airborne chlordane
concentrations recorded were in the range of 16-293 mg/m^. Air
sampling data from 1964-79 are tabulated and compared.
*Londhe, V. S., j5t_ a±. "Assessment of Natural Radioactivity
Levels in Building Materials and Evaluation of Indoor Radon
Exposure." Environmental Technology Letters, Vol. 5, No. 2,
February 1984, p. 81. 84-004610. (EN)
Natural radioactivity levels were tested for building
materials used in some cement houses in Bombay, India, and nearby
areas. Exposure to natural radiation is comparatively higher in
cement houses than in wooden or brick houses. One to two kg
samples were collected from construction sites and from local
dealers in Bombay. Granite samples were collected from
surrounding quarries. The study presents estimations of natural
radioelements like Radon-222, Thorium-222, and Potassium-40 in a
limited number of samples of building materials used in Bombay.
Quantities of cement, sand, bricks, and stones required for model
room were calculated from the standard construction data.
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*Matsukuru, Shiegeru, ^t^ al^. "Effects of Environmental Tobacco
Smoke on Urinary Cotinine Excretion in Nonsmokers." New
England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 311, No. 13, September
1984, p. 828. 84-006296. (EN)
The relationship between urinary cotinine (the major
metabolite of nicotine found in urine) excretion in 472 non-
smokers and the smokiness of their environment is investigated.
Urinary cotinine levels of nonsmokers who lived with smokers were
higher than those of nonsmokers who did not. These levels
increased with the combined daily cigarette consumption of
smokers in the family. Urinary cotinine values of nonsmokers who
worked with smokers were also higher than those of nonsmokers who
did not. These values increased with the number of smokers in
the workroom. The presence of smokers in both the home and
workplace also increased the cotinine levels, and urban
nonsmokers had more cotinine in their urine than did rural
smokers. The deleterious effects of passive nonsmoking may occur
in proportion to the exposure of nonsmokers to the home,
workplace, and community.
Matthews, T. G., et_ a±. Practical Measurement Technology for
Low-Formaldehyde-Concentration Levels; Applications to
Personnel-Monitoring Needs. Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
TN, EPA National Symposium on Monitoring Hazardous Organic
Pollutants in Air, Raleigh, NC. May 1, 1984. (PA)
A formaldehyde (CH2U) monitoring program has been developed
at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to assist the Consumer Product
Safety Commission in its deliberations concerning the use of
urea-formaldehyde foam insulation materials and the possible
development of an indoor air quality standard for formaldehyde.
Low-cost monitoring technology for a large-scale screening
analysis of CI^O levels in domestic dwellings and near real-time
instrumentation for inspectorate purposes has been developed.
The applicability of the new methodologies to personnel moni-
toring needs, including area monitors, personnel badges, and near
real-time measurement techniques, is now under investigation.
*Matthews, T. G., .et^ jil^ Formaldehyde Emissions from Combustion
Sources and Solid Formaldehyde Resin Containing Products;
Potential Impact on Indoor Formaldehyde Concentrations.
NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONF-840415-22. April 12, 1984.
DE84011630. (NT)
The formaldehyde (CH20) emission rates of combustion sources
and solid CH^O resin-containing products commonly found in
domestic environments are surveyed. The potential impact of
these sources on indoor CH20 concentrations are estimated using
simple steady-state, indoor pollutant concentration models.
Source emission rates, product loadings for solid emission
sources, duty cycles for combustion sources, and potential
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permeation barriers are considered in the model. The strongest
contributors to indoor C^O ace pressed-wood products and foam
insulation containing urea formaldehyde resins. Combustion
sources and phenol-formaldehyde resin-bonded products are
generally weak emitters.
*Matthews, T. G., jet_ al^. "Visual Colorimetric Formaldehyde
Screening Amalysis for Indoor Air." Air Pollution Control
Association Journal/ Vol. 31, No. 11, November 1981,
p. 1181. 82-003376. (EN)
A visual colorimetric analysis method for screening
formaldehyde levels at about 100 ppb concentration is
demonstrated. The method, based on the general aldehyde
methylbenzothiazolin-hydrazone technigue, is insensitive to
variations of 15% in reagent concentration and ambient
temperatures between 14-26°C. Field tests show that the method
is well suited for screening formaldehyde levels in homes.
Matthews, T. G., j;t_ a±. "Environmental Dependence of
Formaldehyde Emission from Pressed-Wood Products." NTIS,
Springfield, VA, CONF-840803-10. 1984. DE84016593/XAB.
(NT)
The influence of temperature, humidity and formaldehyde
(CH20) vapor concentration on CH20 emissions from low emitting
particleboard underlayment and hardwood plywood paneling bonded
with urea-formaldehyde resins have been examined using
environmental chamber experiments. A 10- to 30-fold increase in
CHoO emissions was observed over the tested range of temperature
and humidity conditions from 23°C, 50% RH to 38°C, 68% RH. A
CH20 emission model has been developed from simple diffusion
theory applied to the bulk-vapor interphase at the surface of
pressed-wood products to evaluate the dependence of CH20
emissions from the test boards on ambient conditions.
Significant variation is observed in the model coefficients for
temperature and humidity between different products.
Matthews, T. G., et^ al^. "Formaldehyde Emissions from Consumer
and Construction Products: Potential Impact on Indoor
Formaldehyde Concentrations." NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONF-
840803-9. 1984. DE84016592/XAB. (NT)
The formaldehyde (CH20) emission rates of combustion sources
and solid CH^O resin-containing products commonly found in
domestic environments are surveyed. The potential impact of
these emitters on indoor CH20 concentrations are estimated using
simply steady-state, indoor pollutant concentration models. The
strongest contributors to indoor CH20 are pressed-wood products
and foam insulation containing urea-formaldehyde resins.
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Combustion sources and products containing phenol-formaldehyde
resins are generally weak steady-state emitters.
*Meliar R.J.W., et al. "Differences in NC>2 Levels in Kitchens
with Gas or Electric Cookers." Atmospheric Environment,
Vol. 12, No. 6-7, 1978, p. 1379. (EN)
The reliability of a small personal sampler for nitrogen
dioxide measurements is tested. Levels measured in kitchens with
gas and electric cookers are contrasted. The higher
concentration of N02 in gas kitchens, if maintained, would lead
to levels above the maximum annual arithmetic mean of 50 PPB
recommended in the U.S. primary air quality standards.
*Milligan, J. E., jjt_ al^. "A Study of Nitrous Oxide Levels in
Veterinary Operating Room Air With and Without Waste
Anesthetic Gas Scavenging." University of Missouri Trace
Substances in Environmental Health 15th Annual Conference,
June 1981, p. 399. 83-001460. (EN)
Long-term human exposure to nitrous oxide is associated with
general health problems, including reproductive difficulties and
kidney and liver diseases. A study to assess the exposure levels
to nitrous oxide in veterinary surgery was performed during
scavenging and not scavenging of the waste anesthetic gas. While
the 95% upper confidence limit for the scavenged mean was within
the NIOSH standard, the 95% upper confidence limit for the not
scavenged mean exceeded the standard.
*Moed, B. A., et al. Identifying Areas with Potential for High
Indoor Radon Levels; Analysis of the National Airborne
Radiometric Reconnaissance Data for California and the
Pacific Northwest." LBNL Report 16955, April 1984.
84-006646 (EN)
Aerial radiometric data collected for the National Uranium
Resource Evaluation Program are analyzed for seven western U.S.
states in order to provide information on the spatial
distribution of radium contents in surficial geologic materials,
and to identify areas where high indoor radon levels may be
common. Results show a range of mean radium concentrations
averaged over geologic map units of 0.1-3.6 PCI G-l, with an
overall mean for the study area of 0.7 PCI G-l. Radium
concentrations were found to be relatively low in central and
western portions of Washington, Oregon, and Northern
California. They were relatively high in Central and Southern
California. A field validation study near Spokane, Washington,
showed close correspondence between the aerial data, in situ
measurements of both radium content and radon flux from soil, and
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laboratory measurements of both radium content and radon
emanation rate from soil samples.
*Morse, S.S., et ai. Indoor-Outdoor Pollution Levels; A
Bibliography Interim Report. NTIS, Springfield, VA, March
1979. EPRI-EA-1025. (NT)
This annotated bibliography covers literature on the subject
of indoor and outdoor pollution levels. Specifically, the works
cited are those which have a bearing on the EPRI-supported study
comparison of indoor and outdoor concentrations of atmospheric
pollutants. The bibliography is not exhaustive. It contains
primarily available publications and research reports which are
relevant to the specific objectives of the EPRI-GEOMET Project:
Indoor sources of pollutants, behavior of indoor pollutants,
indoor-outdoor relationships, and health effects. It does not
cover construction or conservation measures which have an effect
on indoor pollutant concentrations. Because the EPRI-GEOMET
research involves a study of air quality in residences and
offices/ the literature review for this bibliography focused on
those two environments. All papers which are listed were
obtained and reviewed. Subject and author indices appear at the
end of the bibliography for purposes of cross-referencing.
*Moschandreas, Demetrios J., et_ ai^. "The Effects of Woodburning
on the Indoor Residential Air Quality." Environment
International, Vol. 4, Nos. 5 & 6, 1980, p. 463.
81-006204. (EN)
The upward trend in residential woodstove use inspired an
investigation assessing the effects of woodstove burning on
indoor air quality. The indoor and outdoor air pollution of ten
residences and two office buildings were compared; three of these
residences used either a woodstove or a fireplace. Monitoring
lasted two weeks at each residence, was conducted under real-life
conditions and indicated that indoor total suspended particulate
(TSP) concentrations during woodburning were about three times
corresponding levels during nonwoodburning periods. Elevated
indoor concentrations of TSP, respirable particulates, and benzo-
a-pyrene were attributed to woodburning.
*Moschandreas, D. J., et_ <*!_• "Fine Particle Residential Indoor
Air Pollution." Atmospheric Environment, 1979, pp. 1413-
1418. (PA)
Indoor-generated elemental constituents of fine aerosol
particulate matter may be distinguished from constituents
infiltrating from the outdoors by comparing time variation in
concentrations hourly. Measurements within 3 residential
buildings indicate that sulfur and lead-bromine aerosols are
predominantly of outdoor origin, although a secondary indoor lead
1-19
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source was detected. Potassium is, to a significant degree, of
indoor origin. Indoor-outdoor exchange times inferred for fine
particulate constituents agree with those estimated for gas
exchange and with model calculations, suggesting conservative
fine aerosol transport. However, coarse particle constituents,
e.g., iron, exhibit time variability complicated by nonconserva-
tive behavior, such as removal by filtration and settling.
Narasaki, M. "Control of Indoor Air Pollution Due to Smoking."
Japan Air Cleaning Association Journal, Vol. 4, No. 4,
November 1976, p. 12. (EN)
Indoor air pollution due to cigarette smoking is assessed.
Emphasis is on suspended dust concentration. The amount of
pollutants generated by smoking depends on existing smoking
conditions and is the same at all times, regardless of the
frequency and velocity of puffing, as long as the number of
cigarettes smoked remains the same. Increased suspended dust
concentration in an office is estimated.
*Nasrallaf M. M. "Studies on Indoor Air Quality in Egypt."
Environment International, Vol. 4, Nos. 5 & 6, 1980, pp.
469-473. (PA)
Indoor air quality was examined for some gaseous pollutants
and particulate matters. In a public library, the indoor/outdoor
ratio of gaseous pollutants was found to be dependent on their
reactivity, the outdoor concentrations, and weather conditions.
This ratio was 0.6 for S02 and 1.3 for CO. The indoor/outdoor
ratio of carbon monoxide was found to increase at the higher
floors of the same building. Concentrations of indoor
particulates was found to be influenced by the outdoor
concentrations and the particle size. Analysis indicated that
indoor suspended dust contained a significant high concentration
of lead as compared with outdoor values. Indoor sources were
found to pollute the premises of fossil-fuel equipped homes, thus
having carbon monoxide concentrations more than the recognized
threshold limit value for industry.
*Nazaroff, W. W., et al. "Radon Entry Into Houses Having a Crawl
Space." LBNL Report 16637, December 1983. 84-005956. (EN)
Houses containing typical amounts of radon flux from the
soil were studied. Radon flux from the crawl space entered the
living space. Sealing crawl space vents may increase indoor
radon concentrations. Radon reduction might be achieved by
sealing floor leaks. A polyethylene ground sheet did not reduce
influx in the one case studied.
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Nazaroff, W. W., et al. Transport of Radon from Soil into
Residences. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-16823, CONF-840803-
4. February 1984. DE84015996/XAB. (NT)
To develop effective monitoring and control programs for
indoor radon it is important to understand the causes of the
broad range of concentrations that has been observed.
Measurements of indoor radon concentration and air-exchange rate
in dwellings in several countries indicate that this variability
arises largely from differences among structures in the rate of
radon entry. Recent evidence further suggests that the major
source of indoor radon in many circumstances is the soil adjacent
to the building foundation and that pressure-driven flow, rather
than molecular diffusion, is the dominant transport process by
which radon enters the buildings. Key factors affecting radon
transport from soil are radon production in soil, flow-inducing
mechanisms, soil permeability, and building substructure type.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Indoor Air and Human Health;
Major Indoor Air Pollutants and Their Health Implications.
NTIS, Springfield, VA, CONF-8410136-ABSTS. 1984.
DE85001081/XAB. (NT)
This publication is a collection of abstracts of papers
presented at the Indoor Air and Human Health symposium. Session
titles include: Radon, Microorganisms, Passive Cigarette Smoke,
Combustion Products, Organics, and Panel and Audience Discussion.
*0'Brien, D.M., ^Jt_ _aJU Control Technology for New Plastics
Processes at Air Plastics, Inc./ Cincinnati, Ohio. National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati,
OH. Engineering and Control Technology Branch. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, CT-148-15. June 1984. PB84-241678. (NT)
Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for styrene
(100425) at Air Plastics, Incorporated (SIC-3079), Cincinnati,
Ohio, in June 1984. Engineering controls and work practices in
the filament winding process were investigated. The workers
positioned themselves upwind of the product during spraying and
roll out. This had been determined to be the best position for
avoiding back spray during the operation. The company had
purchased detector tube kits for monitoring styrene exposure.
Employees in the spray and roll out operations wore protective
goggles and half mask respirators. Employees in fiberglass
cutting and grinding operations wore nuisance dust respirators.
The authors recommend installation of an oil free compressor as a
source of breathing air and installation of partitions around
each winding mandrel.
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*0'Brien, D., et._ al_. Control Technology for New Plastic
Processes at Ford Motor Company, Saline Instrument and
Plastics Plant, Saline, Michigan. National Institute for
Occupation Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH. Engineering
and Control Technology Branch. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CT-
148-12. February 1984. PB84-241900. (NT)
A walk through survey of the instrument panel molding
operations at Ford Motor Company (SIC-3711), Saline, Michigan was
conducted to familiarize investigators with the reaction
injection molding process, to help them to understand the
potential during the operations for exposure to air contaminants,
and to observe control measures employed. The major hazard
associated with the process was exposure to isocyanates,
specifically, diphenylmethanediisocyanate (101688) (MDI). NIOSH
recommended ceiling concentrations for MDI were 20 parts per
billion (ppb), but a standard of 2 ppb was maintained by the
company. Other potential exposures included mold release
agents. The process was a closed system. Fresh air was supplied
to all work areas. An effective system was developed for
potential exposures due to system malfunction. The author
concludes that evaluation of the working environment using an
improved sampling and analysis technique for total isocyanates
should be considered.
*Offerman, F. J., et^ al_. "Control of Respirable Particles and
Radon Progeny with Portable Air Cleaners." NTIS,
Springfield, VA, LBL-16659. February 1984. DE84013878.
(NT)
Eleven portable air cleaning devices have been evaluated for
control of indoor air concentrations of respirable particles and
radon progeny. Following injection of cigarette smoke and radon
in a room-size chamber, decay rates for particles and radon
progeny concentrations were measured with and without air cleaner
operation. Particle concentrations were obtained for total
number concentration and for number concentration by particle
size. In tests with no air cleaner the natural decay rate for
cigarette smoke was observed to be 0.2 hr . Air cleaning rates
for particles were found to be negligible for several small
panel-filters, a residential ion-generator, and a pair of mixing
fans. The electrostatic precipitators and extended surface
filters tests have significant particle removal rates, and a
HEPA-type filter was the most efficient air cleaner. The
evaluation of radon progeny control produced similar results; the
air cleaners which were effective in removing particles were also
effective in removing radon progeny. At low particle
concentrations plateout of the unattached radon progeny is an
important removal mechanism. Based on data from these tests, the
plateout rate for unattached progeny was found to be 15 hr~ .
The unattached fraction and the overall removal rate due to
deposition of attached and unattached nuclides have been
estimated for each radon decay product as a function of particle
1-22
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concentration. While air cleaning can be effective in reducing
total radon progeny concentrations of unattached radon progeny
can increase with increasing air cleaning.
Offerman, F. J. , et^ al_. "Controlling Indoor Air Pollution from
Tobacco Smoke: Models and Measurements." NTIS,
Springfield, VA, LBL-17603, CONF-840803-16. July 1984.
DE84016888/XAB. (NT)
The effects of smoking rate, ventilation, surface
deposition, and air cleaning on the indoor concentrations of
respirable particulate matter and carbon monoxide generated by
cigarette smoke are examined. A general mass balance model is
presented which has been extended to include the concept of
ventilation efficiency. Following a review of the source and
removal terms associated with respirable particles and carbon
monoxide, the model's predictions are compared to various health
guidelines.
*0swald, R. A., et_ al. "Indoor Air Pollution: The Experience
with Radon." ISES/Solar Energy Society of Canada Energex
8th Conference, Regina, Canada, Vol. 1, August 1982,
p. 46. 84-003994. (EN)
Concern has been expressed about the increasing risks of
lung cancer associated with elevated indoor levels of radon. The
principal source of indoor radon is radium in underlying soils
and rocks and in building materials. Indoor concentrations of
this radioisotope can increase as a result of energy conservation
measures which reduce air infiltration and ventilation. Track
etch detectors have been used to measure radon levels in homes in
Canada, U.S. and Sweden. Indoor exposure rates in some areas
have been found to exceed 20 pci/1.
*Pellizzari, E. D., et al. "Human Exposure to Vapor—Phase
Halogenated Hydrocarbons: Fixed-site vs. Personal
Exposure." EPA Monitoring of Ambient Air & Stationary
Sources Symposium, Raleigh, NC, May 1982, p. 264
84-002970. (EN)
The use of personal and fixed-station monitoring for
assessing exposure of populations to halocarbons is discussed.
Atmospheric exposure to volatile halogenated hydrocarbons was
studied in populations in two geographic areas, Baton Rouge, LA,
and Greensboro, NC. The relative merits and limitations of
fixed-station monitoring systems and personal monitors are
addressed. Air sampling values are reported for diverse
chlorinated hydrocarbons. The levels of halocarbons in personal
air samples were higher than fixed-site samples.
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*Pengelly, L.D., et^ al^. "The Hamilton Study: Relationship
Between Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality in Homes and
Elementary Schools." Canada Ministry of Environment General
and Air Pollution Research Technology Transfer Conference,
Toronto. Vol. I, November 1983, p. 184. 84-006328 (EN)
Measurements were made of indoor and outdoor levels of
nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulates in Hamilton,
Ontario Province, residences and schools. Observations were made
for two five-day sessions at each site, once during the heating
season and once during non-heating periods. For N02» the
indoor/outdoor ratio was close to 75% in schools and was
independent of heating season; indoor levels were strongly
correlated with outdoor concentrations. In homes, the indoor
ratio strongly depended on the presence of indoor sources such as
stoves. In the absence of these, little effect of heating season
was documented and the ratio was about 80%. Indoor levels of S02
were also correlated with outdoor levels at all sites.
*Pickrell, John A., jet^ al^. "Formaldehyde Release Rate
Coefficients from Selected Consumer Products."
Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 127, December
1983, No. 12, p. 753. 84-002122. (EN)
Many consumer products release formaldehyde into the
atmosphere in varying concentrations. A modification of the
Japanese Industrial Standard Desiccator Test was used to measure
formaldehyde release from six different types of consumer
products for 46 samples after conditioning. The products sampled
were pressed wood, clothes, insulation, paper, fabric, and
carpet. The eight highest release coefficients were from pressed
wood samples. More than half of the products had release
coefficients that were less than or equal to 100 mg of
formaldehyde released per day.
Polymeric Materials Combustion; Toxicity Hazards and Legal
Aspects (Citations from the Rubber and Plastic Research
Association Data Base). National Technical Information
Service, Springfield, VA. July 1984. PB84-871342. (NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning the toxicity
hazards from, and the legal aspects of, polymeric materials
combustion in building, electrical and electronic applications.
Flammability assessment, flame retardant additives, and toxicity
standards for polymeric materials are discussed. Regulations and
legislation on polymer flammability are included. Health hazards
caused by toxic gases from polymeric materials combustion are
considered. (This updated bibliography contains 119 citations,
30 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)
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oor Environment: The
epchild?" Environmental Action/ Vol.
'uou«'«8ll<^""l977, p. 4. 78-002845. (EN)
«. u"'
ji«» Jrtjail,,3 pollution are identified. Suspended
,,,i.bn<« IIVM"-S .wl,,jM,fom coal furnaces, gas stoves, and cars
Mlll sjininj "(door air pollutants. Pollution
v\\t *"|IHJ slM)iir ke is examined: mainstream and
-------
carried out with heated and unheated tracer gas. In the former
case, ventilation efficiency was roughly linear over a range of
flow rates from 10.3 to 60.0 I/sec., the highest measured
efficiency being 0.77. With unheated tracer gas, effectiveness
was highly dependent on environmental conditions. Window fan
tests were conducted with the source of tracer gas in each of the
two rooms, the fan itself remaining fixed. With the source in
the room without the fan, fairly good agreement with a mass-
balance model was obtained. With the source in the same room as
the fan, agreement with the model was poor. In all cases, the
results suggest the importance of free convection in pollutant
transport.
*Rivers, R. D. "Predicting Particulate Air Quality in
Recirculatory Ventilation Systems." ASHRAE Semiannual
Symposium, Houston, January 1982, p. 929. 83-004949. (EN)
Systems parameters such as airflow rates, internal
contaminant generation rates, outdoor air quality and filter
efficiency are used to predict indoor air quality. This paper
attempts to supply reasonable values to these parameters.
Additionally, a calculation scheme applicable to a wide range of
system configurations and operating conditions is presented. Two
general types of systems are considered: one with no parallel
flows and those with parallel airflows and multiple zones. Mass
balance equations are provided for both. Other factors
considered in the predictive calculations of air quality are
particle size distributions, outdoor dust concentrations, and
vertical distribution of dust concentrations. Penetration vs.
particle diameter for air cleaners and dust loading
characteristics of air cleaners are examined briefly.
*Sebastien, P., et^ al_. "Indoor Airborne Asbestos Pollution:
From the Ceiling and the Floor." Science, Vol. 216, No.
4553, June 1982, p. 1410. 82-005560. (EN)
Asbestos contamination of an office-building containing
ceilings sprayed with crocidolite material and floors with vinyl-
chrysotile tiles was studied through the implementation of
electron microscope measurements. This was the first measurement
of elevated levels of asbestos in the building. The elevated
measurements were associated with the weathering of the asbestos
floor tiles.
*Seifert, B., et^al^. "Indoor Air Concentrations of Benzene and
Some other Aromatic Hydrocarbons." Ecotoxicology and
Environmental Safety, Vol. 6, 1982, p. 190. 83-000034.
(EN)
Reasons for the presence of contaminants in indoor
environments include: frequent burning processes, such as
1-26
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smoking; use of consumer products; and toxic emanation from
building materials. Indoor concentrations of benzene and other
aromatic hydrocarbons were studied. Sampling was conducted with
a passive sampler and charcoal pad.
Sextro, R.G., et^ al^. Evaluation of Indoor Aerosol Control
Devices and Their Effects on Radon Progeny Concentrations.
California University, Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley
Laboratory. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-17598, CONF-840803-
8. February 1984. DE84016001/XAB. (NT)
Eleven portable air cleaning devices have been evaluated for
control of indoor concentrations of respirable particles, and
their concomitant effects on radon progeny concentrations have
been investigated. Of the devices we examined the electrostatic
precipitators and extended surface filters had significant
particle removal rates, while the particle removel rates for
several small panel-filters, an ion-generator, and a pair of
mixing fans were found to be negligible. The evaluation of radon
progeny control produced similar results; the air cleaners which
were effective in removing particles were also effective in
reducing radon progeny concentraitons. Furthermore, at the low
particle concentrations, plateout of the unattached radon progeny
was found to be a significant removal mechanism. The overall
removal rates due to deposition of attached and unattached
progeny have been estimated from these data, and the equilibrium
factors for total and unattached progeny concentrations have been
calculated as a function of particle concentration.
*Shepard, Roy J., et^ _aJL. "Interaction of Ozone and Cigarette
Smoke Exposure." Environmental Research, Vol. 31, No. 1,
June 1983, p. 125. 84-000712. (EN)
To simulate the effects of indoor air pollution combined
with cigarette smoke on humans, chamber exposures to ozone are
carried out on human subjects who are smokers. Oo levels are
increased progressively over four trials, and exercise is induced
to increase ventilation. 03 exposure reduces the carbon monoxide
intake normally seen with smoking. No appreciable interaction
between responses to 0^ and cigarette smoking is demonstrated.
*Sraith, Kirk R., et^ al^. "Air Pollution and Rural Biomass Fuels
in Developing Countries: A Pilot Village Study in India and
Implications for Research and Policy." Atmospheric
Environment, Vol. 17, No. 11, 1983, p. 2343. 84-006276.
(EN)
Personal exposures to total suspended particulates and
benzo-a-pyrene in four rural Indian villages were measured in
1981. Pollutant levels were measured indoors as a function of
biomass fuel and type of cooking stove used. Various stove
1-27
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types, cooking times, family sizes, and income levels were
considered; firewood and agricultural wastes were the biofuels of
interest. Particulate exposures averaged nearly 7 mg/m^ and
benzo-a-pyrene about 400 ng/m3 during the cooking period, which
occupied about 10% of the year. Factors affecting indoor air
pollution exposures in rural areas of developing nations are
discussed with reference to published field data. The paucity of
related information reveals many issues requiring future
research. Fuel use and combustion conditions, pollutant emission
rates, and other factors must be addressed.
*Smith, Lawrence R. "Nitrosamines in Vehicle Interiors." NTIS,
Springfield, VA, PB82-125014, September 1981. 82-004736.
(EN)
Views of researchers in the nitrosamine field concerning the
tea analyzer and the thermosorb/n air samplers for nitrosamine
analysis are presented. Gas samples are taken from vehicle
interiors to determine the effects of vehicle type, vehicle age,
mode of operation, and ambient conditions on interior nitrosamine
levels. A total of 58 vehicles are sampled and occupant exposure
levels are estimated using test vehicle data.
*Spengler, John D., Duffy, Colin P., jjt_ jal^ "Nitrogen Dioxide
Inside and Outside 137 Homes and Implications for Ambient
Air Quality Standards and Health Effects Research."
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 17, No. 3, March
1983, p. 164. 83-005520. (EN)
Integrated nitrogen dioxide measurements were taken by
diffusion tube samplers inside and outside 137 homes in Portage,
WI. Over a one-year period, the annual mean ambient NC^
concentrations were 10-15 mg/m . NO^ levels inside the kitchens
of 112 homes with gas stoves averaged 50 mg/m3 higher, and
bedroom levels were about 30 mg/m higher than outdoor levels.
Ten percent of gas cooking homes had annual average kitchen NCU
levels higher than the national ambient air guality standard of
100 mg/m . NO? levels inside the kitchens of 25 homes with
electric stoves were two-thirds outdoor levels, and bedroom
levels were one-half outdoor levels. The variation of NC>2 levels
among homes due to differences in stove use, emission rates, and
air exchange rates impedes the development of prediction models.
*Stone, Robert, ^t^ _al_. Evaluation of Formaldehyde in Residential
Mobile Homes. NTIS, Springfield, VA, PB82-144619, March
1981, 82-006237. (EN)
The extent of formaldehyde contamination inside residential
mobile homes is investigated. A computer model is developed to
aid HUD in evaluating potential alternatives for regulating
maximum formaldehyde levels for new mobile homes. Health costs
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associated with formaldehyde exposure are examined to establish
baseline costs incurred by mobile home occupants in the absence
of regulation.
Strenio, J., et al. Asbestos in Buildings; A National Survey of
Asbestos-Containing Friable Materials* NTIS, Springfield,
VA, EPA/560/5-84/006, October 1984.PB85-136653/XAB. (NT)
A nationally representative sample of 231 buildings at 10
sites were inspected for potentially asbestos-containing
materials. Bulk samples (1,510) were taken and analyzed by
Polarized Light Microscopy. Estimates were made of the number
and percent of buildings with asbestos-containing friable
materials, the square footage of such materials, and the percent
asbestos content of the materials. In buildings constructed
prior to 1960, ACFM was concentrated primarily in pipe and boiler
insulation; in buildings constructed between 1960 and the early
1970s, ACFM was concentrated primarily in sprayed-on or
trowelled-on materials. In 1973, EPA banned the use of asbestos
thermal and acoustical insulation materials except for decorative
purposes, and in 1978 EPA banned them for all purposes.
Styrenes; Industrial Health Hazards. 1977-Julyy 1984 (Citations
from the Rubber and Plastics Research Association Data
Base), NTIS, Springfield, VA, August 1984. PB84-872282.
(NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning the effects
of styrene toxins on workforces in industrial plastic
manufacturing and processing. Occupational hygiene,
pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, biotransformation,
mutagenesis, teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, neurotoxicity and
fatality rates of exposed workers are also included.
Occupational health and safety regulations and legislation are
also discussed.
Swedish Council for Building Research. Indoor Air. Volume 2.
Radon, Passive Smoking, Particulates and Housing
Epidemiology. Proceedings of the International Conference
(3rd) on Indoor Air Quality and Climate Held in Stockholm on
August 20-24, 1984. NTIS, Springfield, VA, ISBN-91-540-
4193-7, 1984, PB85-104198/XAB. (NT)
Contents: Radon in dwellings, exposure and risk analysis,
sources and measurements. Fibres and particulates in the indoor
environment, characterization and risks. Epidemiological studies
of health disorders related to housing, and passive smoking and
health effects, characterization and countermeasures.
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Swedish Council for Building Research. Indoor Air. Volume 4.
Chemical Characterization and Personal Exposure.
Proceedings of the International Conference (3rd) on Indoor
Air Quality and Climate Held in Stockholm on August 20-24,
1984. NTIS, Springfield, VA, ISBN-91-540-4199-6, 1984.
PB85-104214/XAB. (NT)
Contents: Characterization of indoor gaseous pollutants,
sources and emission rates, sampling and analytical methods.
Indoor/outdoor relationships, i.e. nitrogen oxides and carbon
monoxide, and importance of indoor air pollution to personal
exposure in industrialized and developing societies.
Traynor, G.W. "Indoor Air Quality: Potential Audit
Strategies." Annual Energy Conservation Management
Conference, Portland, Oregon, March 1981. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, LLB-12387, 1981. (PA)
Technigues for measuring CO, NO2/ formaldehyde, radon, and
particulates in residential indoor air space are described. A
basic indoor air quality audit is proposed comprised of two
steps: compiling an inventory of indoor pollutant sources
(through an owner questionnaire or visual audit) and assessing
the amount of pollutants injected into the home from known
sources-sources with a narrow range of emission rates (e.g., gas
stoves) and secondly, measuring the pollutant source strengths of
unknown sources-sources with emission rates that vary widely
(e.g., radon).
*Tucker, S.P., Arnold, J.E. Evaluation of OSHA (Occupational
Safety and Health Administration) Method No. 30 for Ethylene
Oxide in Air with 400-mg-200-mg Charcoal Tubes. National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NTIS,
Springfield, VA, February 1984. PB84-242049. (NT)
An analytical procedure based on OSHA method Number 30 for
the determination of ethylene-oxide (75218) (EO) concentration
was described. The method utilized sampling tubes containing 400
milligrams (mg) of charcoal in the front section and 200 mg in
the back sections instead of 100 mg in the front and 50 mg in the
rear as in the OSHA method. This solution converted EO to 2-
bromoethanol (540512). One microliter of the sample solution was
injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron
capture detector along with standards prepared from 2-
bromoethanol. Charcoal samples that had been obtained from EO in
humid air were stored at room temperature and under refrigeration
for up to 28 days before being analyzed. EO migrated from the
front sections of the charcoal to the back sections during
storage. The authors note that EO at concentrations of 0.027 to
at least 1.7 parts per million in 5 liter air samples can be
determined.
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Urea Formaldehyde in Building Materials. 1973-November, 1984
(Citations from the Rubber and Plastics Research Association
Data Base). NTIS, Springfield, VA, November 1984. PB85-
850782/XAB. (NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning regulations
and standards, safety, and applications of formaldehyde resin
compositions in the building industry. Urea formaldehyde is
emphasized; however, phenol formaldehyde and melamine
formaldehyde are also considered for such applications as thermal
insulation, bonding agents and composite construction
materials. Ramifications of state and federal legislatures,
substitute materials, and toxicology studies are included.
*Vu Due, T., et_ al_. "Characteristics of Motor Exhausts in an
Underground Car Park: Mass Size Distribution and
Concentration Levels of Particles." Journal of
Environmental Science & Health-Environmental Science &
Engineering, Vol. A16, No. 6, 1981, p. 647. 82-003393.
(EN)
A high-volume cascade impactor was used to determine the
size distribution of exhaust pollutants. Sixty percent of lead
and cadmium were located in particles of submicrometer
aerodynamic diameter, while 80% of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons were absorbed on particles of less than 1.1 mm.
Properties of exhaust aerosol were compared to exhaust from the
environment and the emission source.
Wadden, Richard A. et_ ^. Indoor Air Pollution;
Characterization, Prediction, and Control. New York, John
Wiley and Sons, 1983.
*Wesolowski, Jerome J. "An Overview of Indoor Air Quality."
Journal of Environmental Health, Vol. 26, May-June 1984,
p. 311. 84-005674. (EN)
An overview of nonoccupational indoor air quality, this
article addresses the sources of indoor pollutants and their
health effects. A distinction is made between those pollutants
generated indoors and those entering from outside. Criteria
pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen
dioxide tend to have higher indoor levels, while sulfur dioxide
and ozone have lower values. Formaldehyde and radon
concentrations typically found indoors are discussed. Monitoring
and mitigation procedures are explained, and goals of the
California Indoor Air Quality Program are cited.
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West Virginia University. MSHA (Mine Safety and Health
Administration) Approved Mine Resource-Training Module
(Metal/Nonmetal): Mine Ventilation. NTIS, Springfield, VA,
MSHA-2203, 1984. PB84-203058. (NT)
Mine rescue teams play a critical role in restoring mine
ventilation after a disaster. Teams explore specifically to
assess damages, measure airflow conditions and check damages to
ventilation controls. Teams often alter ventilation according to
orders from command officials. This training manual is intended
to provide teams with background in the purpose, principles and
methods of mine ventilation. The manual also covers the mine
ventilation map, map symbols and airflow measuring devices. The
manual takes into consideration the diversity of minerals and
ores mined in metal/nonmetal mines, plus the wide range of mining
techniques and terminology in different operations.
Wilkening, M., et al. Source Characterization and Transport
Processes Affecting Levels of Radon and Its Decay Products
in an Indoor Environment. Annual Report. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, DOE/ER/60095-T1, January 5, 1984.
DE84004237. (NT)
Research progress in the following areas is reported: (1)
exhalation of radon and thoron from soil at a field station; (2)
measurements of indoor radioactivity; (3) instrumentation
development for measurement of radon, thoron, and their
daughters; (4) radon levels in indoor and outdoor locations
measured with passive track-etch detectors; (5) ion-aerosol
interactions; and (6) a study of radon levels and their use for
measuring air exchange in caves.
*Woods, J.E. "Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants." ASHRAE
Transactions, Vol. 89, No. IB, p. 462. 84-005664. (EN)
Controlling the quality of indoor air by direct methods
requires identification, location, and characterization of
suspected pollutants. Indoor contaminants are characterized as
two continua: mass stressors and energy stressors. Contaminant
generations and transport rates are described in terms of four
sources: outdoor air, building information concerning the
effects of temperature, humidity, and other factors on pollutant
generation rates is culled from the literature. Indoor emissions
of tobacco smoke, carbon dioxide, radon, and formaldehyde are
discussed.
*Wright, C.G., jiJt_ ai^. "Chlordane and Heptachlor in the Ambient
Air of Houses Treated for Termites." Bulletin of
Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 28, No. 5,
May 1982, p. 617. (EN)
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Chlordane and heptachlor are used for preventative and
remedial termite control in buildings. A study was initiated to
determine ambient levels of these insecticides in houses after
chlordane or chlordane plus heptachlor treatments. All air
samples taken after application contained insecticide.
Insecticide levels in the ambient air of the test houses varied
greatly, with no discernible or predictable pattern.
*Yocum, John E. "Indoor-Outdoor Air Quality Relationships: A
Critical Review." Journal of the Air Pollution Control
Association, Vol. 32, No. 5, May 1982, p. 500. 82-004698.
(EN)
Research on indoor-outdoor air quality relationships since
1970 is reviewed. Research that has been conducted is often
fragmented and has been duplicated. Problems have been the lack
of a mandate to regulate indoor air quality as an aspect of
exposure to pollutants and the lack of a Federal agency to
organize efforts in the field. Criteria pollutants and factors
influencing indoor air quality are discussed.
*Young, J.A., et al. Radiological Surveys of Properties
Contaminated by Residual Radioactive Materials from Uranium
Processing Sites. NRC Report NOREG/CR-2954, June 1983. 84-
004627. (EN)
Methods for determining the extent and nature of property
contamination by residual radioactive materials from uranium
processing sites are examined. The success of remedial actions
in removing the residual activities is also assessed. Data from
a literature review and practical experiences from the Edgemont/
SD, radiation survey program are used to explore sampling program
structures, instrumentation, analytical procedures, data
reporting formats, and statistical analyses of data. Protocols
are recommended for measuring indoor and outdoor gamma ray
exposure rates, surface and subsurface radium 226 concentrations
in soil, and radon daughter concentrations.
*Zaebst, D.D. In-Depth Industrial Hygiene Survey Report of
Henredon Furniture Industries, Inc., Henredon Road,
Morgantown, North Carolina. National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, NTIS, Springfield, VA, July
1984. PB85-107597/XAB. (NT)
Environmental and breathing zone samples were analyzed for
18 organic solvents individually and as mixtures at two
facilities of Henredon Furniture Industries, Incorporated (SIC-
2511), Morgantown, North Carolina on June 23 to 26, 1981. The
concentrations of the individual solvents were below all current
NIOSH or American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) recommendations. Additive exposures to
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solvent mixtures were 101, 121, and 125 percent of the threshold
limit values at three booths in factory number 1, the older
facility. Preemployment medical examinations were not required;
only a simple medical history was obtained. No developed
industrial hygiene program was in effect. Engineering controls
consisted of using water wall spray booths equipped with over
spray controls. Poor work practices such as leaving stripping
solvent bins open and placing newly finished, wet furniture in
unventilated areas in factory number 1 were observed. The author
recommends that work practices be improved. He notes that
although exposures to one of the solvents, 2-butoxyethanol,
(111762), were well below the OSHA and ACGIH standards, it is not
known whether these limits are adequate to protect against
potential adverse reproductive health effects, as indicated in
recent laboratory animal studies.
*Zawacki, T.S., Cole, J.T., et_ al_. Efficiency and Emissions
Improvement of Gas-Fired Space Heaters. Task 2. Unvented
Space Heater Emission Reduction. NTIS, Springfield, VA,
GRI-84/0021, June 1984. PB84-237734. (NT)
The intent of this study was to investigate simple methods
of reducing emissions, specifically NOx, in a typical unvented
space heater. The basic design was to be retained, and changes
limited to minor modifications to achieve the desired results.
In this respect, it was determined that a significant reduction
in the N0x levels was possible by relatively simple applications
of appropriate burner inserts. However, GRI has been reviewing
indoor air quality and has, subsequent to the completion of this
work, added emphasis on the reduction of NO2 as well as NOX« In
this light, the suitability of some of the reported techniques is
questionable.
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II. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
-------
II. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
*Andersen, I.B., et^ al.* "Indoor Air Pollution Due to Chipboard
Used As a Construction Material." Atmospheric Environment,
Vol. 9, No. 12, 1975, p. 1121. (EN)
Measurements in 25 rooms in 23 dwellings in Denmark where
particle board is used in walls, floors, and ceilings indicate
that the average concentration is 0.62 and the range is 0.08-2.24
mg formaldehyde per cubic meter of air. This exceeds the W.
German TLV for occupational exposure. A mathematical model for
the room air concentration of formaldehyde is developed for
predicting concentrations in rooms containing particle board.
*Aurand, K., et^ a±. "(Indoor air quality).; Luftqualitat in
innenraumen." Symposium on Indoor Air Quality, Germany,
October 1-2, 1981. (PA)
The aim of this Symposium was to give an overview of the
present knowledge about the quality and quantity of substances
encountered in the indoor environment. The emissions of
pollutants by man himself and by various other sources (e.g.,
building materials, gas appliances, paints and household
products) were discussed, as were the problems of biological
contaminants, of setting standards for indoor air and of the
evaluation of results as they relate to human health. The
present volume contains the papers presented at the Symposium as
well as the discussions which took place between a number of the
more than 250 participants.
*Berk, J.V., ^t^ al_. Design of a Mobile Laboratory for
Ventilation Studies and Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring.
NTIS Report LBL-7817, April 1978. 80-001473. (EN)
The design and fabrication of a mobile laboratory for
research studies of ventilation requirements and energy
utilization in residential and commercial buildings are
described. The studies being performed will provide data needed
for the establishment of energy-efficient ventilation standards.
*Berk, J.V., jst_ al^. "Field Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality."
LBNL Energy & Env. Div. 1979 Report, LBL-11650, October,
1980, pp. 2-24. 81-004929. (EN)
This report discusses an effort to establish criteria for
setting energy efficient ventilation standards. The LBNL
ventilation program is conducting a comprehensive assessment of
indoor air quality in different types of buildings under various
ventilation conditions. A mobile laboratory and other apparatus
used for air sampling and analysis are described. The monitoring
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program has identified several air pollutants in residential,
hospital and school buildings. These include particulates,
sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, microorganisms, and ozone.
*Budianskyf S. "Indoor Air Pollution." Environmental Science .&
Technology/ Vol. 14, No. 9, September 1980, pp. 1023-1027.
(PA)
Indoor concentrations of pollutants often equal or exceed
outdoor concentrations, and outdoor concentrations may have
little to do with the true exposures to pollution. Determining
when, where, and how exposure occurs is the key to limiting
exposure and to understanding the fundamental effects of
pollution. Indoor pollutants of concern include NC>2 from gas
cooking, respirable particles from smoking, formaldehyde from
insulation, BaP from burning wood, and radioactive Rn gas from
building materials. Much of the attention that indoor air
quality has received has arisen from concern over the effects of
energy conservation measures, e.g., weather-stripping and
caulking, that reduce ventilation rates. With a reduction in
ventilation comes an increase in the indoor concentration of any
pollutant with an indoor source. The identification of indoor
sources and high indoor levels of pollutants has cast a shadow on
past epidemiology, which attempted to relate health effects with
outdoor levels only. EPA may budget $3-4 million for indoor
environment studies for fiscal year 1982; $2 million is being
made available to EPA immediately through a 2-year agreement with
NIOSH for 24-hour exposure profiles for workers in the
electronics and biosynthesis industries.
*Burton, B., et al. Residential Wood and Coal Combustion. Task
3. Health Effects Literature Search. NTIS, Springfield,
VA, EPA-450/5-83-005C, February 1984. PB84-191584. (NT)
This report is a compilation of titles and abstracts which
is the result of a literature search for information on adverse
health effects due to air emissions (indoor or outdoor) from the
residential combustion of coal and wood. Abstracts are presented
alphabetically according to the first author's surname. This
search included the files of the Combustion Research Branch,
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, Office of Research
and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research
Triangle Park, N.C.; and Environmental Technology Division, Del
Green Associates, Inc., Woodburn, Oregon, which has recently
completed a residential wood combustion study for U.S. EPA Region
X and the State of Oregon. In addition, an on-line computer
literature search was performed, covering the following data
bases: Biological Abstracts (BIOSIS, 1976+), National Technical
Information Service (NTIS), and Excerpta Medica (1976+).
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*Chase, Victor D. "Indoor Pollution: A Potential Problem in
Energy-saving Houses." Builder, January 7, 1980, Vol. 3,
No. 1, p. 92. 80-002137. (EN)
Many researchers believe that the increasing implementation
of energy conservation steps in residential homes is causing an
indoor air pollution problem. Experiments in several government
and private energy-efficient test houses that are determining the
impact of energy conservation measures on indoor air infiltration
are reported. Factors shown to reduce the rate of indoor air
infiltration substantially and to cause an accumulation of indoor
pollution include the use of vapor barriers, weatherstripping,
and caulking devices. Mechanical ventilation could be the
solution to most indoor air pollution problems.
*Cleary, Peter, et^ al_. "An Overview of Some Indoor Air Quality
Issues." Presented at ASES Improving Energy Efficiency in
Buildings Conference, Santa Cruz, August 10-22, 1980, pp. 1-
6. 83-002845. (EN)
Two methods of decreasing building heat loss are to increase
insulation levels and to decrease infiltration rates. Such
energy conserving action reduces indoor-outdoor air exchanges,
rendering the building a trap for a number of pollutants that are
released into indoor air. Infiltration rates of existing and new
homes are compared. Conservation measures that reduce air
exchange can increase indoor pollutant levels by 33%. The
effects of such air pollution on health have yet to be
determined.
*Cohen, A.P., et al. Infiltration of Particulate Matter into
Buildings. NTIS, Springfield, VA, NUREG/CR-1151, November
1979. 82-000732. (EN)
The protection afforded by being indoors against inhalation
of particulates of outdoor origin is studied. Average home
protection factors of about 4 for large particles and 2 for
submicron particles are calculated, but protection factors for
larger buildings are higher. A ventilation model to estimate the
effectiveness of sheltering in reducing the dose due to inhaled
radionuclides is designed and evaluated. A protection factor of
1.5 using best estimate values for the model is indicated.
Cohen, B.G.F. Human Aspects in Office Automation. National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NTIS,
Springfield, VA, April 16, 1984. PB84-240738. (NT)
Aspects of stress encountered in office environments are
reviewed. The tighter building syndrome is defined. The
syndrome refers to a high incidence of similar, nonspecific
complaints such as upper respiratory irritation, headache,
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dizziness, or drowsiness among groups of workers who spend
extended periods of time in buildings that use mechanical systems
for ventilation. Toxic concentrations of substances such as
carbon-monoxide (630080), nitrogen-dioxide (10102440),
formaldehyde (50000), or butyl-methacrylate (97881) have been
found in office environments due to malfunctioning or inadequate
ventilation. Organizational factors affecting stress among
clerical workers are discussed. The impact of organizational
factors on visual strain experienced with video display terminals
is considered. Clerical health and safety issues are noted and
ergonomic aspects of the workplace are considered. Behavioral,
organization, and management aspects of office automation are
considered. Issues surrounding the design of ergonomic office
equipment are described. Strategies for alleviating worksite
stress are considered. Relaxation training in the management of
job stress is recommended.
*Diamond, R.C., jjt_ al^ Manual on Indoor Air Quality. Final
Report. NTIS, Springfield, VA, EPRI-EM-3469, February 1984,
108 pp. PB84-240738. (NT)
This reference manual was prepared to assist electric
utilities in helping homeowners, builders, and new home buyers to
understand a broad range of issues related to indoor air
quality. The manual is directed to technically knowledgeable
persons employed by utility companies -- the customer service or
marketing representative, applications engineer, or technician —
who may not have specific expertise in indoor air quality
issues. In addition to providing monitoring and control
techniques, the manual summarizes the link between pollutant
concentrations, air exchange, and energy conservation and
describes the characteristics and health effects of selected
pollutants. Where technical information is too lengthy or
complex for inclusion in this volume, reference sources are
given.
*Dravnieks, A. "Analysis of Indoor Air Acceptability Data from a
Public Buildings Ventilation Study." ASHRAE Transactions,
Vol. 89, No. 2A, 1983, p. 213. 84-006255. (EN)
Data collected in an LBNL study on ventilation in four
public buildings included sensory evaluations of indoor
environments and physicochemical properties of indoor air. The
database was analyzed to establish how the ASHRAE indoor odor
acceptability criterion is defined as an acceptability by 80% of
individuals entering the occupied space. The odor intensity
alone only partially determined the odor acceptability
percentage. A staleness-freshness rating correlated to the odor
acceptability better than odor intensity alone.
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*Eshelman, P.S. "Monitoring Industrial Process Exhaust for
Recirculation." Presented at ASHRAE Semiannual Symposium,
Houston, January 24-28, 1982, p. 1221. 83-004951. (EN)
The possibility of recirculating industrial exhaust air to
save energy is considered. Factors to be considered prior to the
installation of a recirculation system are listed. OSHA and
other federal safety regulations are discussed, and design
criteria for such recirculation equipment are discussed.
Gammage, R.B., ^t^ ^al^. Residential Measurements of High
Volatility Organics and Their Sources. NTIS, Springfield,
VA, CONF-840803-14, 1984. DE84016607/XAB. (NT)
A study is ongoing to measure the levels of volatile organic
compounds (VOC) inside 40 homes in east Tennessee and identify
some of their sources. This report focuses on the VOC with
boiling points below 110° C. Concentrations indoors were usually
at least tenfold higher than for outdoor air. The highly
volatile VOC were generally dominated by the presence of gasoline
fumes. Attached garages, automobiles, stored gasoline and motor
oil were responsible for the ubiquitousness of these gasoline
vapors in indoor air. Air drawn into air conditioning ductwork
located in attached garages proved to an effective means of
funneling gasoline and other engine exhaust fumes into the living
zones of the house. Other types of VOC, including chlorinated
VOC and their sources, are currently under study.
*Georghiou, P.E., et^ ai. An Investigation of Formaldehyde Gas
Levels in Houses in St. John's, Newfoundland. Canada
Environmental Health Directorate Report 82-EHD-83, June
1982, 41 pp. 84-000170. (EN)
Analytical methods and devices to determine formaldehyde gas
emitted by urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) in indoor
environments in Canada that are equivalent in accuracy to the
NIOSH method are evaluated. Results include the following: the
MIRAN 1A is not sensitive enough to measure formaldehyde levels
in the indoor air of non-industrial environments, but is suitable
for measuring formaldehyde associated with outgassing of UFFI in
wall cavities; the CEA 555 is a sensitive, direct onsite
measuring device that can function as a continuous monitor, but
requires a high degree of skill to calibrate and maintain; the
precision of NIOSH or any method is limited to the degree of
actual fluctuation in the indoor formaldehyde level that is
dependent upon internal and external conditions; passive-type
dosimeters that monitor levels over an extended time give a
meaningful time-weighted average of ambient formaldehyde levels;
and there is a group of UFFI-homes that contain unusually high
formaldehyde levels.
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*Getschow, George. "Indoor Air Pollution Worries Experts as
Buildings Are Sealed to Save Fuel." Wall Street Journal,
August 15, 1979, p. 6. (EN)
Because of the trend toward more energy efficient homes,
health experts are worried about rapid deterioration of indoor
air quality in tightly sealed homes. Typical home pollutants
include: radon found in some building materials; formaldehyde
used in draperies, furniture, and carpets; carbon monoxide and
nitrogen dioxide from gas appliances and self-cleaning ovens; and
numerous chemicals from cleaning agents, solvents, and aerosol
sprays. Health damage from such pollutants may be manifested as
increased probability of disease transmission; chronic
respiratory ailments; lung damage from acid, humid air; and
possibly sudden infant death or other serious health problems in
children. Officials of the Home Builders Assn. do not concur
with these assessments, but suggest that if problems exist,
homeowners should open the windows.
*Grimsrud, D.T., _et_ a±. Indoor Air Quality in Energy Efficient
Residences. LBNL Report 14795, April 1983. 84-000026.
(EN)
Indoor air quality in energy-efficient residences has been
measured to determine if patterns of high pollutant
concentrations are associated with construction practices in new
homes or in retrofits such as vapor barriers, double-glazed
windows, weatherstripping, and insulation. Radon, formaldehyde,
and combustion products are analyzed. Houses described in the
study had low infiltration rates and low pollutant
concentrations, though the range of concentrations was larger
than the range of infiltration rates. These results are
consistent with the viewpoint that pollutant sources, not
pollutant removal mechanisms, such as ventilation, largely
determine indoor air quality. While results do not show any
relation between low ventilation rates and poor air quality, the
small sample size is not statistically significant.
Hadley, J. "Energy Conservation and Indoor Air Quality." ASHRAE
Journal, Vol. 23, No. 3, March 1981, p. 35, 30 pp. (EN)
Survey report energy conservation measures to reduce air
leakage in homes have raised questions regarding possible adverse
effects on air quality in homes with very low natural
ventilation. The concepts of air infiltration, insulation, and
'tightness1 are reviewed. Indoor air pollutants may include
combustion products, airborne particles, radon, and formaldehyde;
design options in homes now being built can insure both energy
efficiency and suitable indoor air quality. Also, retrofitting
existing homes for energy conservation should not create serious
indoor air quality problems.
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*Hawthorne, A.R. et al. "Formaldehyde Release from Simulated
Wall Panels Insulated with Urea-Formaldehyde Foam
Insulation." Air Pollution Control Association Journal,
Vol. 32, No. 11, November 1982, p. 1126, 6 pp. 83-001434.
(EN)
An important potential source of formaldehyde in the home is
urea-formaldehyde foam insulation. A study measured the long-
term releases of formaldehyde through the interior wall of test
panels foamed with commercial urea-formaldehyde insulation. The
measurements, made 16 months after initial foaming, were
conducted under both static and dynamic air conditions with air
flow simulating a typical air exchange found in residences.
Estimated room concentrations based on a simple model of uniform
mixing within a room and measured emission rates are included.
*Hollowell, C.D., et_ al^. "Energy-Conserving Retrofits and Indoor
Air Quality in Residential Housing." University of
California, Berkeley, presented at ASHRAE Semiannual
Symposium, Houston, January 24-28, 1982, p. 875. 83-
004948. (EN)
The impact of energy-conserving retrofits on air leakage and
indoor air quality is assessed for several houses in the Pacific
Northwest and one home in New Jersey. The houses examined and
the nature of the retrofits done to them are described, and the
procedures used to test air quality and leakage areas within
those houses are detailed. Conclusions indicate that the
weatherization program done by the local utility in the Pacific
Northwest had a minimal impact on indoor air quality. Air
leakage was reduced successfully in all the houses examined.
*Hollowell, C.D. et^ al^. Indoor Air Quality Measurements in
Energy Efficient Buildings. NTIS Report LBL-7831, April
1978. 80-003527. (EN)
The energy efficient buildings program of the U.S. Lawrence
Livermore Lab., Calif., has designed and fabricated a mobile
laboratory for R&D studies of ventilation and energy utilization
in residential and commercial buildings. Indoor air quality in
buildings has been measured before and after energy conservation
retrofits. Work in progress includes indoor air quality
monitoring in schools, hospitals, and energy-efficient
buildings. The monitoring program measures indoor air levels of
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide,
nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, and the infiltration rates of these
substances on a continuous basis. Preliminary results of the
program indicate particulate air pollutants in specific indoor
environments exceed the levels commonly found in the outdoor
urban air environment.
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*Iker, Sam. "Clearing the Air on Indoor Pollution." National
Wildlife/ Vol. 19, No. 5, August-September 1981, p. 16. 81-
006229. (EN)
Although indoor air pollution is an old problem, it has been
accentuated recently by energy conservation. Highly insulated
homes tend to trap air and allow pollutants to build to hazardous
levels. Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon gas, and oxides of
nitrogen are a few common pollutants. Factors causing indoor
pollution are examined, and preventive measures are recommended.
Jones, T. Indoor Air Pollution. NTIS, Springfield, VA, PB80-
851280, 1980. (PA)
This bibliography covers world-wide literature on indoor air
pollution. The sources for such pollution can arise from inside
the building, from outdoor aerosols and gaseous pollutants
entering the building through infiltration and, in a few cases
represented by the abstracts, from the building construction
materials. The effect of various ventilation technigues on the
indoor air guality is explored and reported on.
*Jones, W.R., Strieker, S. "Ventilation Requirements and Natural
Air Leakage in Residences." Ontario Hydro Research Review,
No. 4, December 1981, p. 17. 82-005402. (EN)
The problem of achieving sufficient air ventilation through
natural leakage in energy-efficient homes is discussed.
Contamination levels of carbon dioxide, water vapor, odors,
carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and radon
may occur. Further studies are needed in such areas as removal
of contaminants, ventilation control by contaminant level, and
control of house tightness.
*Langenborg, R. "Ventilation-Indoor Air Quality Data Base."
LBNL Energy & Environment Division, 1979 Report LBL-11650,
October 1980, pp. 2-39. 81-004930. (EN)
The ventilation-indoor air guality data base is a
computerized information service developed by the LBNL
ventilation program. The data base consolidates existing
information with current research developments of air quality in
energy efficient structures. Typical interest areas included in
the system are: airborne microbes, building envelope, energy
conservation, epidemiology, field studies, formaldehyde, heat
exchangers, infiltration, radon, odors, organic compounds, and
mathematic models.
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*Leadererf B.P. "Air Pollutant Emissions from Kerosene Space
Heaters." Science, Vol. 218, No. 4577, December 10, 1982,
p. 1113. 83-002833. (EN)
Air pollutant emissions from portable convective and radiant
kerosene space heaters were measured. Emission factors for
nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
and oxygen depletion are examined. The use of such heaters in
residences can result in exposures to pollutants in excess of
ambient air quality standards.
*Lints, M.C., et^ ai^. "A Study of Air Infiltration in Tight
Homes." Presented at ISES-AS/ET AL Passive Solar 6th
National Conference, Oregon, September 8-12, 1981, Vol. 6,
p. 441. 82-000064. (EN)
Studies were conducted to measure infiltration and indoor
air quality in a number of homes in Rochester, N.Y. Leakage
areas in energy conserving residences were identified. The
thermal performance and indoor air quality impact of mechanical
ventilation systems employing air-to-air heat exchangers were
evaluated. Average weekly infiltration rates as low as 0.2 air
changes per hour were measured. Measured levels of radon,
nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde were low.
*Maldonado, E.A., et al. "Ventilation Efficiency as a Means of
Characterizing Air Distribution in a Building for Indoor Air
Quality Evaluation." ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 89, No. 2B,
1983, p. 496. 84-006256. (EN)
The characterization of the air exchange between a building
and the environment is important for the estimation of its energy
consumption and indoor air quality. A multi-point tracer gas
technique used to quantify the air-exchnage rate in different
zones of various residential buildings is explained. Zonal
ventilation rates are expressed mathematically according to an
empirical index. Test results demonstrating the efficacy and
benefits of the technique are reported.
*Mejzner, T.A. "Energy Conservation and Its Impact on Indoor Air
Pollution." Air Pollution Control Association 6th Annual
Symposium, New Brunswick, Canada, September 29-30, 1982, p.
46. 84-001430. (EN)
Insulation, weatherstripping, and other residential energy
conservation measures reduce ventilation rates needed to maintain
adequate interior air quality levels. Reduced infiltration can
result in a buildup of pollutants released inside homes. Various
types of indoor pollutants, including radioactive contaminants,
carbon monoxide, and emissions from formaldehyde, are
identified. Energy conservation can be achieved without reducing
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ventilation or air exchange rates by use of heat pumps, heat
exchangers, and proper house design.
*Moschandreas, D.J., et_ al^. "Effects of Woodburning on the
Indoor Residential Air Quality." Environment International,
Vol. 4, Nos. 5 & 6, 1980, pp. 463-468. (PA)
Data from suburban residences in the Boston metropolitan
area reveal a potential adverse impact on indoor air quality from
woodburning in woodstoves and fireplaces. Ambient pollutant
concentrations at each residence were compared to corresponding
pollutant levels indoors at three locations (kitchen, bedroom,
and activity room) . Individual gaseous pollutant samples were
averaged on an hourly basis while 24-hour integrated samples of
particulate matter were obtained. Ten gaseous pollutants were
sampled along with total suspended particulates (TSP). Chemical
analyses further determined ten components of TSP, including
trace metals, benzo-a-pyrene (Ba-P), respirable suspended
particulates (RSP), and water soluble sulfates and nitrates.
Monitoring lasted two weeks at each residence and was conducted
under occupied real-life conditions.
Moschandreas, D. J. , Morse, S.S. "The Effects of Residential
Energy Conservation on the Indoor Air Quality." Presented
at Information Transfer Imc/et al Technology for Energy
Conservation Conference, January 23-25, 1979, p. 613. (EN)
Energy conservation measures implemented to reduce air
exchange rates in residences are expected to affect indoor air
quality both adversely and beneficially. The use of gas and
electric appliances in homes with low air exchange rates
accentuates adverse impacts because the contaminated air cannot
exfiltrate. The indoor environment provides a shelter from
ambient exposures to such chemically reactive pollutants as
NC>2. Inhabitants of houses with indoor pollutant sources
experience higher 24 hr exposures indoors than outdoors.
Moschandreas, D.J., et^ al^. "The residential environment & energy
conservations Predicting indoor air quality." 71st Air
Pollution Control Association Annual Meeting and Exhibition,
June 25-30, 1978.
The GEOMET Indoor-Outdoor Air Pollution (GIOAP) model
predicts indoor pollutant concentrations as a function of outdoor
levels, indoor pollutant sources and sinks, and the air exchange
rate. The GIOAP model, based on a mass balance principle, has
been validated on the data base generated by the field
experiments of an 18-month monitoring program of residences. It
predicts indoor pollution concentrations within 20% of the
observed hourly indoor values for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen
oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (N02), carbon dioxide, and total
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hydrocarbons-methane. A series of numerical simulations using
the GIOAP model show that under certain conditions involving gas
appliances, indoor CO, NO and N02 concentrations increase
substantially. Under these same conditions carbon monoxide
concentrations reach levels that violate the hourly ambient
national standard. This is of particular current concern because
this violation may be attributed to energy conservation measures
and the resulting decrease in the air exchange rates. The
dynamics of energy conservation and indoor residential air
quality are investigated and a series of optimization procedures
are discussed by predicting the indoor pollutant concentrations
as a function of varying air exchange rates, indoor emission
rates, and filtering devices.
Narasaki, M., ^t^ ^il^ "Indoor Air Pollution and Ventilation in
Sound Insulating Dining-Kitchens." Technical Reports/ Osaka
University, Vol. 31, No. 1600, 1981, pp. 145-152. (PA)
This paper presents as its primary focus new data acquired
by experiments on the ventilation rates and the indoor air
pollution caused by combustion, in the dining-kitchen (O.K.) of
sound insulating houses. CO and C02 were employed as tracer
gases. From the decay of these concentrations, the ventilation
rates were estimated, and from the elevation of CO and C02
levels, the indoor air pollution was estimated. Moreover, the
effect of a supply fan or exhaust fan on the control of
ventilation and on the leak rates for exhaust by combustion was
investigated from the level of air pollution and rates of
ventilation. This paper points out unsolved problems such as (1)
indoor air pollution in D.K. caused by the air-tightness of
buildings, and (2) ventilation systems for air cleaning.
*National Research Council. Abestiform Fibers; Nonoccupational
Health Risks. Washington, D.C., National Academy Press,
1984.
National Research Council. Formaldehyde and other Aldehydes.
Washington, D.C., National Academy Press, 1984.
*National Research Council. Indoor Pollutants. Washington,
D.C., National Academy Press, 1981.
Nero, A.V., et al. Air Quality Issues in Ventilation
Standards. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-18139; CONF-841049-1,
Jul. 1984. DE84016899/XAB. (NT)
An ASHRAE Standard 62-1981 contains two distinct procedures
that can be used to set ventilation rates. The first is a
prescriptive specification that mandates ventilation rates for
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particular building types. The second is a performance
specification that uses target concentrations of indoor
contaminants as the basis for deciding the adeguacy of
ventilation rates. This paper comments on the latter
procedure. Several issues are discussed: (1) the lack of a
consistent criterion for choosing concentration limits for indoor
pollutants, (2) the potential for adverse air quality if the
performance specification is adopted in a building, and (3) the
practical difficulties in implementing the second option.
Several suggestions for improving the Standard are made.
*Nero, A.V., et^ a±. "Radon Concentrations and Infiltration Rates
Measured in Conventional and Energy-Efficient Houses."
Health Physics, Vol. 45, No. 2, 1983, p. 401-505. (CA)
To elucidate any connection between high Rn concentrations
and low-infiltration houses, the 222Rn concentration and the
infiltration rate were measured in U.S. houses. Three housing
surveys were undertaken: one in energy-efficient houses located
throughout the U.S. and 2 in conventional houses in the San
Francisco area and in Maryland. In each of the groups surveyed,
no clear correlation was observed between 222Rn concentrations
and infiltration rate, although each parameter varied over a wide
range. Infiltration rates for the entire sample, numbering 98
houses, ranged between 0.02 and 1.6 air changes/h, and 222Rn
concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 27 PCI/L. It appears that the
major cause of the observed differences in 222Rn concentrations
is variation from one house to another in the rate at which 222Rn
enters houses from its sources.
*Offermann, F.J., jit_ _al_. Midway House-Tightening Project; A
Study of Indoor Air Quality. LBNL Report 12777, May 1981.
82-005441. (EN)
Concern has arisen that domestic energy conservation
measures reduce the natural ventilation of houses and thus
degrade indoor air quality. A study of indoor air quality in 12
retrofitted houses was conducted. Measurement of effective
leakage areas and average concentrations of nitrogendioxide,
formaldehyde, and radon were made before and after special house-
tightening modifications. None of the pollutants measured before
or after retrofits reached levels exceeding existing guidelines.
Peach, Jack. "Environmental Comfort and Energy Conservation."
Royal Society of Health Journal, Aug. 1982, Vol. 102, No. 4,
p. 162. (EN)
The effects of building energy use and other factors on
human comfort are investigated. The amount of energy required to
produce comfortable levels of humidity, air movement, sound, and
lighting are discussed. Ways in which a building can be
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optimized for human comfort with a minimal amount of energy
expenditure depends on the form of energy chosen, the
advantageous use of all natural resources and phenomena, and the
recovery of as much wasted energy as possible.
Perkins, W.C., jet_ a±. Dispersion Model for Airborne Particulates
Inside a Building. NTIS, Springfield, VA, DPHMS-83-136;
CONF-840806-2, Jul 84, DE84014961. (NT)
An empirical model has been developed for the spread of
airborne radioactive particles after they are released inside a
building. The model has been useful in performing safety
analyses of actinide materials facilities at the Savannah River
Plant (SRP), operated for the US Department of Energy by the
DuPont Company. These facilities employ the multiple-air-zone
concept; that is, ventilation air flows from rooms or areas of
least radioactive material hazard, through zones of increasing
hazard, to a treatment system. A composite of the data for
dispersion of airborne activity during 12 actual case incidents
at SRP forms the basis for this model. These incidents occured
during approximately 90 plant-years of experiments at SRP with
the chemical and metallurgical processing of purified neptunium
and plutonium after their recovery from irradiated uranium. The
model gives ratios of the airborne activity concentrations in
rooms and corridors near the site of the release. All data are
normalized to the data from the air sampler nearest the release
point. The model can be applied in predicting airborne activity
concentrations from particulate releases elsewhere, if the
facility in question is similar in floor plan, air velocity, and
air flow direction. The multiple-air-zone concept has been
applied to many designs of nuclear facilities as a safety feature
to limit the spread of airborne activity from a release. The
model illustrates the limitations of this concept: it predicts
an apparently anomalous behavior of airborne particulates;
namely, a small migration against the flow of the ventilation
air. The following phenomena are suggested as possible
mechanisms for this migration: eddy currents in the air flow;
leaks of ventilation air between zones; open doors; movement of
personnel during an incident; inadequate flow of ventilation air;
and thermal gradients.
Puntilla, A., et^ ai. Indoor Air Quality and Energy
Conservation. Proceedings of the W67 Workshop Held at
Helsinki on 15 June 1983. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CIB/PUB-
77; CIB/W-67, 1984. PB85-119782/XAB. (NT)
These Proceedings consist of papers presented at the CIB W67
Meeting on Indoor Air Quality and Energy Conservation, held at
the Laboratory of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning in
Helsinki University of Technology, Otaniemi, Finland, 15th June
1983, with Professor Oil Seppanen as the Chairman of the
Workshop.
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Residential Wood and Coal Combustion. Air Pollution Control
Association Wood and Coal Combustion Symposium Proceedings/
Louisville/ KY, March 1-2, 1982. p. 308. (EN)
Conference proceedings on methods of wood and coal
combustion in households and emission monitoring are presented.
Topics discussed include: improved combustion in wood stoves;
emission and thermal performaor an unbaffled, airtight wood
appliance and a box-type catalytic appliance; effects of firing
rate and design on domestic wood stove performance; solid fuel-
fired heating; residential stove emissions from coal and other
alternative fuel combustion; measurement techniques and emission
factors for hand-fired, stoves; an outdoor exposure chamber to
study wood combustion emissions under natural conditions; impact
of residential wood combustion appliances on indoor air quality;
and indoor exposure to carbon-containing particulates and vapors
in homes that burn wood for heating.
*Ritchie, Ingrid M., et_ al. "Residential Air Pollution From
Kerosene Heaters." Journal of the Air Pollution Control
Association Vol. 33, No. 9, 1983, p. 879-881. (CA)
An outside air exchange area of greater than or equal to 4
in .2/1000 BTU H of kerosene heater capacity, a recommendation of
some manufacturers, should be provided to minimize the
accumulation of contaminants. Purchasing an oversized heater or
operating a heater in a smaller room than that for which it was
intended will result in high, and possibly unsafe concentrations
of air pollutants. Simply opening a door to another room is not
an effective way of providing ventilation because pollutants will
still continue to build up, but at a slower rate.
*Roper, W., j5t_ jijU "Wood Stoves: Can We Solve the Emissions
Problem Before it Goes up in Smoke?" Boston College
Environmental Affairs Law Review, 1984, Vol. 11, No. 2, p. 273.
*84-004232. (EN)
The Northeastern and Southeastern U.S. rely heavily on wood
fuel for residential heating purposes, and concern is growing
over health hazards from wood stove emissions. Some of the more
critical pollutants include particulates, hydrocarbons, carbon
monoxide, and polycyclic organic material. Private control
includes retrofitting stoves for more efficient combustion,
manufacturer improvements, and fire insurance rates to promote
efficiency. Public control includes federal and state programs,
including the Clean Air Act, NEPA, the Internal Revenue code, and
state implementation plans.
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*Sandberg, Mats, jet_ jaJN "The Use of Moments for Assessing Air
Quality in Ventilated Rooms." Building & Environment, Vol.
18, No. 4, 1983, p. 181. 84-005606. (EN)
The method and theory underlying adaptation of the residence
time or age concept to problems occurring within ventilation
engineering are discussed. The technigue is based on evaluating
the moments of concentration vs. time curves of contaminants or
tracer gas. The concept is applicable to characterize either the
diffusion of supplied air or contaminants released in rooms.
Mathematical models depicting the diffusion and flow of airborne
contaminants in a ventilated room are described. Results from 50
tests demonstrate the validity of this air quality assessment
approach.
*Schutte, W.C., et_ jal_. "Formaldehyde Levels in Homes Insulated
with Urea-Formaldehyde Foam." Environmental Monitoring &
Assessment, Vol. 1, No. 3, 1982, p. 257. 82-005530. (EN)
A study of 27 homes in Colorado and Wisconsin that were
insulated with urea-formaldehyde foam is discussed. Formaldehyde
levels in these homes averaged 0.059 ppm. The impact of ambient
climatic conditions was studied by the close monitoring of two
homes in particular.
Silberstein, S. "Energy Conservation & Indoor Air Pollution."
Energy & Buildings, Vol. 2, No. 3, Aug. 79r p. 185. (EN)
A mathematical model to predict the effects of tighter
building envelopes on indoor pollutant levels is described. The
model takes into account indoor and outdoor air pollutant
concentrations, pollutant production rate per building unit
volume, and the rates of ventilation and infiltration. Model
results indicate that if conservation measures are carried out in
a balanced manner (i.e., envelopes are tightened at the same time
that sufficient insulation is added), there should be no increase
in indoor air pollution.
*Silberstein, S. "Outdoor Sources of Indoor Air Pollution."
Energy & Buildings, Vol. 2, No. 1, Jan. 1979, p. 55. (EN)
A model relating the outdoor concentration to the indoor
concentration of any air pollutant is developed. The model
predicted that both outdoor and indoor pollution levels would
follow a daily cycle. For pollution generated solely outdoors,
maximum outdoor pollutant levels were reached before the indoor
air pollutant levels reached their maximum. The maximum indoor
pollution levels were also lower than the maximum outdoor
pollution levels because of the effects of building
construction. Lowering the air exchange rate would probably
increase indoor pollutant levels. The extent of protection
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offered against outdoor-produced air pollution by tightening
building envelopes is also estimated.
*Smay, V.E., jet^.al^ "Heat-Saving Vents: Are They the Solution
to Indoor Pollution?" Popular Science, Vol. 222, No. 1,
Jan. 1983, p. 78. 83-004913. (EN)
Well-insulated homes contribute significantly to residential
sector energy conservation, but also contain air that may be two
to three times more polluted than outside air. Reduced
infiltration in energy efficient homes trap air pollutants that
are generated indoors. The main culprits of these pollutants are
formaldehyde, radon, particulates, and carbon monoxide from
insulation and appliances. The use of air-to-air heat exchanger
systems to reduce indoor pollution while maintaining conservation
levels is surveyed.
*Spengler, J., et^ al_. "Indoor Air Pollution, Proceedings of the
International Symposium on Indoor Air Pollution, Health, and
Energy Conservation." Environment International, Vol. 8,
No. 1-6, 1982.
Steel, F. "Airtight Houses and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning."
Canada Building Digest, Mar. 1982, p. 222. (EN)
Gas authorities in Canada have noticed an increase in
complaints of gas odors in private homes. Carbon monoxide
poisoning has also been on an upswing. This situation is
associated with fireplaces and poor air infiltration into
homes. Many records on the problem do not establish a
correlation between CO and venting failures in the chimney. Some
of these accidents may have been caused by chimney blockage. A.
study of the relationship between CO poisoning and the
airtightness of a house was undertaken.
*Sterling, T.D., et al. "Indoor Byproduct Levels of Tobacco
Smoke: A Critical Review of the Literature." Journal of
the Air Pollution Control Association, Vol. 32, No. 3, 1982,
p. 250-259.
*Sterling, T.D., et al. "Use of Gas Ranges for Cooking and
Heating in Urban Dwellings." Air Pollution Control
Association Journal, Vol. 31, No. 2, Feb. 1981, p. 162. 81-
002830. (EN)
While several investigations have isolated kitchen gas
ranges as a major source of indoor air pollution, such studies
have only considered the normal operation of gas ranges for
cooking. Two studies to assess the extent to which gas ranges
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are being used to heat urban dwellings are discussed. On the
basis of gas consumption data and temperature measurements
obtained in New York City during 1977, and actual observations of
supplemental heating practices with gas ranges in 120 homes in
the South Bronx, New York City, it is estimated that some 50-55%
of New York City's gas ranges are used for both cooking and
heating. Increased human exposure to carbon monoxide and
nitrogen dioxide as a result of these practices is discussed.
"
*Stowlwijk, J. "Health Effects of Indoor Air Contaminants.
ASHRAE Transactions/ Vol. 89, No. IB, 1983, p. 498. 84-
005665 (EN)
Concern over air quality in nonoccupational environments is
growing in light of reduced ventilation and increased acceptance
of energy conservation measures, which serve to trap pollutants
indoors. A review of current knowledge on the health effects of
indoor air contaminants focuses on tobacco smoke, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, radon, asbestos, and
biological agents. Further research in this field is warranted
to formally establish theshold levels and standards for health
protection.
Traynor, G.W. , et al. Indoor Air Pollution and Inter-Room
Pollutant Transport Due to Unvented Kerosene-Fired Space
Heaters. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-17600; CONF-840803-2,
Feb. 1984. DE84015949/XAB. (NT)
Two kerosene-fired space heaters, one white-flame convective
and one blue-flame radiant, were operated in the master bedroom
of an unoccupied house under several simulated use conditions.
Tests were conducted with the bedroom door and outside window
closed, with the door closed and the window open 2.5 cm, with the
door open 2.5 cm and the window closed, and with the door wide
open and the window closed. The heaters were operated until an
8° C temperature rise was achieved in the room. Increases in
bedroom concentrations of CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and 02 are
reported. The increases in C02 levels ranged from 2440 to 5440
ppM while the increases in NO2 levels ranged from 0.12 to 0.60
ppm . In addition, inter-room pollutant transport rates are
reported for tests conducted with the window closed. While
inter-room pollutant transport rates were less than 10 m3/h with
the bedroom door closed, they were 30 — 10 m^/h with the bedroom
door open 2.5 cm, and ranged from 190 m-Vh to 3400 m3/h with the
door fully open (74 cm).
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Traynor, Gregory W., et^ jal_. "Indoor Air Pollution from Portable
Kerosene-Fired Space Heaters, Wood-Burning Stoves, and Wood-
Burning Furnaces," Residential Wood and Coal Combustion,
Special Conference Proceedings, 1982, p. 253-263. (CA)
CO2, CO, NO, N02 AND HCHO (50-00-0) were emitted by both
radiant and convective kerosene heaters, and radiant heaters also
released trace amounts of fine particles in lab tests. Emissions
per fuel calorie consumed increased with decreasing wick length
for CO and HCHO. In a 27-M3 environmental chamber, with only 0.4
air changes/H, 1-H operation of the heaters produced CO2
concentrations well above the U.S. workplace standard and N02,
well above the California short-term outdoor standard. Levels of
CO, NO, N02 and S02 in occupied homes heated by wood-burning
stoves and furnaces increased during stove operation, but
pollutant levels were generally below the standard limits.
*Traynor, G.W., et^ al^. "Technique for Determining Pollutant
Emissions From a Gas-Fired Range." Atmospheric Environment,
Vol. 16, No. 12, 1982, pp. 2079-2987. (PA)
Laboratory measurements of pollutant emissions from a gas-
fired range have shown that carbon monoxide, nitric oxide,
nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde and respirable
particles were all emitted during the combustion process. Carbon
was found to be the dominant element of the respirable particles
emitted. h mathematical indoor air quality model was applied to
laboratory studies to calculate pollutant emission rates per
caloric value of fuel consumed. The model was also used to
calculate the temporal profile of the indoor pollution
concentrations as well as to determine indoor pollutant decay
rates from mechanisms other than air infiltration. Comparisons
of measured and calculated data showed good agreement, and
suggest that this model may be useful for determining pollutant
emissions from a wide variety of other sources, for estimating
pollution levels in other indoor environments, and for evaluating
pollutant control strategies.
*Turiel, I., &t_ &!.• "Effects of Reduced Ventilation On Indoor
Air Quality in an Office Building." Atmospheric
Environment, Vol. 17, No. 1, 1983, pp. 51-64. (PA)
Indoor air quality was monitored at an office building in
San Francisco, CA where occupants had registered eye, nose and
throat irritation complaints. Portable air pollution monitoring
equipment was placed on site to monitor air outdoors and at three
indoor sites (a waiting room, an interview room and an office
room), and data were taken under two different ventilation
rates. The parameters measured were outside air flow rates,
temperature, relative humidity, odor perception, microbial
burden, particulate mass, formaldehyde and other orqanics, carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Carbon dioxide
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concentrations increased as the ventilation rate decreased; odor
perceptibility increased slightly at the lowest ventilation rate/
and other pollutants generally showed very low concentrations,
which increased when ventilation was reduced.
Turiel, I., ^t^ jil^ "Energy Savings and Cost-Effectiveness of
Heat Exchanger Use as an Indoor Air Quality Measure in the
BPA Weatherization Program." Energy, Vol. 8, No. 5, 1983,
pp. 323-335. (PA)
The authors examine the energy impact and cost effectiveness
of heat exchanger utilization in tightened homes in the BPA
region. Significant energy savings are predicted if homes are
tightened and heat exchangers are utilized. From the homeowner's
perspective, the results of our economic analysis indicate that,
at the relatively low residential electric rates in the BPA
region, the use of heat exchangers in existing homes that are
tightened is not economically viable. On the other hand, from
the utility perspective, it may be cost effective to use heat
exchangers in the weatherization program if the marginal cost to
the utility is compared with the cost of conserved energy.
*Wade, W.A., et al. "A Study of Indoor Air Quality." Air
Pollution Control Association Journal, Vol. 25, No. 9, Sep.
1975, p. 933. 76-000049. (EN)
An indoor-outdoor sampling program is described for nitric
oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide in four private
houses with gas stoves. The houses represent different
surrounding land use, lifestyles, and house age and layout.
Indoor levels of NO and N02 are direct and CO in the kitchen
exceeds air quality standards, if such outdoor standards were
applied to indoors. Oxidation of NO to NO2 does not appear to
occur indoors to a significant degree.
*Weschler, C. J., jelt ai^. "The Effect of Building Fan Operation on
Indoor-Outdoor Dust Relationships." Air Pollution Control
Association Journal, Vol. 33, No. 6, Jun. 1983, p. 624. 83-
006113. (EN)
Fans in many Bell Telephone facilities operate only when
necessary rather than continuously as part of an energy
conservation effort. The effects of fan operation on indoor-
outdoor dust relationships were monitored at two telephone
offices. Fine and coarse aerosol particles were collected at
office sites in Wichita, KS, and Lubbock, TX. Indoor dust
concentrations typically increased when the fans were off. This
increase was due to a loss of constant filtration. An expression
is derived for the relative dust increase when the building fans
are switched off.
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Wilson, D. J., et_ al^. "Critical Wind Speeds for Maximum Exhaust
Gas Reentry from Flush Vents at Roof Level Intakes." ASHRAE
Semiannual Sym._,_ Houston, Jan. 24-28, 1982, p. 503. 83-
004946. (EN)
A method of predicting the critical wind speed which would
produce unacceptable amounts of contaminated air entering intake
vents in considered. Existing prediction methods for minimum
dilution, taken from ASHRAE Handbook, 1981, are examined. The
analysis undertaken is restricted to flush vents on flat roofed
buildings. The results of the analysis indicate that the ASHRAE
Handbook predictions give reasonably conservative estimates for
buoyant plumes, but may overestimate inlet contamination at flush
roof intakes by vertical momentum jets from uncapped flush vents.
Woods, J.E., et^ al^. "Ventilation, Health & Energy Consumption:
A Status Report." AjlHRAE__jfourn_al, Vol. 21, No. 7, Jul.
1979, p, 23. (EN) "
Changes to codes and standards that could jeopardize the
health, safety, or welfare of building occupants are being
proposed in the name of energy conservation. Many factors can
influence indoor air quality. If sufficient ventilation rates to
meet foreseeable variations are not prescribed, the resultant low
level of indoor air quality could be deleterious to health. But
if sufficient, ventilation rates are prescribed to meet all
contingencies, the energy requirements for thermal control wil be
excessive. An ASHRAE Standards Committee is revising codes for
natural and mechanical ventilation. Concerns about indoor air
quality are discussed.
Woods, J.E., et al. "How Ventilation Influences Energy
Consumption and Indoor Air Quality." AjHjRAjB_JgurnajLr Vol.
23, No. 9, Sep. 1981, p. 40. (EN)
Control strategies for combining healthy indoor air quality
with energy efficiency are outlined. The conventional
interpretation of minimum ventilation rates as a maximum for
design purposes is analyzed. New control strategies~-steady-
state circulation and variable generation rates—have been added
to the common methods of source control, dilution control, and
removal control.
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III. HEALTH EFFECTS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
-------
III. HEALTH EFFECTS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
*Albrightf B.E., et^ al. Health Effects of Occupational Exposure
to Carbon DisulTTde. NTIS, Springfield, VA, May 1984.
PB85-110229/XAB. (NT)
A survey of workers exposed to carbon-disulfide (75150)
(CS2) at concentrations below the current standard of 20 parts
per million (ppm) was conducted. The cohort consistent of 146
male workers at a rayon staple factory (SIC-2823). The
comparison group consisted of 233 workers at the same facility
having no CS2 exposure. The average ages of the cohort and
comparisons were 38.2 and 33.9 years, respectively. Subjects
were administered comprehensive medical examinations that
included neurological, endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, and
cardiovascular evaluations. Industrial hygiene sampling for CS2
was performed. CS2 concentrations ranged from 0.58 to 12.64
ppm. Exposed workers showed very little increased morbidity, but
data indicate exposure dependent increases in pathological
changes such as increased frequency of angina and myocardial
infarction, systolic and diastolic blood velocity, increased
symptoms of muscular weakness, increased low density of
lipoproteins, increased fasting blood sugar, increased proportion
of abnormal sperm forms, and increased incidence of retinal
abnormalities. The authors conclude that the present standard of
20 ppm leaves little margin of safety. Additional research on
the cardiovascular toxicity of CS2 and review of the current
standard are recommended.
*Allen, R.J./ et al. "Analysis of Indoor Concentrations of
Carbon Monoxide and Ozone in an Urban Hospital."
Environmental Research, Vol. 27, No. 1, Feb 82, p. 136.
(EN)
Carbon monoxide and ozone levels were monitored in an office
and two urban hospital intensive care units for one year. Annual
average indoor CO concentrations averaged 0.2-1.3 ppm higher than
outdoor concentrations, stemming from indoor CO sources such as
smoking. Observed CO levels were well below national health
standards; however, these inside emissions should be minimized
because of the unknown long-term effect on high-risk groups.
Indoor Oo concentrations were less than outdoor levels.
Apol, A.G., et_ alj. Health Hazard Evaluation Report BETA 83-014-
1343, North Clackamas School District No. 12, Milwaukie,
Oregon. NTIS, Springfield, VA, HETA-83-014-1343, Jul.
1984. PB85-102903/XAB. (NT)
To determine if symptoms of headache, fatigue and mood
changes experienced by the three workers in the phototypesetting
room were a result of occupational exposures, environmental air
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samples were collected to determine exposures to the
phototypesetting chemicals. In addition, temperature, relative
humidity, and carbon dioxide concentrations were monitored.
NIOSH investigators determined that the adverse health effects
experienced by the workers in the phototypesetting room could be
a result of a lack of any air being supplied to the room
resulting in a increase in temperature and carbon dioxide levels;
low concentrations of acetic acid vapors; glare on the VDT
screen; and nonadjustable viewing of the screen.
Arndt, R., et al. Potential Office Hazards and Controls. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, Sep. 1984. PB85-139210/XAB. (NT)
The paper was written for OTA to assist in preparation of
the report Preventing Illness and Injury in the Workplace. It
discusses office worker exposure to indoor air pollution in
tightly insulated buildings; potentially harmful psychological
stress from poorly designed jobs and potentially harmful physical
stress from poorly designed machines and work stations. Various
controls for these hazards are considered and evaluated.
*Baggs, S.A. "The Lithotecture of Australia: With Specific
Reference to User Health Factors." Earth Sheltered Building
Design Innovations Conference/ Apr. 18-19, 1980f p. 11-19.
82-000761. (EN)
Studies were conducted to investigate the quality of indoor
air in Australia's underground dwellings. The existence of a
considerable differential between the ratios of positive to
negative small gaseous air ions present in the lithospace was
documented and compared with ambient air. This type of an
atmosphere is considered to be beneficial to the health of the
occupant.
*Breysse, P.A. "Health Hazard Implications of Proposed and
Adopted Indoor Air Standards for Formaldehyde." IBS
Environmental Technology 29th Technical Symposium, Los
Angeles, April 19-21, 1983. p. 293. 84-002860. (EN)
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and ASHRAE have adopted indoor air
level criteria for formaldehyde. Health hazards associated with
exposure to formaldehyde in homes, including cancer, are
surveyed. Urea-formaldehyde-bonded particle board and urea-
formaldehyde foam insulation are the two most important sources
of this indoor air pollutant. The need for further research
concerning this issue is discussed.
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*Brown, R.D. Health and Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas
Technologies; Research Needs. July 1981. 82-002899. (EN)
Health and environmental issues associated with oil and gas
technologies -- both those existing and those expected to emerge
over the next two decades -- are discussed. Areas of concern
are: offshore accidents, refineries, worker health, oil spills,
soil contamination, effects of drilling fluids, indoor air
pollution, unconventional resources, and technology transfer, in
addition to exhaustive research on hydrocarbon contamination of
the air and water. A literature survey of pertinent oil and gas
data is provided.
Shirley Institute. "Cotton Dust and Byssinosis." Cotton Dust
Hazards Conference, Manchester, England/ February 9-10,
1983. (EN)
Exposure to cotton, flax, or soft dust over a period of
years may result in the respiratory disease known as
byssinosis. The connection between exposure to cotton dust and
the effects on the cotton workers' health is examined. The
method most commonly used for dust control is extraction within
an airstream: suction is provided by fans and the impurities are
conveyed through a ducted system to a central filter plant.
Topics discussed include diagnosis and epidemiology of
byssinosis, dust control enforcement, and practical problems
associated with dust control.
*Dally, K.A., et^ al^. "Formaldehyde Exposure in Nonoccupational
Environments." Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 36,
No. 6, November-December 1981, p. 277. 82-003380. (EN)
Wood products and foam insulation may release free
formaldehyde where urea-formaldehyde resins have been used. The
Wisconsin Division of Health has investigated 100 structures,
collecting air samples in midget impingers and analyzing them for
formaldehyde content. Concentrations ranged from below the level
of detection to 3.68 ppm, with burning eyes, runny nose, eye
irritation, headache, and cough the primary symptoms. Data
suggest that nonoccupational indoor formaldehyde exposure is
significant.
*Dodge, R. "The Effects of Indoor Pollution on Arizona
Children." Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 37, No.
3, May-June 1982, p. 151. 82-006106. (EN)
The respiratory health of a large group of Arizona school
children exposed to indoor air pollutants is reported. A
significant relationship was found between parental smoking and
symptoms of cough, wheeze, and sputum production. Also, children
in homes where gas cooking fuel was used had higher rates of
3-3
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cough than children in homes where electricity was used. No
differences in pulmonary function or yearly lung growth rates
occurred among subjects grouped by exposure to tobacco smoke or
cooking fuel.
*Dworkin, T.M., et al. "Liability for Formaldehyde-Contaminated
Housing Materials: Toxic Torts in the Home." American
Business Law Journal, Vol. 21, No. 3, Fall 1983, p. 307.
84-006251. (EN)
Lawsuits arising from injuries caused by formaldehyde are
increasing, threatening the viability of some businesses and
straining the legal system. Because formaldehyde is present in a
wide variety of products in daily use, the potential for
litigation is overwhelming. Several causes of action that may
provide recovery for consumers injured by toxic housing materials
are discussed: negligence, implied warranty of habitability,
implied warranty of merchantability, and strict liability in
tort. The applicability of each of these is examined, and
legislative proposals providing for compensation are assessed.
*Environmental Protection Agency. "Carcinogen Assessment of Coke
Oven Emissions." NTIS, Springfield, VA, EPA-600/6-82-003F,
February 1984. PB84-170182. (NT)
Coke oven workers in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania and at
10 non-Allegheny County coke plants in the United States and
Canada were found to be at an excess risk of mortality from
cancer of the lungs, bronchus, trachea, kidney, and prostate. An
important finding of this study was the dose-response found by
both length of exposure and intensity of exposure (top or side of
the ovens) for mortality from cancer of the lungs, bronchus, and
trachea. A study of Japanese coke oven workers also found them
to be at an excess risk of lung cancer mortality. British
studies of cancer mortality in coke oven workers have generally
been negative, but there were weaknesses in these studies. Coke
oven emissions produce positive results in mutagenicity
studies. Coal tar, a condensate of coke oven emissions, and
various constituents of coke oven emissions have been found to be
positive in both mutagenicity and animal carcinogenicity studies.
*Feiner, B. "Health Hazards in Confined Spaces." Dangerous
Properties of Industrial Materials Report, Vol. 2, No. 1,
January-February 1982, p. 16. 82-004774. (EN)
Despite safety procedures in confined space (CS) operations,
many workers have been killed by hydrogen sulfide or methane in a
sewer manhole, by carbon dioxide in ships' holds, by
trichlorethylene vapor in degreasing tanks, or by lack of oxygen
in grain silos. Hazard atmospheres encountered in a CS are the
flammable, toxic, irritants and corrosives, and asphyxiants
3-4
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categories; effects of thermal hazards, noise, and vibration are
also amplified in a CS. Safeguards for work in a CS are outlined
under three broad categories; testing and preparation of the CS
before entry, use of precautionary measures during occupancy, and
assurance of prompt rescue and first aid in case of accident.
*Feiner, B. "Health Hazards in Confined Spaces: Part II."
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials Report, Vol. 2,
No. 2, March-April 1982, p. 219. 82-005582. (EN)
Sources of contamination and other health hazards that can
be found in an indoor environment are identified. Since some
people may be indoor 70-80% of the time, exposure to contaminants
can have serious health effects. Sources of contaminants
identified include: gas stoves, tobacco smoke, furnaces,
household cleaning substances, aerosol spray cans, bacteria,
asbestos, and dust.
Freedman, T. "Warning: Staying at Home Can Be Dangerous to Your
Health." Common Cause, Vol. 8, No. 3, June 1982, p. 13.
(EN)
Many common household goods, appliances, and furnishings
give off toxic chemicals and gases. Some of these indoor
pollutants may prove to be a significant cause of illness,
including respiratory disorders, nausea, skin irritations, and
dizziness. High levels of indoor formaldehyde and potential
carcinogens have been documented. Despite such mounting
evidence, federal funds for relevant research are being slashed.
*Friberg, L. "Integrated Exposure Monitoring for Health Risk
Assessment." Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, Vol. 2,
No. 1-2, 1982, p. 7. (EN)
Risk evaluation and estimation should be conducted for total
exposure to pollution in ambient air, water, food, and industrial
air, rather than separately for each pollutant. International
programs aimed at estimating and evaluating risks are
discussed. Better basic research in similar fields should
increase health-related surveillance.
*Fugas, M., et al. "Study of Personal Exposure to Airborne
Respirable Particles and Carbon Monoxide." Environmental
Monitoring & Assessment, Vol. 2, No. 1-2, 1982, p. 157.
(EN)
Carbon monoxide and respirable particles (RP) were measured
at outdoor network stations and compared to personal exposure of
12 volunteers to determine how well personal exposure can be
assessed by the network stations. Personal exposure was in best
3-5
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correlation with home exposure, where the subjects spent about
70% of their time. Personal exposure to CO could not be related
to outdoor levels, but exposure to RP was in agreement with
outdoor concentrations measured in winter.
*Godish, T. "Formaldehyde and Building-Related Illness."
Journal of Environmental Health, Vol. 44, No. 3, November-
December 1981, p. 116. (EN)
Formaldehyde contamination of indoor environments is
studied. Field studies have linked formaldehyde with cancer,
asthma, and other illnesses. Problems with mobile homes, urea-
formaldehyde foam insulation, wood-frame housing, and non-
residential buildings are discussed. Epidemiological studies are
recommended to determine whether a causal relationship exists
between environment and formaldehyde.
*Halbert, M.K., et al. "Inhalation Simulation and the Effects of
Lung Environmental Conditions on Consumer Aerosol Products
and NaCl Aerosol." Environmental Research, Vol. 29, No. 2,
December 1982, p. 263. 83-003603. (EN)
To assess the potential hazard associated with inhalation of
commercial aerosol products, various cosmetic aerosols were
studied with an apparatus that simulated the lung environment.
The apparatus uses air heated and humidified to 37° C and 98%
relative humidity, respectively. This apparatus, compared to
earlier studies with nonsimulating equipment, shows a decrease in
the proportion of larger particulates being inhaled. However,
when the air was heated and humidified, all aerosols tested
showed some growth in hygroscopic particulates.
*Health Aspects Related to Indoor Air Quality. World Health
Organization, Copenhagen, 1979, EURO Report No. 21. (PA)
It was recognized that indoor air quality depended on a
number of factors operating simultaneously; these were examined
separately and in relation to each other. The discussions took
place in plenary sessions and meeting of 15 subgroups formed to
consider different aspects of the problem. Both outdoor- and
indoor-generated pollutants were analyzed. A number of
recommendations were made for the development of research, for
further evaluation of the existing data, for the formulation of
guidelines on maximum concentrations of contaminants in indoor
air, and for the limitation of emissions in the indoor
environment.
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*Hemminki, K., jet^ a^. "An Estimation of the Exposure of the
Population in Finland to Suspected Chemical Carcinogens."
Jounal of Environmental Science & Health-Env Carcinogenesis
Reviews/ Vol. 1, No. 1, 1983, p. 55. 84-004957. (EN)
A literature review was performed in an attempt to estimate
the average total exposure of the Finnish population to known or
suspected carcinogens. Sources of exposure considered are food,
air, and water. Naturally occurring genotoxic compounds in food
are discussed; the presence of mycotoxins, heavy metals,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and food additives
is also examined. The distribution of contaminants in drinking
water and the home environment is addressed. Exposures
attributable to lifestyles, such as intake of coffee or tea and
prevalence of smoking, are evaluated.
*Honeywell Energy Products Newsrelease. "Indoor Air Could Pose
Health Threat." April 11, 1984. 84-004528. (EN)
The extent of indoor air pollution and consequent health
effects are an emerging problems confronting health officials and
researchers. Indoor air pollutants are emitted from cigarettes,
appliances, furnishings, fabrics, and insulation. Pollutants of
concern include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, asbestos, ozone,
radon, and nitrogen dioxide. Sophisticated control technologies
to provide acceptable indoor air quality are under development.
Air cleaners and absorption materials to block the recirculation
of contaminants are being devised by researchers at Honeywell
Inc.
"Indoor Air Pollutants: Exposure and Health Effects." World
Health Organization, 1983, EURO Report No. 78. (EN)
Current knowledge about the sources and health effects of
various indoor air pollutants is summarized. Important
pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone,
radon, formaldehyde, and sulfur dioxide, are emitted by building
insulation, gas or electrical appliances, and tobacco smoke. Low
air exchange rates and poor ventilation aggravate indoor
pollutant concentrations. Estimates of the fraction of people
exposed to either high or low levels of each pollutant are
analyzed. Health effects data are culled from recent animal
toxicological, epidemiological, occupational, and control
exposure studies.
Indoor Air Pollution; An Emerging Health Problem. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, PB81-160087. (PA)
Traditionally it has been presumed that a person was
protected from polluted air when indoors. Recent research has
shown, however, that this may not always be true. Various
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harmful pollutants including radon, formaldehyde, and nitrogen
dioxide have been found in the air in homes, offices, schools,
and even in recreational facilities. The problem may even be
made worse by Government energy conservation programs which
encourage the "buttoning-up" of buildings. Federal efforts to
deal with the problem have been piecemeal, receiving little
support primarily because no one Federal agency has
responsibility for the problem. Until responsibility is assigned
to one agency to oversee the Federal efforts, they will continue
to be ineffectual. In this report GAO recommends actions that
the Environmental Protection Agency and the Congress can take to
help resolve the situation.
*Last, J.A. "Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution:
Synergistic Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide and a Respirable
Aerosol." Environment International, Vol. 9, No. 4, 1983,
pp. 319-322. (PA)
Comparative studies of the effects of various air pollutants
on lung collagen biosynthesis have been performed. A hitherto
unexpected synergism between the oxidant air pollutants ozone or
nitrogen dioxide and a respirable-sized aerosol of ammonium
sulfate was observed during controlled exposures of rats to these
substances. In an assay system, measuring collagen biosynthesis
by lung minces prepared from rats exposed for 1 week to either
filtered air or to these pollutant gases, dose-response curves to
either 0^ or NC>2 are altered in the presence of 5 mg/m of
(NH.^SO* aerosol. These observations may have broad
implications for the appropriate evaluation of laboratory data in
the setting of ambient air quality standards and/or the setting
of threshold limit values for maintenance of occupational health
and safety.
*Lebowitzf M.D. "Health Effects of Indoor Pollutants." Annual
Review of Public Health, Vol. 4, 1983, p. 203-221.
*Lebowitz, M.D. "Utilization of Data from Human Population
Studies for Setting Air Quality Standards: Evaluation of
Important Issues." Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol.
52, October 1983, p. 193. 84-002812. (EN)
Epidemiological studies of community populations are quite
useful in setting national ambient air quality primary
standards. Unfortunately, the use of data from these studies is
often problematic because of the difficulties of performing
adequate community population studies. Important issues of
appropriate exposure evaluation and health assessment are
discussed, as are the problems of multiplex variables and
colinearity.
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*Lefcoe, N.M., et^ SL]^. "The Health Risks of Passive Smoking."
Chest, Vol. 84, No. 1, July 1983, p. 90-95.
*Lindberg, E., et^ al^. "Chrome Plating: Symptoms, Findings in
the Upper Airways, and Effects on Lung Function." Archives
of Environmental Health, Vol. 38, No. 6, November-December
1983, p. 367. 84-003518. (EN)
Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and changes in the
nasal septum were documented for 100 subjects exposed to chrome
plating. ata were compared with those of 119 nonexposed
controls as well as with data in the literature. Complaints of
nasal irritation were common among subjects exposed to a daily
average that exceed 1 mg/m^ of chromic acid. The frequency of
chronic bronchitis was similar to that in the control series.
Nasal septal ulceration and perforation were observed in two-
thirds of the subjects exposed to peak levels of 20 mg/m or
more. Both forced vital capacity and forced expired volume in
one second were reduced by 0.2 L.
*Mage, D.T. Possible Relationship of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome to Indoor Air Quality. NTIS, Springfield, VA, EPA-
600/D-84-193, July 1984. PB84-229830. (NT)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been associated with
higher rates of maternal smoking and higher body lead content of
SIDS victims compared to control infants, matched for age and
sex, who died of other causes. Hoppenbrouwers et al. demon-
strated a temporal relationship between the seasonal pattern of
SIDS (maximal in cold seasons, minimal in warm seasons) and the
seasonal (winter) increase in ambient carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen dioxide (N02), sulphur dioxide (SO,), and lead (Pb) in
Los Angeles County, California. Because infants in the first
year of life spend most of their time indoors, and maternal
smoking would add to the ambient levels in the home, it is the
indoor levels of CO and Pb in the nursery that are of most
immediate concern.
*McCarrol, J.R. "Health Costs of a Reduced Energy Supply."
Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 52, October 1983,
p. 255.84-002816.(EN)
Although much attention has been directed to health effects
associated with electricity production, virtually no attention
has been paid to the health costs of a reduced or overpriced
energy supply. Stringent emission control standards have raised
the costs of producing energy, and although they have alleviated
some health problems, further regulations will only increase
production costs. These proposed regulations will most likely
create new problems.
3-9
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*Miller, S. "A Monitoring Report." Environmental Science &
Technology, Vol. 17, No. 8, August 1983, p. 343A.
84-001650. (EN)
The use of personal monitors for protecting workers from
accidental exposure to chemicals, indoor air pollution, and
various other occupational hazards is increasing. Personal
monitors can be used in the laboratory to detect harmful levels
of nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, and respirable
suspended particles. In the field, personal monitors detect
concentrations of carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, radon,
organochlorine pesticides, and nonpolar volatile organic
compounds.
National Cancer Institute. Carcinogenic Risk from Air Pollution
by Engine Exhaust and Fuel Evaporation. NTIS, Springfield,
VA, NCI/ICRDB/OK-84/05, August 1984. PB84-922905. (NT)
This ONCOLOGY OVERVIEW on the carcinogenic risk from air
pollution by engine exhaust and fuel evaporation includes
abstracts from the CANCERLIT data base, referencing articles
published mainly from 1976 through mid-1983. The strategy used
to retrieve these abstracts can be requested from the CIDAC
office and entered on any MEDLARS/MEDLINE terminal system to
update references in this area. This OVERVIEW encompasses
epidemiologies, animal carcinogenicity and cell transformation
studies, mutagenicity tests, metabolism studies, environmental
levels, selected analytical techniques, and general reviews. The
emphasis of the laboratory studies has been placed on "real
exhaust1 samples. The search strategy used did not generate a
comprehensive set of abstracts on work with pure components of
engine exhaust, so the assessment of the included representatives
of this type or work should be given less weight than the other
studies. Tests of pure fuel additives were given relatively more
coverage than pure exhaust components which also enter the same
environment from other combustion processes.
*National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Development of Lung Surfactant Toxicological Tests. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, 1984. PB84-240100. (NT)
Studies on the properties of small airways and alveoli
following respiratory disease in animals and tests for detection
of lung disease in humans were conducted. Different types of
experiments were conducted using trapped gases in isolated rat
lungs. The stability of the small airways and alveoli was
determined by placing an isolated rat lung into a plethysmograph
which was placed into a larger chamber in which ambient pressure
could be changed. Degassing was accomplished by oxygen
absorption atelectasis using normal blood perfusion, followed by
vacuum degassing after removal of the lung from the animal. A
model was developed for gas trapping that included menisci
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formation within small airways, taking into account ratios of
length of diameter as a function of lung inflation. In the
plethysmograph, some gas was not in communication with the
trachea and was trapped at maximum lung volume, mainly behind
menisci or in foam or bubbles. The amount of gas trapped
differed with different gases. The trapped gas was directly
related to the solubility and molecular weight of the gas. The
amount of fluid was an important factor.
*National Research Council. Asbestiform Fibers; Nonoccupational
Health Risks. NTIS, Springfield, VA, ISBN-O-309-03446-9,
February 1984. PB85-125516/XAB. (NT)
The Committee considered the health risks posed by
nonoccupational airborne exposures to asbestos and other natural
or synthetic asbestiform fibers. The issue is important because
many people may be exposed to these materials, although at
relatively low levels. The EPA asked the NAS to undertake a
study with two goals: to evaluate the human health risks
associated with nonoccupational exposure to asbestiform fibers,
with emphasis on inhalation of outdoor and indoor air; and to
determine the extent to which the physical-chemical properties of
the fibers may be associated with the development of various
human diseases and the extent to which such information may be
incorporated into assessing health risks resulting from exposure
to the fibers. The Committee found that much more information is
available about asbestos than about the other materials of
concern. Nonoccupational exposure to asbestoform fibers in air
present a risk to human health. The extent of the risk is highly
uncertain, depending on the nature and amount of exposure and
other factors. The Committee made several recommendations, e.g.,
systematic monitoring and characterization of asbestiform fibers
with standardized methods should be undertaken in nonoccupational
environments, including urban, rural, indoor, and outdoor
locations where exposure may be of special concern; cessation of
cigarette smoking should be encouraged.
National Technical Information Service. Formaldehyde. June,
1970-1984 (Citations from the NTIS Data Base). Report for
June 1970-1984f NTIS, Springfield, VAf December 1984. PB85-
852366/XAB. (NT)
This bibliography contains citations concerning the health
hazards of formaldehyde inhalation. Health hazard evaluation
reports of industrial sites are discussed and the effects of
formaldehyde on animals and humans are considered. Industrial
hygiene sampling method and analytical methods to quantitate
formaldehyde are also discussed.
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Nicholson, W.J. Draft Asbestos Health Assessment Update. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, EPA-600/8-84-003A, February 1984.
PB84-186832. (NT)
Data developed since the early 1970's from large population
studies with long follow-up strengthen the correlation of
asbestos exposure with disease. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are
the most important asbestos-related causes of death among exposed
individuals. The accumulated data suggest that the excess risk
of lung cancer from asbestos exposure is proportional to the
cumulative exposure (the duration times the intensity) and the
underlying risk of lung cancer in the absence of exposure. The
risk of death from mesothelioma appears to be proportional to the
cumulative exposure to asbestos in a given period. Animal
studies confirm the human epidemiological results. All major
asbestos varieties produce lung cancer and mesothelioma with only
limited differences in carcinogenic potency. Some measurements
demonstrate that significant asbestos exposure, exceeding 100
times the background, occurs to individuals in non-occupational
environments. Currently, the most important of these non-
occupational exposures is from the release of fibers from
asbestos-containing surfacing materials in schools, auditoriums,
and other public buildings or from asbestos fireproofing sprayed
in high-rise office buildings.
*OECD Report. Environmental Effects of Energy Systems; The OECD
Compass Project. 1983. 84-004384. (EN)
The OECD Compass Project seeks to document the environmental
implications of various energy end-uses. Comparative assessment
methodologies are applied to analyses of commercial and residen-
tial building heating and cooling systems. Gaseous, liquid, and
solid residues generated by space heating systems in Fredericton,
New Brunswick, are discussed; analysis of energy use scenarios
developed for 1990 and 2000 show that adoption of extensive
energy conservation measures could improve environmental
quality. Similar regional or national fuel mix and environmental
impact scenario evaluations are performed for energy systems in
the Netherlands Rijnmond region. Environmental analysis and
least cost energy models are applied to the U.S. energy
structure.
*Otson, R., et_ <*!_• "Survey of Selected Organics in Office
Air." Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and
Toxicology, Vol. 31, August 1983, p. 222. (EN)
To aid in the health hazard assessment of organic compounds
in office air, 30 such workplaces in Canada were surveyed for
potential sources. The air levels of selected volatile organic
compounds were determined. Important sources of detected
compounds were tobacco smoke, typewriter fluids, copy machine
chemicals, and cleaning solvents. Levels of dichloromethane,
3-12
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tetrachloroethylene, and toluene are tabulated, and detection
limits for monitoring and analytical devices are considered.
*Porter, G. "A Sample a Day. . .Personal Monitors of
Pollutants." Dimensions (NBS), Vol. 65, No. 1, January-
February 1981, p. 8. 81-001205. (EN)
Indoor air pollution is receiving increased attention as the
effects of individual pollutant exposure are being investi-
gated. Individual exposure levels can be useful in the
regulatory process and in verifying the levels at which
pollutants cause health problems. Passive and active personal
sampling monitors have been developed to collect nitrogen oxides
and particulates. The design features of these devices are
described.
"Proceedings of the Symposium on Health Aspects of Indoor Air
Pollution." Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine,
Vol. 57, No. 10, December 1981, p. 825-1086.
*Repace, J.L., et_ &!_• "Indoor Air Pollution, Tobacco Smoke, and
Public Health." Science, Vol. 208, No. 4443, May 2, 1980,
p. 464-472. (ME)
An experimental and theoretical investigation is made into
the range and nature of the exposure of the nonsmoking public to
respirable suspended particulates from cigarette smoke. A model
incorporating both physical and sociological parameters is shown
to be useful in understanding particulate levels from cigarette
smoke in indoor environments. Observed levels of particulates
correlate with the predictions of the model. It is shown that
nonsmokers are exposed to significant air pollution burdens from
indoor smoking. An assessment of the public health policy
implications of these burdens is presented.
*Robertson, B.E., jet^ al^. "Societal Valuation of Human Life as
Manifested by Use or Non-use of Air Heat Exchangers."
ISES/Solar Energy Society of Canada Energex 8th Conference,
Vol. 1, August 23-29, 1982, p. 39. 84-003993. (EN)
To provide information on risk for use by laymen, it is
useful to estimate the implied value of human life associated
with actions taken to minimize risk. Estimates are made of the
risk accompanying the enhancement of indoor radon-daughter levels
resulting from measures taken to conserve energy in home heating
as practiced in Saskatchewan, Canada. The value imputed for a
human life as a result of decisions to install air-to-air heat
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exchangers solely for the purpose of minimizing risk is
analyzed. This value is compared with others implied by measures
to improve health care and highway safety and is found to be
similar.
*Salter, R.G., House Committee on Government Operations
Hearings* Federal Response to Health Risks of Formaldehyde
in Home Insulation, Mobile Homes, and Other Consumer
Products. May 18-19, 1982. 83-004941. (EN)
Hearings were convened to examine the federal response to
reports of formaldehyde-related health problems from consumer
products. The health effects and economic consequences of
formaldehyde in home insulation and in mobile homes are
emphasized. The adequacy of a ban on formaldehyde imposed by the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was debated. Testimony
was provided by Philip Abrams representing HUD; ORNL Biology Div.
Director Richard A. Griesemer; Rep. John J. LaFalce (D-NY); and
others. Associated documents and memoranda are transcribed.
Sangster, B., et al. "Non-occupational Exposure to
Pentachlorophenol: Clinical Findings and Plasma-PCP-
Concentrations in Three Families." Human Toxicology,
Vol. lf No. 2, March 1982, p. 123. (EN)
Clinical findings are reported for 15 members of three
families living in houses where relatively large amounts of
pentachlorophenol (PCP) solutions had been applied. Plasma PCP
concentrations were measured in the subjects. No signs of
systemic PCP intoxication were observed; however, several
symptoms of skin disorders were documented, possibly caused by a
direct influence of airborne PCP.
*Selikoff, I.J. "Twenty Lessons from Asbestos." EPA Journal,
Vol. 10, No. 4, May 1984, p. 21. 84-005751. (EN)
Occupational and non-occupational exposures to asbestos over
the last 60 years are manifest in the widespread incidence of
related diseases. There have been more than 100,000 deaths
related to this mineral, and another 350,000 are anticipated
before the effects of past exposures have run their course. The
observation of so much serious disease has led to increased
understanding of the circumstances in which it has occurred.
Lessons learned from past asbestos exposure concern theories of
latency, dose-disease response, multiple factor interaction,
disease with brief exposure, environmental persistence,
limitations of epidemiology, and other concepts and facts.
3-14
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*Sexton, K., .et^ jal.. "Estimating Human Exposure to Nitrogen
Dioxide: An Indoor/Outdoor Modeling Approach."
Environmental Research, Vol. 32, No. 1, October 1983,
p. 151. 84-000732. (EN)
Adverse health effects associated with human exposure to
nitrogen dioxide are well documented. To assess health risks and
implement effective control strategies, accurate data are
required concerning the number of people exposed and patterns of
exposure. Central monitoring data is not always reliable, as
many people now spend time indoors and away from fixed
monitors. A simple deterministic model is DE exposure. Exposure
is related to background values, indoor levels, and human
activities. Results suggest that indoor NC^ levels in private
dwellings vary with outdoor concentrations and type of cooking
fuel or appliance.
*Spenglerf J.D., et_ ai. "Indoor Air Pollution: A Public Health
Perspective." Science, Vol. 221, No. 4605, July 1, 1983, p.
9-17. (ME)
Although official efforts to control air pollution have
traditionally focused on outdoor air, it is now apparent that
elevated contaminant concentrations are common inside some
private and public buildings. Concerns about potential public
health problems due to indoor air pollution are based on evidence
that urban residents typically spend more than 90 percent of
their time indoors, concentrations of some contaminants are
higher indoors than outdoors, and for some pollutants personal
exposures are not characterized adequately by outdoor
measurements. Among the more important indoor contaminants
associated with health or irritation effects are passive tobacco
smoke, radon decay products, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide,
formaldehyde, asbestos fibers, microorganisms, and
aeroallergens. Efforts to assess health risks associated with
indoor air pollution are limited by insufficient information
about the number of people exposed, the pattern and severity of
exposures, and the health consequences of exposures. An overall
strategy should be developed to investigate indoor exposures,
health effects, control options, and public policy
alternatives.
*Spengler, J.D., et al. "Long-term Measurements of Respirable
Sulfates and Particulates Inside and Outside Homes."
Atmospheric Environment, Vol. 15, No. 1, 1981, p. 23. 81-
001434. (EN)
To better understand the health effects of air pollution,
the results of extensive indoor and outdoor measurements of mass
respirable particulates and water-soluble respirable particulates
are analyzed. The measurements were taken in six U.S. cities --
Portage, WI; Topeka, KA; Kingston/Harriiaan, TN; Watertown, MA;
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St. Louis, MO; and Steubenville, OH. Results indicated that the
major source of indoor air pollution is cigarette smoke, which
contributes about 20 mg of indoor particulate matter/m-Vsmoker.
In all cities, indoor respirable sulfate concentrations were
consistently lower than outdoor concentrations were.
*Stock, D.J., et al. "Exposure Estimates for the Houston Area
Asthma Study." Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, Vol.
2, Nos. 1-2, 1982, p. 129. (EN)
Residential clusters of asthmatics in the Houston area were
studied to determine the health effects of air pollution on the
Texas Gulf Coast region. Air pollutant monitoring data from
centrally-located fixed stations, residential areas, and personal
testing were used. Fixed and mobile sites monitored ambient
levels of ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon
monoxide, and meteorological parameters. Sequential integrated
samplings were done for total suspended particulates and
inhalable particulates.
*Swedish Council for Building Research. Indoor Air. Volume 1.
Recent Advances in the Health Sciences and Technology.
Proceedings of the International Conference (3rd) on Indoor
Air Quality and Climate Held in Stockholm on August 20-24,
1984. NTIS, Springfield, VA, ISBN-91-540-4191-O; D16:1984,
1984. PB85-104180/XAB. (NT)
Contents: Future buildings and building hygiene. Sick
building syndrome. Lung cancer from radon and passive smoking.
Total exposure estimation. Health implications of indoor air
humidity. Indoor odors. Indoor allergens. Effect of moderate
thermal stress and evaluation of thermal discomfort. Airborne
infections and modern building technology. Free radicals and
oxidizing agents in the indoor air. Air quality control
strategies. Achievement of the super-clean environment. Policy
and regulatory issues.
*Swedish Council for Building Research. Indoor Air. Volume 3.
Sensory and Hyperreactivity Reactions to Sick buildings.
^Proceedings of the International Conference (3rd) on Indoor
Air Quality and Climate Held in Stockholm on August 20-24,
1984. NTIS, Springfield, VA, ISBN-91-540-4195-3; D18;
1984. PB85-104180/XAB. (NT)
Contents: Formaldehyde, Sources, exposures, measurements
and health effects. Air ions and electrical fields. Allergies
and other hypersensitivity reactions to indoor pollutants.
Microorganisms related to buildings. Sick buildings; physical
and psychosocial features, effects on humans and preventive
measures. Odors and sensory irritants; Effects on health and
comfort.
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*Thun, M.J., Lakat, M.F., et_ a±. "Symptom Survey of Residents of
Homes Insulated with Urea-Formaldehyde Foam." Environmental
Research, Vol. 29, No. 2, December 1982, p. 320. 83-003604.
(EN)
This is a report to assess the health effects of urea-
formaldehyde (UF) upon people whose homes had been insulated with
the substance. A retrospective cohort study, through use of a
standard questionnaire administered through telephone interviews,
was undertaken. Control homes were selected from neighboring
houses. First, structural problems and odors resulting from UF
installation were examined. Questions concerning health were
next administered. The findings indicate no broad baser"
epidemiology of allergic or irritative symptoms, but excessive
instances of burning skin and wheezing or breathing difficulty.
*Wallace, L.A. "Carbon Monoxide in Air and Breath of Employees
in an Underground Office." Air Pollution Control
Association Journal, Vol. 33, No. 7, July 1983, p. 678.
84-000795. (EN)
Employees working in an undergound office were monitored to
determine the carbon monoxide levels in their breath. The office
was discovered to have 8-hour average CO concentrations of 18-26
ppm during one week in winter. On one afternoon, 20 nonsmoking
workers -- out of a total of 65 people working in the office --
had alveolar CO levels of 23.3 ppm compared with levels of 8.2 in
six nonsmoking workers in other offices within the same
building. When these same workers were out of the office during
the weekend, their alveolar CO levels dropped dramatically. A
parking garage on the same level as the office was the reason for
the elevated CO levels in the environment.
Weiss, S.T., jet_ al_. "The Health Effects of Involuntary
Smoking." American Review of Respiratory Diseases
128, No. 5, November 1983, p. 933-942.(ME)
Involuntary smoking is defined as the exposure of nonsmokers
to tobacco combustion products in the indoor environment.
Involuntary smokers are exposed to a quantitatively smaller and
qualitatively different smoke exposure than active smokers.
Quantitation of exposure is particularly difficult in both
physiologic and epidemiologic studies. Acute physiologic studies
have documented minimal physiologic changes in healthy
subjects. However, individuals with heart or lung disease may be
differentially affected. A relatively large body of data relates
parental (particularly maternal) cigarette smoking to the
occurrence of both acute respiratory illnesses and chronic
respiratory symptoms in children. The effect seems to be
greatest early in life and cannot be separated from in Utero
exposure. Data linking parental smoking to lower levels of
pulmonary function are all cross-sectional and less conclusive.
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What is apparent is that the magnitude of the direct effect of
passive smoke exposure is likely to be relatively small (from 1
to 5% reduction in maximally obtained lung function level in
exposed children). Data on adults are insufficient to allow for
a quantitative estimate. The important effects of passive smoke
exposure in childhood are twofold. The slight reduction in
pulmonary function level may predispose individuals to increased
risks from environmental agents later in life. In addition,
having a parent who smokes substantially increases the likelihood
that a child will become a smoker. Finally, two studies have
linked lung cancer in nonsmokers to exposure to spouses'
cigarette smoke. Further research is needed to confirm these
findings. Involuntary smoking may have important health effects,
either direct or indirect, which deserve further study.
*White, J.R., et al. "Small-Airways Dysfunction in Non-Smokers
Chronically Exposed to Tobacco Smoke." New England Journal
of Medicine, Vol. 302, No. 13, March 27, 1980, p. 720-72?.
(ME)
We evaluated the effect of long-term passive smoking
(involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke by nonsmokers) and long-
term voluntary smoking on specific indexes of pulmonary function
in 2100 middle-aged subjects. Regardless of sex, nonsmokers
chronically exposed to tobacco smoke had a lower forced mid-
expiratory flow rate (FEF 25 to 75 per cent) and forced end-
expiratory flow rate (FEF 75 29 85 per cent) than nonsmokers not
exposed (p less than 0.005). In addition, values in passive
smokers were not significantly different from those in light
smokers and smokers who did not inhale (p less than 0.005). When
we looked at the extent to which smoke exposure is related to
graded abnormality, we found that nonsmokers in smoke-free
working environments have the highest scores on the spirometric
tests; passive smokers, smokers who do not inhale, and light
smokers score similarly and significantly lower; and heavy
smokers score the lowest (p less than 0.005). We conclude that
chronic exposure to tobacco smoke in the work environment is
deleterious to the nonsmoker and significantly reduces small-
airways function.
World Health Organization. "Estimating Human Exposure to Air
Pollutants." WHO Report 69, 1982. (EN)
The state of the art of air pollution exposure monitoring is
reviewed, and widely accepted techniques for use in monitoring
and identifying pollutants are critiqued. Exposure is defined as
the amount of contact between an air pollutant and inner or outer
surface of the human body; dose, on the other hand, is the amount
of air pollutant crossing one of the body boundaries. Factors
influencing indoor air pollution concentrations are evaluated, as
are the effects of population mobility and socioeconomics on air
pollution.
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World Health Organization. "Evaluation of Exposure to Airborne
Particles in the Work Environment." WHO Report 80, 1984.
(EN)
Occupational exposure to airborne particles is common and
frequently poses a potential hazard to human health. The nature
and properties of aerosols found in the work environment are
summarized. Information and guidance is provided for personnel
involved in planning and implementing occupational hygiene or air
sampling/analysis programs. A rationale for sampling either
total particles or respirable particles is delineated, with
emphasis on their relationship to potential adverse health
effects following inhalation. Principles of particle collection
and instruments currently in use are addressed.
*Young, G.S., Hagopian, J.H., et_ &!_• "Potential Health Effects
of Residential Energy Conservation Measures." NTIS,
Springfield, VA, PB82-133315, July 1981. 82-005445. (EN)
Health effects of residential energy conservation techniques
were assessed. Annotated biographies for indoor air quality,
indoor air pollution health effects, and residential air
filtration are included. Air filtration data is presented.
Factors related to the house, the residents, the
microenvironment, and their interrelationship are discussed.
-------
IV. MEASURES TO MITIGATE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
-------
IV. MEASURES TO MITIGATE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Amercian National Standards Institute/Americian Society of
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1981; Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality. New York, American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1981.
*Bozzelli, Joseph W., et^ al_. Airborn Asbestos Levels in Several
School Buildings Before and After Bulk Asbestos Removal."
International Journal of Environmental Studies, Vol. 20,
1982, p. 27. (EN)
Airborne particulate samples were collected in several
public schools before and after friable asbestos-containing
insulation material had been removed from ceilings. Transmission
electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction
techniques facilitated fiber identification and counting.
Asbestos fibers concentrations in indoor air were in the range 5-
40 ng/m^ before insulation removal. Measurements made one week
after removal showed reductions of 56-90%. (18 references, 1
table)
*Pletcher, R.A., je_t jil^ "The NBS Portable Ambient Aerosol
Sampler." EPA Pollutant Monitoring of Ambient Air &
Stationary Sources Symposium. Raleigh, NC, May 4-7, 1982.
84-002847. (EN)
A portable, battery-powered particle sampler for collecting
ambient level concentrations of respirable particles has been
developed at NBS. The unit has a flow rate of 6 L/minute and can
operate for 24 hours or more on a single battery charge. It
separates and collects the ambient inhalable particulate size
fractions by series filtration. The sampling protocol is well
suited for indoor particulate monitoring and is also useful for
nitrogen dioxide monitoring.
*Fisk, W.J., _et. .al^- Ventilation for Control of Indoor Air
Quality. NTIS, Springfield, VA,
Feb. 1984. DE84015997/XAB. (NT)
Quality. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-17597; CONF-840803-3
. 1984.
Ventilation is widely used to help maintain acceptable
indoor pollutant concentrations. In this paper, the
relationships between ventilation rate and indoor concentration
are examined by the use of mass balance models and measured
data. It is shown that the pollutant source strength and
pollutant removal by processes other than ventilation can have a
large impact on the indoor concentration and that maintenance of
a typical ventilation rate does not ensure an acceptable indoor
concentration. The importance of avoiding unusually low
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ventilation rates and of minimizing pollutant source strengths is
emphasized.
*Hanson, David J., et al. "Effects of Foam Insulation Ban Far
Reaching." Chemical & Engineering News, Mar. 29, 1982,
P34. 82-005555. (EN)
When the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted in
February 1982 to ban the use of urea-formaldehyde foam insulation
in schools and homes, it made one of the most far reaching and
controversial decisions in the agency's history. The ban was
implemented due to evidence revealing health hazards of this type
of insulation, including eye irritation and the possible
carcinogenicity of insulation emissions. The Economic Impact
that this ban may have on related industries is discussed.
*Hinds, William C., <2t_ al^. "Control of Indoor Radon Decay
Products by Air Treatment Devices." Air Polution Control
Association Journal, Vol. 33, No. 2, February 1983, p. 134
(3). 82-005555. (EN)
Research was conducted to determine the most efficient
devices for control of indoor radon decay products by air
treatment devices. Box fans, ceiling fans, electrostatic
precipitators, and filters were tested. Room size air cleaners
can achieve substantial reductions in working levels in
residences. Reductions observed at air infiltration rates of
0.52 air changes per hour ranged from 58-89%. The ceiling fan
appears the most suitable for residences.
*Kirsch, L.S., et al. "Behind Closed Doors: Indoor Air
Pollution and Government Policy." Harvard Environmental Law
Review, Vol. 6, No. 2, 1982, pp. 339-398. (PA)
This article examines the problems of indoor air pollution
and the policy options it presents. Part I discusses the
individual pollutants, their known concentrations inside homes,
the health problems they pose, and possible methods of
controlling them. Part II examines the potential for applying
three currently existing federal statutes to the regulation of
indoor air pollution. Part III discusses the need for an
expanded governmental role in the control of indoor air
pollution, evaluates the possible strategies which Congress might
consider, and presents a proposal for federal legislation.
*Kirsch, Laurence S. "Indoor Air Pollution and Government."
Environment. Vol. 25, No. 3, April 1983, p. 26. (EN)
The current authority for the regulation of indoor air
pollution in residential settings is examined, and the types of
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government action that could be taken are compared. Legislation
is proposed that Congress should adopt to ensure that further
research is undertaken, that the results of the research are
rendered useful to the average citizen, and that future federal
efforts in this area be well coordinated. Profiles of the Clean
Air Act of 1977, Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, Nat'l
Ambient Air Quality Standards, Nat'l Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants, EPA activities under the Toxic
Substances Control Act, and the Consumer Product Safety Act of
1973 are provided.
*Liiri, Osrao, et al. "Painting as a Preventive of Formaldehyde
Emission from Particle Board." Finland Technical Research
Centre Report 190, 1983. 84-001423. (EN)
Formaldehyde emissions from particle board used in
residential construction were characterized. The use of paints
to seal the particle board and thereby reduce such emissions was
investigated. Reactive and latex paints were tested for this
purpose. Results revealed that painting reduced the formaldehyde
content of air to levels below 0.15 mg/m . (In Finnish) (4
diagrams, 5 graphs, 2 photos, 5 references, 10 tables)
*Males, Rene. "R&D Status Report; Energy Analysis and
Environment Division." EPRI Journal/ Vol. 8, No. 4, May 1983,
p. 48. 84-000010. (EN)
DOE and a number of electric utilities conducted 14
experiments involving time of use rates for residential customers
during 1975-81. If such data on customer response patterns can
be transferred across geographic regions, many utilities may be
able to avoid conducting expensive, time-consuming experiments.
EPRI is investigating such trasnferability issues, and data from
DOE studies are being used in the development of an econometric
transferability model for predicting residential load response to
time of use rates. Indoor air pollution research initiated by
EPRI has shown that energy conservation efforts that reduce
infiltration of outside air serve to increase the concentration
of air pollutants in homes. Mass balance algorithms for
predicting indoor pollutant concentration as a function of
outside pollutant levels are being developed.
*Martinex, K.F. Control Technology for Fermentation Processes;
Walk-Through Survey Report of Miles Laboratories, Inc.,
Elkhart, Indiana. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CT-116-16A, Mar.
1984. PB84-243518. (NT)
A walk through survey to assess control technology at the
enzyme production facility of Miles Laboratories, Incorporated
(SIC-2869), Elkhart, Indiana, was conducted in July 1983. The
enzyme production operation was essentially a closed system. The
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facility maintained a clean occupational environment and good
work practices. Although the health program was maintained at
the corporate level, the facility was in the process of
developing a procedure for detecting trace quantities of enzymes
in the ambient air. Preplacement and selected periodic medical
evaluations were performed. Personal protective equipment was
used when potentially hazardous operations were performed.
*Matthewsf T.G., et al. "Formaldehyde Surface Emission Monitor"
EPA Pollutant monitoring of Ambient Air & Stationary Sources
Symposium, Raleigh, NC, May 4-7, 1982. P30. 84-002841.
(EN)
A formaldehyde surface emission monitor is under development
for the passive, non-destructive measurement of CH20 emission
rates from flat surfaces. The apparatus uses a solid sorbent and
a 13x molecular sieve that provides excellent chemical stability
for sorbed CH20 and permits the monitor to be used in any
physical orientation. With a 0.032 m2 test area, a 0.01 mg
CH20/m2/hour detection limit can be achieved with a 3 hour
sampling period. Preliminary test results indicate the device
could be used for quality control measurements of commercial CH20
resin-containing materials, and in situ measurements from various
sources in domestic environments.
Measurement and Monitoring of Non-criteria (Toxic) Contaminants
in Air. Air Pollution Control Association Measurement &
Monitoring of Non-criteria (Toxic) Contaminants in Air
Symposium Proceedings. Chicago, Mar. 22-24, 1983. (EN)
Current methods for sampling and analysis of toxic
contaminants in air are state-of-the-art, complex, and costly.
The measurement problem is a stumbling block to implementation of
air quality regulations. Topics discussed in APCA's specialty
conference on measuring non-criteria pollutants include: the
chemical industry's position on hazardous air pollutants, ambient
air around abandoned check waste dump sites, sampling organic
compounds near a hazardous liquid surface impoundment, toxic,
organic air pollutants in the arctic, survey of eight states'
local toxic control strategies, air pollutants from industrial
boilers, screening for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, total
reduced sulfur emission testing, asbestos sampling, field testing
of hazardous waste incinerators, indoor air pollution, and PCB
waste destruction.
*Mirabella, Vince A. "On a Clear Day." Clean Air-Australia,
V16, Nl, February 1982, Pll. 82-004685. (EN)
A major restructuring in approach and organization of U.S.
regulatory agencies is currently in progress. Multimedia
assessments that consider all potential ecological impacts are
being considered as a means for treating air, water, and solid
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waste problems together. Reauthorization of the Clean Air Act,
will most probably emphasize the need for transferring
responsibility for complying with the act to individual states
that are most aware of local conditions and values.
*Morrill, Elizabeth. "Indoor Air Pollution and Some
Solutions." Wood N Energy, Vol. 2, No. 12, December 1982,
p. 30. 83-004207. (EN)
While homeowners have been weatherstripping and insulating
their houses, researchers have discovered that such activities
serve to seal in potentially dangerous pollutants that normally
escape through window and door cracks. One frequent source of
indoor air pollution is the fireplace, along with wood and coal-
burning heaters. Particulates and carbon monoxide are emitted by
these systems. Kerosene heaters, gas appliances,and insulating
materials are also culprits of indoor air pollution. Air
cleaning appliances, increased ventilation, and the use of air-
to-air heat exchanges can help purify indoor air.
*Mortimer, Jr., V.D. In Depth Survey Report; Control Technology
for Formaldehyde Emissions at Hillcrest Veneer Plant, High
Point, North Carolina. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CT-108-136,
6 Jan. 1984. PB84-199884. (NT)
A survey to assess the techniques used to control
occupational exposure to formaldehyde (50000) was conducted at
the Hillcrest Veneer Factory (SIC-2435, S:IC-2436), High Point,
North Carolina, in September 1982. The control systems at the
facility were found to be effective. The low concentrations were
achieved by combination of an area and local exhaust ventilation
system that exhausted 93,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) air from
the press room, with a supply air system that infused approxi-
mately 18,000 cfm fresh air into the primary work area of the
press workers. The author suggests that research be done to
determine the optimal configuration of the fresh air outlets.
The control system at this facility is efficient.
Special Investigation Report - An Evaluation of the Garrett TPE
331 Engine|s Potential for Turbine Oil By-Product
Contamination of an Aircraft Cabin Environmental System.
National Trasportation Safety Board, Washington, D.C.
Bureau of Technology. NTIS, Springfield, VA, NTSB/SIR-
84/01, 20 Jan. 1984. PB84-917006/XAB. (NT)
A hypothesis presented to the National Transportation Safety
Board investigator during several accident investigations caused
the Safety Board to examine the possibility that a cracked front
mainshaft compressor carbon seal element used in the Garrett TPE-
331 turboprop engine might allow engine oil to leak through the
carbon seal, enter the engine's airflow, pass through the
compressor bleed air systems, and allow toxic or anesthetic
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byproducts of the oil to enter the aircraft's cabin environmental
system. Further, the hypothesis suggested that the toxic or
anesthetic gases, if any, might adversely affect the flightcrew's
capacity to control the aircraft during critical phases of
flight. And finally, it was hypothesized that the potential for
a safety hazard could extend to all turbine engines using
synthetic turbine oil and supplying compressor bleed air for
aircraft cabin environmental control. To test the validity of
the hypothesis, the Safety Board formed an ad hoc Special
investigative committee. The committee received technical
support from manufacturers, consultants, and other governmental
agencies. These included the Federal Aviation Administration's
Civil Aeromedical Institute, Clayton Environmental Consultants,
Inc., the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection
Agency, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, and the Garrett
Turbine Engine Company. The contributions of these organizations
included the technical expertise for formulating the tests and
the analysis of the test results. As a result of the investiga-
tion, the Safety Board has concluded that contamination of
compressor bleed air by the ingestion of engine oil is not
possible.
*Nero, Anthony V. Indoor Radiation Exposures From Radon and Its
Daughters; A View of the Issues. LBNL Report LBL-10525,
Aug. 1981. 82-004441. (EN)
Current knowledge of indoor radon concentrations, their
associated health risks, and energy-saving measures that reduce
ventilation rates is reviewed. Conservation programs could be
adjusted to achieve both energy savings and acceptable indoor air
quality. Indoor air quality standards could be developed to
protect individuals from excessive radon exposure; building
standards to control average exposures could help implement
prospective air standards.
*O'Brien, D.M., .et^ ^1^ Control Technology for New Materials at
International Harvester/ Columbus Plastics Plant/ Columbus,
Ohio. NTIS, Springfield, VA, CT-148-16, Aug. 1984. PB85-
103539/XAB. (NT)
Area and breathing zone samples were analyzed for styrene
(100425) at the plastics factory of International Harvester (SIC-
3713), Columbus, Ohio, on April 10, 1984. Engineering controls
were inspected. At the request of the union health and safety
representative, a spray booth where an asbestos (13332214)
containing sound muffler had been sprayed was inspected. The
authors note that the placement of the pedestal fan in the press
room may contribute to worker exposure to styrene. They conclude
that engineering controls are well developed in some areas, but
not in the press room area. They recommend placing a fresh air
shower above the press operators' work stations and developing
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dust controls for small tools such as saws, drills, grinders, and
sanders.
Pedersen, B.S., jet^ al_. Air Washing for the Control of
Formaldehyde in Indoor Air. NTIS, Springfield, VA, LBL-
16822: CONF-840803-5, Feb. 1984. DE84015994/XAB. (NT)
Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant that is
difficult to control. One potentially suitable control technique
for indoor formaldehyde is air washing: the absorption of
formaldehyde by a liquid. This report presents a mathematical
model of an air washer, describes tests of two air washers, and
compares the energy required for controlling formaldehyde
concentrations by ventilation and by air washing. The two
experimental air washers tested employ water as the washing
liquid and incorporate a refrigeration system to control the
humidity of the outlet airstream. Air flow rates through the air
washers were 100 to 160 1/s and inlet formaldehyde concentrations
were 80 to 480 ng/1. The formaldehyde removal efficiencies of
the two designs were 0.36 to 0.47 and 0.30 to 0.63. Results show
that an air washer with reasonable power and water requirements
can effectively remove formaldehyde from indoor air.
*Riley, Richard L. "Indoor Spread of Respiratory Infection by
Recirculation of Air: A Controllable Hazard. " Presented at
Society for Occupational & Env Health (Ann Arbor)
Conference, Salt Lake City, Apr. 4-7, 1979, P653. 82-
002056. (EN)
Insulation and air recirculation conserve energy, and also
increase the likelihood of airborne infection as recirculation
prevents dilution of airborne organisms with outdoor air.
Preventing infection by recirculated organisms is possible in
several ways. Germicidal ultraviolet radiation and disinfection
techniques are described.
*Salterr R.G.. Indoor Air Quality Handbook for Designers,
Builders, and Users of Energy Efficient Residences. US
Sandia Natl Labs Report SAND82-1773, Sep. 1982. 83-
004939. (EN)
A handbook has been compiled to assist designers, builders
and users of energy-efficient residences to achieve energy
efficiency and maintain high indoor air quality. Potential
problems of indoor air pollution are identified and possible
solutions are discussed. The effects of a building system on
indoor air quality, the health effects of specific air
contaminants and the health standards developed for them, methods
for predicting and measuring contaminants and evaluating human
response, methods for the control of indoor air pollution once
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contaminants have been identified, and the legal aspects of
indoor air quality are among the topics addressed.
*Sinha, J.K. , et^ _al_. "Industrial Ventilation System and its
Application in Pollution Control in Industries." Indian
Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol. 3, No. 4, October
1983, p. 116. 84-004202. (EN)
Industrial ventilation systems reduce workers' exposure to
airborne contaminants. Air movement is the prime factor in
operating an effective ventilation system. Ventilation system
requirements for pollution control are discussed. Dilution,
source control and exhaust, and clean air supply ventilation
approaches are considered.
*Spengler, John D. , et^ al^. "The IN's and OUT's of Air
Pollution." Technology Review. Vol. 85, No. 6, August-
September 1982, p. 32. 83-000024. (EN)
Federal Regulations on air quality as defined by the Clean
Air Act of 1970 vary little with regard to region or situation.
Each area of the U.S. must now devise ways to meet air-quality
standards, even when the types of pollutants vary from area to
area. The relationship between indoor air quality and health is
also explored; although few studies have been undertaken,
concentrations of harmful pollutants are known to be higher in
indoor environments.
*Swedish Council for Building Research. Indoor Air. Volume 5.
Buildings, Ventilation and Thermal Climate. Proceedings of
the International Conference (3rd) on Indoor Air Quality and
Climate Held in Stockholm on August 20-24, 1984. NTIS,
Springfield, VA, 1984. PB85-104222/XAB. (NT)
Contents: Technical solutions to providing adequate indoor
air quality and thermal climate, ventilation efficiency, air
cleaning devices, design concepts, ventilation criteria:
biological demands and formulation of standards for specific
environments and specific compounds; indoor thermal climate:
requirements for comfort, health and performance, instrumenta-
tion, and building performance assessment with respect to
ventilation as well as air quality.
*Turk, A. "Gaseous Air Cleaning to Maintain Tolerable Indoor Air
Quality Limits." ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 9, No. IB, 1983,
p. 505. 84-005666. (EN)
Gaseous air cleaners considered most effective for indoor
applications consist of granular adsorbents with or without
special impregnations. The nonpolar adsorbent of choice is
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activated carbon; polar adsorbents include activated alumina/
silica gel, and surface-active clays. An air sampler comprised
of 16 cylindrical cartridges manifolded in a 4 x 4 pattern is
described. The device can be used in any of three modes: to
test a given adsorbent for its service life in any indoor
environment; to set up competitive tests between different
adsorbents; and to test a partially saturated adsorbent for its
residual efficiency.
*Turpin, J.L. Hydrocarbon Solvent Recovery in the Presence of
Resin Contaminants. NTIS, Springfield, VA, EPA-600/2-84-
003, Jan. 1984. PB84-148170. (NT)
A system was developed to recover acetone from an air stream
in which there were suspended epoxy resin particles. This
recovery problem is encountered in the manufacture of fiber glass
reinforced plastic pipe. It is representative of numerous other
industrial situations which require the recovery of hydrocarbon
solvents from a gaseous stream containing resin particles in
order to eliminate atmospheric pollution. The system developed
was a three-stage low temperature condensation process proceded
by a cascade impactor. A scale model of the system was designed
and constructed. It was tested in the laboratory, and on a split
stream of an actual plant process.
Wayman, J.L., .etL _al.« Effect of Sealants on the Sound Absorption
Coefficients of Acoustical Friable Insulating Materials
(Technical rept. 1 Nov. 83-30 Sep. 1984). NTIS,
Springfield, VA, NPS-53-85-004, Oct. 1984. AD-A148
541/6/XAB. (NT)
Acoustical friable insulating materials (AFIM), which often
in the past contained asbestos, have been used for sound control
since the mid-1930's. Because of their widespread use and the
ease of fiber dissemination, friable asbestos materials are
considered to be the major source of asbestos fiber contamination
in the indoor environment. Encapsulation of asbestos materials
with a commercial sealant product is one of several methods used
to control potential asbestos exposure in rooms. A sealant
product that preserves most of the acoustical properties of the
material is preferred in this usage. AFIM sample materials were
treated with 6 types of sealants and the effects on normally
incident absorption coefficients from 100 to 2500 Hz were
measured using a fixed, dual-microphone technique. 'Penetrating'
type sealants were found to have a less detrimental effect on
sound absorption than those of a "bridging" type. Originator-
supplied keywords include: Sound absorption coefficients.
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*Wesolowski, J.J. "An Overview of Indoor Air Quality." Journal
of Environmental Health. Vol. 46, No. 6, 1984, pp. 311-
316. (PA)
This overview of nonoccupational indoor air quality covers
such topics as the importance of indoor air quality, pollutant
sources, differences between indoor and outdoor pollution, health
effects, and measurement and mitigation techniques. It also
describes the recently legislated California nonoccupational
indoor air quality program.
*Woods, J.E., jet^ ai^. "Calculation Methods to Assess Indoor Air
Quality." ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 89, No. 2B, 1983,
p. 683. 84-006258. (EN)
Indoor air quality is determined by the sources of
contaminants and by methods used to control their concentra-
tions. Procedures used to predict or mathematically assess
indoor air quality and rates of pollutant generation, transfer,
and removal are characterized. Spatial models are also explored;
these can be used to calculate contaminant distributions within
occupied spaces. The nature and limitations of single-zone,
steady-state models of occupied spaces are review, Needed
analytical improvements, such as better characterization of
contaminant generation dynamics, are cited.
U.S. Environ-, ' ' ' ' • 'on A8ency
Region V, Li;-:
230 South Defc...~ ; -••-"*
Chicago, Illinois 60604
4-10
*U.S. COV RRNMENT PRINTING OFFICE • 1985 0-527-806/30566
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