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- Title
Particulate Matter Intervention Study: A Causal Factor of Building-Related Symptoms in an Older Building.
- Authors
Kemp, Peter C.; Dingle, Peter; Neumeister, Heike G.
- Abstract
Abstract Five floors of a 20-year old 6-story office building were investigated using an integrated step-by-step investigation strategy. This involved a walkthrough inspection, an occupant questionnaire, and targeted environmental monitoring of indoor air quality and comfort parameters. The initial questionnaire survey revealed a high occurrence et building-related symptoms The walkthrough inspection and environmental monitoring identified deposits of surface dust (indoor surface pollution - ISP) on carpets and hard surfaces, and elevated lex els of carbon dioxide and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSP) throughout the building. An intervention study {blinded to the occupants) was targeted at reducing ISP levels by replacing normal carpet cleaning practices with higher performance vacuum cleaners and improved cleaning practices. The intervention reduced ISP levels and significantly lowered RSP concentrations by approx. 80% from initial values and against control floors. A follow-up SBS questionnaire revealed significant reductions in all but two of the symptoms. The most significant reductions occurred with symptoms of eve irritation, throat irritation, dry unproductive cough, and nose irritation. 1he study showed that in older buildings with poor ventilation, a build-up of ISP and elevated RSP levels, using higher performance carpet cleaning practices can reduce RSP to acceptable levels and can reduce SBS symptoms,
- Subjects
BUILDING inspection; ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring; INDOOR air pollution
- Publication
Indoor Air, 1998, Vol 8, Issue 3, p153
- ISSN
0905-6947
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1600-0668.1998.t01-1-00003.x