« Previous AbstractIndoor air quality and health problems associated with damp floor coverings    Next AbstractNutrient stress: an explanation for plant anti-herbivore responses to defoliation »

Indoor Air

Title:		The 3-year follow-up study in a block of flats - experiences in the use of the Finnish indoor climate classification
Author(s):		Tuomainen M; Tuomainen A; Liesivuori J; Pasanen AL;
Address:		"Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kuopio, Finland. marja.tuomainen@hengitysliitto.fi"
Journal Title:		Indoor Air
Year:		2003
Volume:		13
Issue:		2
Page Number:		136 - 147
DOI:		10.1034/j.1600-0668.2003.00171.x
ISSN/ISBN:		0905-6947 (Print) 0905-6947 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Indoor climate of two new blocks of flats was investigated. The case building was built for people with respiratory diseases by following the instructions of the Finnish Classification of Indoor Climate, Construction and Finishing Materials, while the control building was built using conventional building technology. The main indoor air parameters (temperature, relative humidity and levels of CO, CO2, ammonia, total volatile organic compounds, total suspended particles, fungal spores, bacteria and cat, dog and house dust mite allergens) were measured in six apartments of both the buildings on five occasions during the 3-year occupancy. In addition, a questionnaire to evaluate symptoms of the occupants and their satisfaction with their home environment was conducted in connection with indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements. The levels of indoor air pollutants in the case building were, in general, lower than those in the control building. In addition, the asthmatic occupants informed that their symptoms had decreased during the occupancy in the case building. This case study showed that high IAQ is possible to reach by careful design, proper materials and equipment and on high-quality construction with reasonable additional costs. In addition, the study indicated that good IAQ can also be maintained during the occupancy, if sufficient information on factors affecting IAQ and guidance on proper use and care of equipment are available for occupants"
Keywords:		"*Air Pollution, Indoor Allergens/analysis Ammonia/analysis Asthma/prevention & control Bacteria Carbon Dioxide/analysis Carbon Monoxide/analysis Construction Materials/*standards Finland Follow-Up Studies Housing/*standards Humans Humidity Spores, Fungal;"
Notes:		"MedlineTuomainen, M Tuomainen, A Liesivuori, J Pasanen, A-L eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2003/05/21 Indoor Air. 2003 Jun; 13(2):136-47. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0668.2003.00171.x"