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HVAC SYSTEMS AS EMISSION SOURCES AFFECTING INDOOR AIR QUALITY: A CRITICAL REVIEW
Citation:
Batterman, S. AND H. Burge. HVAC SYSTEMS AS EMISSION SOURCES AFFECTING INDOOR AIR QUALITY: A CRITICAL REVIEW. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-95/014 (NTIS 95-178596), 1995.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
The study evaluates heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems as contaminant emission sources that affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Various literature sources and methods for characterizing HVAC emission sources are reviewed. Available methods include in situ tests, longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, and laboratory studies. A critique of the literature reveals that few studies are well-controlled, comprehensive, and quantitative. Significant gaps in the data are highlighted, and procedures are suggested to improve the characterization of bioaerosol and volatile organic compound (VOC) emission sources. Based on available literature, several HVAC components are cited fairly frequently as emission sources, and there is broad agreement regarding their significance. The components include biological growth and bioaerosol generation in the presence of moisture provided by air washers and other recirculating water systems, poor control of humidity, poorly designed humidifying systems, and inadequately maintained cooling coils and drip pans. IAQ problems appear to be exacerbated by dust accumulation and by the presence of fibrous insulation. Other problems include entrainment, migration, and infiltration of indoor and outdoor contaminants that are distributed to indoor spaces by the HVAC system.