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TESTS OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY SINKS
Citation:
McHugh, J. AND K. Bauer. TESTS OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY SINKS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-92/094.
Description:
Experiments were conducted in a room-size test chamber to determine the sink effects of selected materials on indoor air concentrations of p-dichlorobenzene (PDCB). hese effects might alter pollutant behavior from that predicted using similar indoor air quality models, by reducing the peak concentrations during source usage and by increasing the ventilation rates needed to reduce pollutant concentrations. our experimental conditions were treated: mpty chamber (painted gypsum wallboard), carpeting only, carpeting and drapes, and carpeting plus a full-size bed with a comforter. hamber temperature and relative humidity were controlled- atmospheric pressure was monitored. ir exchange rates ware monitored using the tracer-gas decay method. hamber air, sampled at six minute intervals, was analyzed using a gas chromatograph. ink af facts ware estimated by comparing decay curves fit to the tracer gas (SF6) and the PDCB concentrations. he influence of sink effects on indoor air concentrations was illustrated by estimating the ventilation rates required to reduce PDCB concentrations from 14 ppm to 2 ppm. n the absence of sink effects, the theoretical rate was 1.95 air changes per hour (ACH). ith sinks, the rates predicted for each experimental condition were 2.5 (empty test chamber), 3.21 (carpet only), 6.64 (carpet and drapes), and 3.75 ACH (carpet and bed).