Grantee Research Project Results
A Study of Ozone Concentration Gradients in Large Buildings, Including an Examination of Indoor Chemistry, Ventilation, Occupant Health Effects and Effects on HVAC Systems
EPA Grant Number: R824796Title: A Study of Ozone Concentration Gradients in Large Buildings, Including an Examination of Indoor Chemistry, Ventilation, Occupant Health Effects and Effects on HVAC Systems
Investigators: Spengler, John D.
Institution: Harvard University
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1998
Project Amount: $425,708
RFA: Indoor Air Quality in Large Office Buildings (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Air
Description:
This project is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of the concentration gradients of ozone encountered in large buildings during the ozone season. We are examining the routes of entry and dispersion of ozone in buildings and the extent and significance of ozone concentration gradients formed in various microenvironments in buildings. Indoor/outdoor volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations are being measured to determine if ozone reactions with HVAC system components contribute to indoor concentration of specific compounds. In addition, we are investigating the effect that ozone and its reaction byproducts have in generating secondary indoor air pollutants and entraining stored particulate matter, and the overall integrity of duct lining. Our sampling strategy is focused on measuring the concentration gradients of ozone in occupied spaces and in the HVAC ducting serving the occupied space. In relation to the outdoor ozone levels, we are examining the distance/ventilation function, the type of ventilation system and type of building construction. Over the three-year period of this study, 15 buildings will be monitored throughout an entire ozone season. Sampling in the first year is being concentrated on large buildings in the New England area. For the second and third years, two other cities will be selected, each from a different ozone/humidity profile. Five buildings will be selected in each city. Sampling will be conducted monthly (four times), throughout the ozone season. We plan to develop a model to predict ozone burdens inside buildings, based on the building design and HVAC configuration. We also wish to identify the components of the dust which accumulates in duct work, and the effect that ozone and ozone chemistry has in generating secondary pollutants and entraining particulate matter stored in duct liners of buildings, and develop a model to predict the product lifetime of duct liners based on a given ozone burden.Supplemental Keywords:
air, ozone, indoor air, particulates, pathogens, monitoring, Massachusetts, MA, Region 1., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Geographic Area, particulate matter, Environmental Chemistry, State, Environmental Monitoring, indoor air, Atmospheric Sciences, Ecological Risk Assessment, tropospheric ozone, EPA Region, hvac, building related illness, monitoring, office buildings, particulates, ozone concentration gradients, indoor VOC compounds, occupant health, ventilation rates, ozone, indoor air chemistry, large buildings, Massachusetts (MA), building construction, cross sectional study, indoor air quality, longitudinal studiesProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.