Health and Wellbeing in Relation to the Quality of Ventilation Systems in Newly Built Dwellings in the Netherlands

Abstract

O-29A6-1 Background/Aims: The Netherlands is situated in a moderate maritime climate in Western Europe, where most houses today are built with thermal insulation and mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation can be subdivided in systems which combine natural supply and mechanical exhaust and systems with mechanical supply and exhaust with heat recovery. In 2007, a Municipal Health Service reported health complaints of residents in dwellings with the latter type of mechanical ventilation system. Residents reported nonspecific health complaints such as respiratory, nose, and eye complaints; fatigue; and sleep problems attributed to the ventilation system. As stricter requirements for energy performance are expected in the future, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery will become more common. Therefore, understanding the relationship of mechanical ventilation and health complaints is needed. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of mechanical ventilation systems and health complaints and wellbeing in private homes. Methods: One hundred fifty newly built houses with natural supply and mechanical exhaust ventilation and 150 newly built houses with mechanical supply and exhaust with heat recovery throughout the Netherlands were selected from an existing database. A structured home inspection by trained surveyors aimed at the ventilation system was combined with a questionnaire survey among the 300 residents. The ventilation system was checked for ventilation capacity, noise levels, construction flaws, internal cleanliness, and maintenance state, etc. The questionnaire contained questions about nonspecific health complaints, sleep quality, noise annoyance, thermal comfort, environmental sensitivity, and coping strategies. Results: This paper will present results about the association of different mechanical ventilation systems with health complains and well-being. The role of perceptions and environmental sensitivity will be discussed. Conclusion: Home inspection reveals that a priori 20% of both types of ventilation systems have insufficient ventilation capacity. In working conditions, an additional 60% does not have a sufficient ventilation capacity and might result in adverse health effects.