Indoor air quality and minimum ventilation rate

Abstract

In a 30-m 3 test chamber the air pollutants caused by man were measured. Variables were the number of persons and the rate of air change. During 2-h test sessions the temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, and intensity of odors were measured. The relationship between the perceived odor intensities and the concentrations of carbon dioxide-independent of the number of persons and the air change rate—was observed. At air change rates of 12–15 m 3/person/h, the carbon dioxide concentration was not higher than 0.15% and the odor intensity was evaluated only as a “slight annoyance.” Higher ventilation rates are necessary if smoking and increased physical activities are done in the rooms.