RP-1072 -- Detection and Removal of Gaseous Effluents and Byproducts of Fungal Growth That Affect Indoor Environments PDF

Indoor odors, particularly those causing discomfort, frequently appear to spark complaints of poor indoor air quality in buildings. The ventilation system is potentially a source, an amplifier, and a transportation system for odors, including mVOCs. Recent studies have indicated that there is a relationship between reported indoor air quality problems and fungal contamination of ventilation system components and indoor environments. A large body of research has indicated the harmful nature of some fungal particles and fungal metabolites, including mVOCs. It has been suggested that these compounds may be present in sufficient quantities in microbially contaminated building to cause adverse health affects. The objective of this research project is to obtain reliable scientific data on the impact of mVOCs in buildings through laboratory and in-situ studies. The complexity of the problem warrants a measured approach that focuses on two specific areas: (1) Identification and measurement of mVOCs, and (2) evaluation of implementation methodologies in real building environments.

Principal Investigator: W. Elliott Horner, J. David Miller, Air Quality Sciences, Inc.

Conducted: January 1999 - October 1999

Sponsored by: TC 2.3, Gaseous Air Contaminants and Gas Contaminant Removal Equipment.