Location
Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
Event Website
https://event.ceri2020.exordo.com/
Start Date
27-8-2020 4:15 PM
End Date
27-8-2020 5:30 PM
Description
An increase in energy efficiency and airtightness in the absence of adequate ventilation in A-rated houses has brought about an increase in indoor environment quality (IEQ) issues which can lead to health hazards, such as mould formation due to high humidity levels, or the sustained presence of Carbon Dioxide, both generated by human activities. Relative humidity above 80% for prolonged periods can result in mould growth on any cold unventilated surfaces, such as behind curtains, blinds, wardrobes, etc. Levels of humidity can also affect an occupant’s feeling of well-being, for example, low levels of humidity can lead to drying of the nose and throat irritations, particularly for those who are susceptible to such conditions. Similarly, high Carbon Dioxide levels can make the occupants feel lethargic and drowsy. Therefore, proper and adequate ventilation is needed to supply fresh air and remove indoor pollutants. Inhabitants play an important role in this because it has been observed that they switch off or close their ventilation system or change its setting inappropriately leading to a risk of health issues in these now airtight dwellings.
Recommended Citation
Saini, Niti; Shiel, Patrick; West, Roger P.; Kerrigan, Ruth; and Pyburn, Ian, "Impact Of Occupant Behaviour On Indoor Environment Of A-Rated Dwellings" (2020). Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2020. 1.
https://sword.cit.ie/ceri/2020/13/1
Included in
Civil Engineering Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Geotechnical Engineering Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons, Structural Engineering Commons, Transportation Engineering Commons
Impact Of Occupant Behaviour On Indoor Environment Of A-Rated Dwellings
Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
An increase in energy efficiency and airtightness in the absence of adequate ventilation in A-rated houses has brought about an increase in indoor environment quality (IEQ) issues which can lead to health hazards, such as mould formation due to high humidity levels, or the sustained presence of Carbon Dioxide, both generated by human activities. Relative humidity above 80% for prolonged periods can result in mould growth on any cold unventilated surfaces, such as behind curtains, blinds, wardrobes, etc. Levels of humidity can also affect an occupant’s feeling of well-being, for example, low levels of humidity can lead to drying of the nose and throat irritations, particularly for those who are susceptible to such conditions. Similarly, high Carbon Dioxide levels can make the occupants feel lethargic and drowsy. Therefore, proper and adequate ventilation is needed to supply fresh air and remove indoor pollutants. Inhabitants play an important role in this because it has been observed that they switch off or close their ventilation system or change its setting inappropriately leading to a risk of health issues in these now airtight dwellings.
https://sword.cit.ie/ceri/2020/13/1
