Initial Reactions to an Interior Condition Part III

Phase 1: Research & Preliminary Design

Week 1: January 9, 2012-January 18, 2012

Air Conditioning Health Issues

 Air conditioning units have health issues linked to them.  There are several sources of indoor air pollution in a home and air conditioning units happen to be one of them.  Depending on how much of a given pollutant they emit, determines how hazardous the emissions are.  Outdoor air entering inside a home (natural ventilation) is essential because when there is too little, pollutants can build up to levels that can pose health and comfort problems.   The rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air is described as the air exchange rate. When there is little infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation, the air exchange rate is low and pollutant levels can increase (EPA, 2012).  Most home heating and cooling systems do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. To improve indoor air quality in a home, the resident can remove a source, alter an activity, unblock an air supply vent, or open a window to temporarily increase the ventilation; however, sometimes the responsibility is that of the building owner/manager to remedy the problem. 

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html