The residential energy and indoor air quality (REIAQ) model framework was developed by STAR grantees at the Illinois Institute of Technology as a tool for investigations on how energy use affects indoor air quality. The framework builds upon the EnergyPlus model (by Department of Energy) along with historical weather and air pollution data to predict Read More
Tag: indoor air
Indoor effects of wildfires
Wildfire events can significantly increase indoor PM2.5 and VOCs, based on work by researchers at Washington State University. In a detailed analysis of air exchanges between indoor and ambient air, during and outside of wildfire events, researchers examined the indoor and outdoor concentrations of fine particles, ozone, and a number of VOCs in two test Read More
Indoor air and “smart homes”
Human behavior inside a home strongly affects indoor air quality, based on a study in sensors-rich “smart homes” environments. Researchers at Washington State University measured air pollutants (PM, ozone, CO2, and 13 organic compounds) inside two home fitted with a variety of sensors to detect human presence and activities, such as motion, ambient light, window Read More
Carpet materials, ozone and aldehydes
Different carpet materials vary considerably in their ability to remove ozone from indoor environments, as well as in their emissions of aldehydes. Researchers at Portland State University and the University of Arizona tested new carpet samples in a glass chamber and measured ozone removal and emissions of aldehydes, both primary (from the carpet itself) and Read More
Indoor plants and ozone
Houseplants have been previously shown to play a role in removing volatile organic compounds (benzene, formaldehyde, etc.) from indoor air. Houseplants also participate in removal of ozone from indoor environments and they do so more effectively with light, demonstrating a role beyond passive surface reactions. Researchers at the University of Arizona and Portland State University Read More
Climate change is expected to increase exposure to PM2.5 infiltrating indoors
Climate change is expected to increase exposure to PM2.5 infiltrating indoors in the greater Boston area. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, used data from indoor and outdoor sulfur PM concentrations in 340 homes, and modeled the relationship between indoor concentration and temperature, projecting results between 2046 and 2065. Particle infiltration was predicted Read More