Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Climate Control

The problem of high levels of CO2 in ambient air appears to be a modern one. Yet, this is not one of the new fads that crop up from time to time and then disappear again, never to be mentioned again. It is, indeed, a modern problem, caused by the improvements in building standards and especially window manufacture. These improvements, hailed as a triumph over the age-old problem of draughty buildings, have nevertheless created a new negative effect. Ventilation was never a matter for discussion in most cases, it happened naturally as the wind blew and the air in rooms was replaced on a regular basis. With the new, draught-proof buildings this no longer happened, particularly since central heating made it unnecessary to have an air flow for any reason. This has given birth to the concept of indoor climate control.

The result was stale air. Air that has been used and breathed and not replaced, seen as a rising concentration of carbon dioxide, not to mention humidity. These effects had a detrimental influence on the buildings, promoting the growth of mould and other unwanted plant life. This was not the only effect. Slowly, the level of days off for sickness rose and the quality of work sank in these newer or refurbished buildings, leading to something referred to as Sick Building Syndrome, since it appeared to affect everybody in one building. The causes were not known for a long time, but now it is recognised that this is a result of breathing stale air with a high concentration of carbon dioxide over an extended period. Studies have shown that a level of 1000 ppm carbon dioxide will reduce the ability to concentrate by about 30 %, a significant drop by any means.

The obvious solution to this problem of indoor climate control was ventilation, and ventilation or air-conditioning systems were installed in all of these buildings leading only to the next problem: the heating bills in winter rocketed and staff complained of stiff necks and other maladies. Sick Building Syndrome was still here, but in a different form. How to provide adequate ventilation without simply heating the environment in winter? The only viable solution is control of the ventilation to reduce the exchange of air to the minimum required to keep a healthy atmosphere in the rooms, which is where indoor climate control becomes an active instead of just a passive discipline.

The real problem is the carbon dioxide, which is best measured with a NDIR infrared sensor. These are available in one or two channel technology for CO2, but the single channel version is quite accurate and stable enough for this purpose today.

Older types of sensor used to drift, as do cheaply manufactured ones, but a good-quality single channel sensor today will remain stable over years, only requiring a reference point occasionally to set a relative zero point. Such infrared sensors for CO2 are now available from a number of manufacturers such as Madur Electronics in Austria. These come complete with an appropriate analogue output to allow the CO2 level to control the function of the ventilation system.

Industry standard for these control functions is the 0?10 V output, but there are other varieties in use. These can be readily accommodated in the construction or calibration of the system to ensure a high quality of indoor climate control. Perhaps we have finally seen the end to Sick Building Syndrome and can now enjoy the benefits of a controlled climate indoors, if not outdoors.

About The Author

Simon Fowler studied mechanical Engineering in London and now work for an electronic company in Vienna, Austria manufacturing flue gas analysers and infrared sensors.

http://www.madur.at/index_gb.html

sales@madur.at

---

Reiki-Seichem

Seichem - The Elemental Healing RaysSince the emergence of Reiki... Read More

Fitness-related Benefits of Massage

Ask someone their reason for getting a massage and you're... Read More

Biofeedback: Applying the Mind to Health

What is biofeedback?In biofeedback you expand self-awareness and practice powerful... Read More

How Brewer?s Yeast and MSM Clear Constipation

Brewer's yeast can help to ease, reduce, or clear your... Read More

Reflexology

Reflexology, an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians. Reflexology is... Read More

Back Pain and Pain in Other Extremities: If Nothing Else Has Worked, Try Doing Visualizations

(*In this group are included pain in the back, neck,... Read More

Genital Herpes - Natural and Alternative Treatment Remedies

Modern medical science has not been able to produce a... Read More

Top 10 Trends in Healthcare

America is undergoing a dramatic shift in healthcare. Actually, ten... Read More

So What is Organic?

With allergies on the increase and sensitivities to synthetics becoming... Read More

About Candida, Its Symptoms & Treatment

Candida is a fungal infection affecting the moist external area... Read More

Feuille D Menthe: The Cooling and Uplifting Fragrance of Green Grass

Feuille D'Menthe is a blend of several fragrant grass essential... Read More

Get Hemorrhoid Relief from Herbal Remedies

Here are four different herbs that can give you hemorrhoid... Read More

Mercury Detoxification

An interesting area of alternative medicine that is advancing rapidly... Read More

Hemorrhoids Remedy: Practical Diet Tips, Toilet Habits And Exercise To Prevent Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Some people say that prevention is better than cure. That... Read More

Can We Sleep For Three Hours and Still Function Normally?

Polyphasic sleep - also known as *Uberman's Sleep Schedule*, consists... Read More

Herbs and Essential Oils ? Powerful Medicine

We can find many beneficial uses for natural herbs and... Read More

Why You Should Use Fruits for Constipation

Fruits are made by nature and are a perfect food.... Read More

Learn How to Do A Successful Gall Bladder Flush

To do a Gall Bladder Flush you will need the... Read More

Constipation: the Fast, Easy Answer to Something No One Talks About

Everyone jokes about constipation, but it's no joke if you're... Read More

Cause Of Stuttering

When a person has a stutter or a parent realises... Read More

Organic Juices for Constipation

Organic fresh made juices have cleansing and laxative action, which... Read More

Constipation and Toxicity

Having regular constipation can lead to some serious illnesses. Fecal... Read More

How to Prevent Snoring?

Snoring is noisy breathing through the mouth and nose during... Read More

Stage Hypnosis Vs Hypnotherapy - Understanding The Difference

We've all seen them, right? The stage hypnotist, who makes... Read More

What are the Best Roles for Western and Alternative Medicine?

I think it's very confusing for patients to decide what... Read More

Reflexology Therapy

Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More

Three Steps to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids

Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand.... Read More

Bling Therapy - Healing with Gemstones

From jeweled necklaces to ankle bracelets, and all the tops... Read More

Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or... Read More

How to Use a Footbath with Herbs

Recently I read a book by William L. Fischer called... Read More

Achieve Instant Calm

For instant calm, try one or more of the following... Read More

Hypertension, An Alternative Approach

For many years high blood pressure has been defined based... Read More

Superfood or Superfad

I have been reading a lot lately on the subject... Read More