Description

In Alaska air pollution is problem throughout the year. During wintertime, cold temperatures, and strong surface-based temperature inversions, which can trap locally emitted pollution, are common. This pollution trapping is exacerbated when population centers are located in valleys or bowls (such as Anchorage), where terrain further decouples surface winds from upper-level airflow. In the summer, large forest fires, are prevalent and can result in major air pollution episodes. In Alaska, there is also higher potential of particulate matter in the atmosphere adversely affecting health and well-being of the residents. According to the 2018 Alaska Housing Assessment, in Alaska, an estimated 56% (141,000) of occupied homes have a moderately higher risk of moisture and indoor air quality issues because they are relatively airtight and lack mechanical ventilation. Hence managing IAQ is important for the health and well-being of the people living in the Alaska is even more crucial. Recently, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) established a new IAQ lab. A 12 x 24 lofted gambrel-style building, constructed with T111 exterior siding, insulated walls and plywood interior cladding is used to monitor indoor air quality under different conditions. To mimic a residential building, the interior plywood walls were painted with bright white semigloss interior/exterior urethane alkyd enamel and the floor was covered with carpet tiles. Pollutant (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, SO2, TVOC) concentrations were monitored over a relatively long period of time under different conditions. At the same time indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity data were recoded. At a given time, it was found that pollutant concentration is different at different location in the monitored building, indicating the need to develop efficient and cost-effective IAQ mitigating strategies targeting the pollutant concentration areas.

Product Details

Published:

2023

Number of Pages:

8

Units of Measure:

Dual

File Size:

1 file , 4.5 MB

Product Code(s):

D-CCC23-18

Note:

This product is unavailable in Russia, Belarus