This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Zorraquino, J.V. M. Articles by San José, R. G. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Indoor Air Quality Problems and Solutions in the Basque Country (Spain) Related to Natural and/or Liquid Petroleum Gas Usage in Individual Heating Installations

Department of Thermal Motors and Machines, Higher School of Industrial Engineering, Bilbao, Spain

V. Del Campo Diaz

Department of Thermal Motors and Machines, Higher School of Industrial Engineering, Bilbao, Spain

R. Garcia San José

Department of Thermal Motors and Machines, Higher School of Industrial Engineering, Bilbao, Spain

The results of, and conclusions from, an investigation lasting several years into nitrogen oxide (NO _x) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and their produc tion in dwellings fitted with individual gas heating installations are described. Special attention is given to elements of the construction and design of build ings which can cause dangerous situations when they are not carefully carried out, such as ducting for fumes, chimneys and escape routes for fumes through the building façade. A similar study has been made of the adverse effects on indoor air quality (IAQ) created when dwellings are renovated without ensur ing sufficient ventilation and when electric appliances are replaced by gas appliances for the same purposes. The apparatus considered are those normal ly used in our area of influence: the Basque Country and the adjoining prov inces. The results of the study suggest a need for more effective control by the authorities, legislation with fewer technical loopholes affecting safety and IAQ, and demands for higher quality from the trades and technicians involved in the work. Recommended actions that should be taken are listed. Finally, emphasis is placed on the responsibility of some users, who by ignorance or negligence use fume ducting, chimneys and ventilation ducting incorrectly.

Key Words: Individual heating installations • Natural gas • Liquid petroleum gas • Nitrogen dioxide • Carbon monoxide • Ventilation problems • Wall heaters

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?