Guideline 10P, Criteria for Achieving Acceptable Indoor Environments, will help designers better recognize and understand these interactions between thermal conditions and indoor air quality. The standard is open for public comment until June 20.
It specifies indoor environmental criteria that are acceptable to human occupants and are intended to minimize the potential for adverse health effects.
For example, the warmer the air, the poorer and stuffier the air quality is perceived by occupants. This suggests that while the thermal comfort range spans several degrees, the lower end of the range should be preferred when there are known to be sources of pollutants, according to Levin.
At the same time, when the thermal conditions are expected be at the higher end of the comfort range, extra care must be taken to reduce indoor air pollutant sources or increase dilution with outdoor air.
By carefully selecting the materials that are used in construction and furnishings, designers will be able to reduce the likelihood that occupants will find the air quality unacceptable, even at the upper end of the thermal comfort range, Levin said.
When pollutant sources are known to be present or are unavoidable, designing buildings to maintain temperatures at the lower end of the thermal comfort range will decrease the likelihood of complaints and reports of sick building symptoms.
Drafts of ASHRAE’s proposed standards and guidelines are available only during their public review periods. To obtain an electronic draft version of ASHRAE Guideline 10P during the comment period, visit the "standards for public review" shortcut on www.ASHRAE.org.
