Principles of Air Quality Management
Air contains many different types of gases and particles. Good air quality is a key determinant of human health so emissions to air that are known to have detrimental health impacts are all closely regulated. However, air pollution levels and links to respiratory illness continue to be a major UK environmental concern.
Indoor air quality is affected by human activities, heating and ventilation systems, positioning of air intakes and extracts and the materials used in a building fit out. It can also be adversely affected by gases entering the building from the ground, notably radon and, in some circumstances landfill gas and other contaminants. In Hertfordshire (and much of the UK), the primary cause of external air quality problems is road traffic.
Development often pays little attention to enhancing internal air quality, other than to comply with mandatory legislation. The basic principles of maintaining/improving air quality in construction and development are listed below.
1. Minimise dust and other emissions during construction activities
Construction and demolition activities can generate significant air quality problems; not only emissions arising from site activity, but also emissions arising from construction vehicles. Construction site dust typically comprises small particles such as soot and cement and larger particles such as grit, sand and wood dust; many of which are known to have detrimental health effects. In addition to generating significant vehicular emissions, construction traffic also contributes to local congestion and can generate nuisance impacts.
Active management of site activities and vehicular movements should be a priority in all development. Site management solutions are presented on the following pages.
2. Design out known pollutants
A number of commonplace products are known to contain airborne pollutants. Examples of these include some types of synthetic floor finishes and timber composite products. Numerous alternatives are available that perform similarly or better in terms of aesthetic quality, functionality and cost. Consequently, designing out of known pollutants can be readily achieved. Similarly, well designed building services and the adoption of sufficient levels of ventilation can alleviate many air quality problems. For example, specifying low polluting boilers. Design solutions are presented on the following pages.
3. Manage atmospheric emissions during building operation
In addition to emitting carbon dioxide emissions, buildings and operations within buildings also generate a number of other pollutants. For example, refrigerants that escape from air conditioning systems, NOx emissions from boilers and domestic hobs, or aerosol cleaning products. Effective reduction of these emissions is best managed by designing out the emissions; e.g. installing a refrigerant recovery system, specifying a low NOx boiler or changing cleaning products; however regular maintenance and installation of a building management system that for example, identifies peaks in emissions can also help. Management solutions are presented on the following pages.