The effectiveness of continuous, strategic ventilation to control environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and other indoor, occupant-generated contaminants was investigated. Two molecular sieve desiccant-based total energy recovery preconditioning units (TERS) were retrofitted to the existing HVAC systems (two three-ton split systems) serving a small office facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The movement of ETS from the smoking areas into the nonsmoking areas was controlled with a strategic ventilation strategy. Based on indoor air monitoring, operating in each of three operating modes (nonsmoking and smoking with the original HVAC system and smoking with the TERS and strategic ventilation), the study indicated that strategic ventilation supplied by the retrofitted ventilation system reduced ETS exposure of the nonsmoking occupants. As important, the general overall building indoor air environment was improved. This research project is one example demonstrating the importance of providing increased ventilation on a continuous basis and strategically to control occupantgenerated contaminant sources.

Paper from IAQ 1997 -- Design, Construction, and Operation of Healthy Buildings: Solutions to Global and Regional Concerns

Units: Dual