Building Tracing and IAQ

By Jeremy McDonald

THE PILOT TEST RESULTS

The test results for the three spaces are shown below…

The above chart (Figure 3) is a graphical interpretation of the particulate data. Presenting this data this way is important to educate the client and stakeholders on what is happening (that is, particle counts are being reduced) through the invisible process of air ionisation.

A review of the data revealed the following:

• Particle count for all sizes was documented for all size ranges. In general, particles count did decrease, as expected. Note that although particle reduction target was not a criteria of the test, we did want to document particle reduction, since lack of reduction would call into question the whole premise and theory of air ionisation.

• Ion concentration exceeded the target increase of 500 ions/cm^3, and attained the target of range of approximately 1,500 ions/cm3 (the reading is actually slightly higher at 1,608 ions/cm^3).

• Ozone did increase for two of the spaces, but only slightly, which we deem as inconclusive. Note: That background ambient ozone readings were approximately 200 ppb, which coupled with UL 2998 certification should address any concerns that various stakeholders have regarding the ozone concern.

• VOCs decreased by approximately 50%.

After conferring with the client and reviewing the results, it was agreed that the testing was satisfactory; and the client elected to install the air ionisation technology throughout the District.

Once the air ionisation installation was completed for the District, Guth DeConzo was retained to perform testing for approximately 10% of all installations, which was approximately 100 spaces in total.

Also, recognising the concern of the public regarding “unintended consequences” of IAQ air cleaning, we