Implications of natural and mechanical ventilation on exposure to dust at the housing scale: a case study in Tucson, Arizona,US

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32870/rvcs.v0i7.136

Keywords:

natural-ventilation, mechanical-ventilation, dust, exposure, housing

Abstract

From all the alternatives to provide better indoor environmental quality in the residential sector in Northwest Mexico and Southwest U.S., mechanical ventilation systems are the most commonly used source of air exchange and temperature control. Innovation in the technology of ventilation systems often leads to the declining use of natural ventilation, although, during selected days of the year, the free movement of airflow can contribute to human health and energy conservation. This study applies a hazard assessment process to a case study, and compares the three most common systems of temperature control and air supply: natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and air conditioning; to observe and measure accumulations of dust and temperature variation in a single-family household in Midtown Tucson, Arizona. Firstly, this study aims to understand whether the amount and location of dust accumulations throughout a house is correlated to the type of natural ventilation and mechanical systems in operation at that time. Secondly, this study tests how human exposure to dust is different depending on the location of the accumulation within the house. Finally, temperature measurements are discussed to reflect upon the effectiveness of different types of ventilation systems in operation, to mitigate dust accumulation.

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Author Biographies

Sandra Bernal, Universidad de Arizona, Estados Unidos

is a Lecturer at the School of Architecture and in the Department of Religious Education and Classics at the University of Arizona. She is Chair of the Living Standard Campaign and Board Member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for Arizona awarded this twice as a Person of the year (2017 and 2019). She collaborates with multiple organizations such as the Consulate of Mexico, Arizona Online, Arizona Mexico Initiatives, the Southern Arizona Green Business Alliance, Tucson 2030 District, US-Mexico Foundation “Mujeres STEM”, CEPE UNAM Tucson, and Watershed Management Group. Bernal conducts research in the fields of health & built environment, cultural implications in sustainability, and online education among others. The main focus is on studying the contemporary use and advancement of architectural design exploring options to improve air quality and responsible use of natural resources. Her interest in the arid regions of the Southwest U.S. and Northwestern Mexico is in the impacts of urban communities that anticipate future increases in energy and water consumption and the impacts on human health.    

Altaf Engineer, Universidad de Arizona, Estados Unidos

Is a lead author of the book Shedding New Light on Art Museum Additions: Front Stage and Back Stage Experiences which presents post-occupancy evaluations of four high-profile museums and their additions in the United States and helps museum stakeholders understand their successes, shortcomings, and how their designs affect both visitors and employees who use them every day. He is a lead investigator in the Arizona Institute on Place, Wellbeing, and Performance (IPWP) team for the MOSAIC program with expertise in using wearable devices for measuring sleep, activity, and light. The Institute’s research program applies wearable and stationary devices to define individuals’ health, wellbeing, and performance by linking real-time human physiological, behavioral, and psychological responses with real-time measures of environmental attributes in real-world settings. His research interests include integrating building technology with health and wellness outcomes, daylighting, and social and behavioral issues in built environments. He is Chair of the recently launched Master of Science in Architecture in Health and Built Environment degree at the Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA). This program is in line with Arizona IPWP’s vision of integrating research, teaching, and practice to create built environments that are conducive to people’s health and well-being.

Nader Chalfoun, Universidad de Arizona, Estados Unidos

A distinguished Professor of Architecture and Environmental Sciences at the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture of the University of Arizona, USA. Chair of Master of Science in Architecture that focuses on “Design and Energy Conservation” internationally recognized for his work on building energy efficiency and energy performance modeling. Founder of the “House Energy Doctor” program. His research and teaching include courses, seminars and studios that focus on the environment and sustainable building design and technologies, energy conservation, passive solar architecture, and Net-Zero design. Dr. Chalfoun holds the “Legend in Energy” title by the Association of Energy Engineers, and the “Arizona Champion” by the University of Arizona Office of the President. He published widely and design environmentally focused projects around the world.

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Published

2020-01-31

How to Cite

Bernal, S., Engineer, A., & Chalfoun, N. (2020). Implications of natural and mechanical ventilation on exposure to dust at the housing scale: a case study in Tucson, Arizona,US. Vivienda Y Comunidades Sustentables, (7), 77–91. https://doi.org/10.32870/rvcs.v0i7.136

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No. 7 (2020): Vivienda y Comunidades Sustentables

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