In a study to identify types of indoor air contaminants, researchers found that people and ventilation systems greatly impact the chemistry of indoor air at workplaces.A team of engineers at Purdue University has been conducting one of the largest studies of its kind in the office spaces of a building rigged with thousands of sensors.The goal is to identify all types of indoor air contaminants and recommend ways to control them through how a building is designed and operated."If we want to provide better air quality for office workers to improve their productivity, it is important to first understand what's in the air and what factors influence the emissions and removal of pollutants," said Brandon Boor, an assistant professor of civil engineering with a courtesy appointment in environmental and ecological engineering.The data is showing that people and ventilation systems greatly impact the chemistry of indoor air -- possibly more than anything else in an office space.The researchers
