Section 9 - Other

(Clicking on the Report number downloads a PDF file of that report)

Report number: LBNL-61870 Year: 2008

Title: Risk factors in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems for occupant symptoms in U.S. office buildings: the U.S. EPA BASE study Published in: Indoor Air (In Press).

Authors: Mendell, M.J., Lei-Gomez, Q., Mirrer, A., Seppanen, O., Brunner, G. Type: Journal Article

Abstract: Background: Nonspecific building-related symptoms among occupants of modern office buildings worldwide are common and may be associated with important reductions in work performance, but their etiology remains uncertain. Characteristics of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in office buildings that increase risk of indoor contaminants or reduce effectiveness of ventilation may cause adverse exposures and subsequent increase in these symptoms among occupants. Methods: We analyzed data collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from a representative sample of 100 large U.S. office buildings – the Building Assessment and Survey Evaluation (BASE) study – using multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between seven building-related symptom outcomes and selected HVAC system characteristics (excluding ventilation rate, analyzed elsewhere) in the 97 airconditioned study buildings. Results: Among factors of HVAC design or configuration: Outdoor air intakes less than 60 m above the ground were associated with substantially increased odds of most symptoms assessed (ORs up to 2.7). Among factors of HVAC condition, maintenance, or operation: the presence of humidification systems in good condition was associated with reduction in skin symptoms (OR=0.5), whereas the presence of humidification systems in poor condition was associated with increases in upper respiratory symptoms, eye symptoms, fatigue/difficulty concentrating, and skin symptoms (ORs=1.5 to 1.7). Lack of regularly scheduled inspections for HVAC components was associated with increased eye and upper respiratory symptoms (ORs=2.2, 1.6). Less frequent cleaning of cooling coils or condensate drain pans was associated with increased headache and eye symptoms (ORs=1.5, 1.5). Ventilation for 10-12 hours per day (relative to more) was associated with a general slight increase in symptoms, especially fatigue/difficulty concentrating (OR=1.3). Several specific associations opposite of predicted were found, such as with cleanliness of air handler components and operational condition of air handling components. Discussion: Most of the many potential risk factors assessed here had not been investigated previously, and associations found with single symptom groups may have been by chance, including some that were the reverse of expected. Risk factors newly identified in these analyses that deserve attention include outdoor air intakes less than 60 m above the ground (which were correlated with higher levels of some outdoor vehicle-emitted pollutants), poorly maintained humidification systems, and lack of scheduled inspection for HVAC systems. Infrequent cleaning of cooling coils and drain pans were associated with increases in several symptoms in these as well as prior analyses of BASE data. Replication of these findings is needed, using more objective measurements of both exposure and health response. Confirmation of the specific HVAC factors responsible for increased symptoms in buildings, and development of prevention strategies could have major public health and economic benefits worldwide.

Report number: Year: 2007

Title: Effectiveness of Urban Shelter-in-Place III: Urban Districts Published in: Submitted to Building Simulation.

Authors: Chan, W.R., Nazaroff, W.W., Price, P.N., Gadgil, A.J. Type: Journal Article

Report number: Year: 2007

Title: Preliminary Report: Green the Capitol Initiative Published in:

Authors: Beard, D.P., Wray, C.P. Type: Report

Report number: Year: 2007

Title: Final Report: Green the Capitol Initiative Published in:

Authors: Beard, D.P. Type: Report

Report number: LBNL-60271 Year: 2006

Title: Inclusion of Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance Prescriptive Requirements for Residential Roofs in Title 24 Published in:

Authors: Wray, C.P., Akbari, H.A., Levinson, R.M., Xu, T.T. Type: Report

Report number: Year: 2006

Title: Development of a low-cost particulate matter monitor Published in:

Authors: White, R.M., Apte, M.G., Gundel, L.A. Type: Report

Report number: LBNL-59308 Year: 2006

Title: Indoor secondary pollutants from cleaning product and air freshener use in the presence of ozone Published in: Atmospheric Environment, Volume 40, Pages 6696-6710.

Authors: Singer, B.C., Coleman, B.K., Destaillats, H., Hodgson, A.T., Lunden, M.M., Weschler, C.J., Nazaroff, W.W. Type: Journal Article

Report number: Year: 2006

Title: What is an Effective Air Cleaning Device? A Review Published in: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 3, Pages 169-181.

Authors: Shaughnessy, R.J., Sextro, R.G. Type: Journal Article

Report number: Year: 2006

Title: Indicators of moisture and microbial contamination in U.S. office buildings as risk factors for respiratory and mucous membrane symptoms: analyses of the EPA BASE data Published in: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene , Volume 3, Pages 225-233 .

Authors: Mendell, M. J., Cozen, M.C., Lei-Gomez, Q., Brightman, H.S. Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL 58135 Year: 2006

Title: Characteristics of fine particle growth events observed above a forested ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California Published in: Aerosol Science and Technology, Volume 40, Pages 373-388.

Authors: Lunden, M.M., Black, D.R., McKay, M., Revzan, K.L., Goldstein, A.H., Brown, N.J. Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL-60331 Year: 2006

Title: Inclusion of Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance Prescriptive Requirements for Steep-Sloped Nonresidential Roofs in Title 24 Published in:

Authors: Akbari, H.A., Wray, C.P., Levinson, R.M., Xu, T.T. Type: Report

Report number: Year: 2005

Title: The Opportunity to Improve a Critical Conduit for Energy Efficiency: Air Distribution Systems in Commercial Buildings Published in:

Authors: Wray, C.P. Type: Report

Report number: Year: 2005

Title: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in human breast adipose tissue samples from Brazil Published in: Organohalogen Compounds, Volume 67, Pages 479-481.

Authors: Kalantzi, O.I., Brown, R., Erdmann, C., Caleffi, M., Goth-Goldstein, R., Petreas, M. Type: Journal Article

Report number: Year: 2005

Title: Aerosol physics and chemistry: indoor perspective, Chapter 10 Published in: Aerosol Handbook: Measurement, Dosimetry and Health Effects, Pages 189-224.

Authors: Gundel, L.A., Sextro, R.G., L.S. Ruzer, N.H. Harley Type: Book Section

Report number: Year: 2005

Title: Particle sensors for the twenty-first century Published in: Conferences on Advanced Technology Needs- Environmental Sentinels 2005.

Authors: Gundel, L.A., Apte, M.G. Type: Conference Proceedings

Report number: LBNL-58661 Year: 2004

Title: Duct Thermal Performance Models for Large Commercial Buildings Published in: Air Information Review, AIVC, Volume 26, Pages 5-6.

Authors: Wray, C.P. Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL-52169 Year: 2004

Title: Short-term emissions deterioration in the California and Phoenix I/M programs Published in: Transportation Research, Volume D 9, Pages 107-124.

Authors: Wenzel, T.P., Singer, B.C., Slott, R.L., Stedman, D.H. Type: Journal Article

Report number: Year: 2004

Title: A Summary of Scientific Findings on Adverse Effects of Indoor Environments on Students' Health, Academic Performance and Attendance Published in:

Authors: Mendell, M. J., Heath, G. Type: Report

Report number: Year: 2004

Title: Characterizing the Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosols—Interim Report Published in:

Authors: Lunden, M.M., Black, D.R., Brown, N.J. Type: Report

Report number: Year: 2004

Title: Sampling issues related to organic speciation of PM and SVOC Published in: International Workshop on Organic Speciation in Atmospheric Aerosol Research, Pages 7-21.

Authors: Gundel, L.A., Lane, D.A., Volckens, J., Richard, T. Type: Conference Proceedings

Report number: LBNL 55424 Year: 2004

Title: Joint Urban 2003: Indoor Measurements Final Data Report Published in:

Authors: Black, D.R., Thatcher, T.L., Sextro, R.G., Delp, W.W., Chang, S.C., Wood, E. E., Deputy, J.C., Hotchi, T., Sippola, M.R., Sullivan, D.P. Type: Report

Report number: LBNL-49148 Year: 2004

Title: Indoor measurements of environmental tobacco smoke Published in:

Authors: Apte, M.G., Gundel, L.A., Hammond, S.K., Dod, Ray, Russell, M.L., Singer, B.C., Sohn, M.D., Sullivan, D.P., Chang, G.M., Sextro, R.G. Type: Report

Report number: LBNL 49012 Year: 2004

Title: Compression Effects on Pressure Loss in Flexible HVAC Ducts Published in: HVAC&R Research Journal, Volume 10, Pages 275-290.

Authors: Abushakra, B., Walker, I.S., Sherman, M.H. Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL-52448 Year: 2003

Title: Improving Forecasting: A plea for historical retrospectives Published in: The Energy Journal, Volume 24, Pages 75-92.

Authors: Koomey, J., Craig, P., Gadgil, A.J., Lorenzetti, D. Type: Journal Article

Abstract: One of the most striking things about forecasters is their lack of historical perspective. They rarely do retrospectives, even though looking back at past work can both illuminate the reasons for its success or failure, and improve the methodologies of current and future forecasts. One of the best and most famous retrospectives is that by Hans Landsberg, which investigates work conducted by Landsberg, Sam Schurr, and others. In this article, written mainly for model users, we highlight Landsberg's retrospective as a uniquely valuable contribution to improving forecasting methodologies. We also encourage model users to support such retrospectives more frequently. Finally, we give the current generation of analysts the kind of guidance we believe Landsberg and Sam Schurr would have offered about how to do retrospectives well.

Report number: LBNL-61870	Year: 2008
Title: Risk factors in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems for occupant symptoms in U.S. office buildings: the U.S. EPA BASE study	Published in: Indoor Air (In Press).
Authors: Mendell, M.J., Lei-Gomez, Q., Mirrer, A., Seppanen, O., Brunner, G.	Type: Journal Article
Abstract: Background: Nonspecific building-related symptoms among occupants of modern office buildings worldwide are common and may be associated with important reductions in work performance, but their etiology remains uncertain. Characteristics of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in office buildings that increase risk of indoor contaminants or reduce effectiveness of ventilation may cause adverse exposures and subsequent increase in these symptoms among occupants. Methods: We analyzed data collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from a representative sample of 100 large U.S. office buildings – the Building Assessment and Survey Evaluation (BASE) study – using multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between seven building-related symptom outcomes and selected HVAC system characteristics (excluding ventilation rate, analyzed elsewhere) in the 97 airconditioned study buildings. Results: Among factors of HVAC design or configuration: Outdoor air intakes less than 60 m above the ground were associated with substantially increased odds of most symptoms assessed (ORs up to 2.7). Among factors of HVAC condition, maintenance, or operation: the presence of humidification systems in good condition was associated with reduction in skin symptoms (OR=0.5), whereas the presence of humidification systems in poor condition was associated with increases in upper respiratory symptoms, eye symptoms, fatigue/difficulty concentrating, and skin symptoms (ORs=1.5 to 1.7). Lack of regularly scheduled inspections for HVAC components was associated with increased eye and upper respiratory symptoms (ORs=2.2, 1.6). Less frequent cleaning of cooling coils or condensate drain pans was associated with increased headache and eye symptoms (ORs=1.5, 1.5). Ventilation for 10-12 hours per day (relative to more) was associated with a general slight increase in symptoms, especially fatigue/difficulty concentrating (OR=1.3). Several specific associations opposite of predicted were found, such as with cleanliness of air handler components and operational condition of air handling components. Discussion: Most of the many potential risk factors assessed here had not been investigated previously, and associations found with single symptom groups may have been by chance, including some that were the reverse of expected. Risk factors newly identified in these analyses that deserve attention include outdoor air intakes less than 60 m above the ground (which were correlated with higher levels of some outdoor vehicle-emitted pollutants), poorly maintained humidification systems, and lack of scheduled inspection for HVAC systems. Infrequent cleaning of cooling coils and drain pans were associated with increases in several symptoms in these as well as prior analyses of BASE data. Replication of these findings is needed, using more objective measurements of both exposure and health response. Confirmation of the specific HVAC factors responsible for increased symptoms in buildings, and development of prevention strategies could have major public health and economic benefits worldwide.

Report number:	Year: 2007
Title: Effectiveness of Urban Shelter-in-Place III: Urban Districts	Published in: Submitted to Building Simulation.
Authors: Chan, W.R., Nazaroff, W.W., Price, P.N., Gadgil, A.J.	Type: Journal Article

Report number:	Year: 2007
Title: Preliminary Report: Green the Capitol Initiative	Published in:
Authors: Beard, D.P., Wray, C.P.	Type: Report

Report number:	Year: 2007
Title: Final Report: Green the Capitol Initiative	Published in:
Authors: Beard, D.P.	Type: Report

Report number: LBNL-60271	Year: 2006
Title: Inclusion of Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance Prescriptive Requirements for Residential Roofs in Title 24	Published in:
Authors: Wray, C.P., Akbari, H.A., Levinson, R.M., Xu, T.T.	Type: Report

Report number:	Year: 2006
Title: Development of a low-cost particulate matter monitor	Published in:
Authors: White, R.M., Apte, M.G., Gundel, L.A.	Type: Report

Report number: LBNL-59308	Year: 2006
Title: Indoor secondary pollutants from cleaning product and air freshener use in the presence of ozone	Published in: Atmospheric Environment, Volume 40, Pages 6696-6710.
Authors: Singer, B.C., Coleman, B.K., Destaillats, H., Hodgson, A.T., Lunden, M.M., Weschler, C.J., Nazaroff, W.W.	Type: Journal Article

Report number:	Year: 2006
Title: What is an Effective Air Cleaning Device? A Review	Published in: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Volume 3, Pages 169-181.
Authors: Shaughnessy, R.J., Sextro, R.G.	Type: Journal Article

Report number:	Year: 2006
Title: Indicators of moisture and microbial contamination in U.S. office buildings as risk factors for respiratory and mucous membrane symptoms: analyses of the EPA BASE data	Published in: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene , Volume 3, Pages 225-233 .
Authors: Mendell, M. J., Cozen, M.C., Lei-Gomez, Q., Brightman, H.S.	Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL 58135	Year: 2006
Title: Characteristics of fine particle growth events observed above a forested ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California	Published in: Aerosol Science and Technology, Volume 40, Pages 373-388.
Authors: Lunden, M.M., Black, D.R., McKay, M., Revzan, K.L., Goldstein, A.H., Brown, N.J.	Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL-60331	Year: 2006
Title: Inclusion of Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance Prescriptive Requirements for Steep-Sloped Nonresidential Roofs in Title 24	Published in:
Authors: Akbari, H.A., Wray, C.P., Levinson, R.M., Xu, T.T.	Type: Report

Report number:	Year: 2005
Title: The Opportunity to Improve a Critical Conduit for Energy Efficiency: Air Distribution Systems in Commercial Buildings	Published in:
Authors: Wray, C.P.	Type: Report

Report number:	Year: 2005
Title: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in human breast adipose tissue samples from Brazil	Published in: Organohalogen Compounds, Volume 67, Pages 479-481.
Authors: Kalantzi, O.I., Brown, R., Erdmann, C., Caleffi, M., Goth-Goldstein, R., Petreas, M.	Type: Journal Article

Report number:	Year: 2005
Title: Aerosol physics and chemistry: indoor perspective, Chapter 10	Published in: Aerosol Handbook: Measurement, Dosimetry and Health Effects, Pages 189-224.
Authors: Gundel, L.A., Sextro, R.G., L.S. Ruzer, N.H. Harley	Type: Book Section

Report number:	Year: 2005
Title: Particle sensors for the twenty-first century	Published in: Conferences on Advanced Technology Needs- Environmental Sentinels 2005.
Authors: Gundel, L.A., Apte, M.G.	Type: Conference Proceedings

Report number: LBNL-58661	Year: 2004
Title: Duct Thermal Performance Models for Large Commercial Buildings	Published in: Air Information Review, AIVC, Volume 26, Pages 5-6.
Authors: Wray, C.P.	Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL-52169	Year: 2004
Title: Short-term emissions deterioration in the California and Phoenix I/M programs	Published in: Transportation Research, Volume D 9, Pages 107-124.
Authors: Wenzel, T.P., Singer, B.C., Slott, R.L., Stedman, D.H.	Type: Journal Article

Report number:	Year: 2004
Title: A Summary of Scientific Findings on Adverse Effects of Indoor Environments on Students' Health, Academic Performance and Attendance	Published in:
Authors: Mendell, M. J., Heath, G.	Type: Report

Report number:	Year: 2004
Title: Characterizing the Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosols—Interim Report	Published in:
Authors: Lunden, M.M., Black, D.R., Brown, N.J.	Type: Report

Report number:	Year: 2004
Title: Sampling issues related to organic speciation of PM and SVOC	Published in: International Workshop on Organic Speciation in Atmospheric Aerosol Research, Pages 7-21.
Authors: Gundel, L.A., Lane, D.A., Volckens, J., Richard, T.	Type: Conference Proceedings

Report number: LBNL 55424	Year: 2004
Title: Joint Urban 2003: Indoor Measurements Final Data Report	Published in:
Authors: Black, D.R., Thatcher, T.L., Sextro, R.G., Delp, W.W., Chang, S.C., Wood, E. E., Deputy, J.C., Hotchi, T., Sippola, M.R., Sullivan, D.P.	Type: Report

Report number: LBNL-49148	Year: 2004
Title: Indoor measurements of environmental tobacco smoke	Published in:
Authors: Apte, M.G., Gundel, L.A., Hammond, S.K., Dod, Ray, Russell, M.L., Singer, B.C., Sohn, M.D., Sullivan, D.P., Chang, G.M., Sextro, R.G.	Type: Report

Report number: LBNL 49012	Year: 2004
Title: Compression Effects on Pressure Loss in Flexible HVAC Ducts	Published in: HVAC&R Research Journal, Volume 10, Pages 275-290.
Authors: Abushakra, B., Walker, I.S., Sherman, M.H.	Type: Journal Article

Report number: LBNL-52448	Year: 2003
Title: Improving Forecasting: A plea for historical retrospectives	Published in: The Energy Journal, Volume 24, Pages 75-92.
Authors: Koomey, J., Craig, P., Gadgil, A.J., Lorenzetti, D.	Type: Journal Article
Abstract: One of the most striking things about forecasters is their lack of historical perspective. They rarely do retrospectives, even though looking back at past work can both illuminate the reasons for its success or failure, and improve the methodologies of current and future forecasts. One of the best and most famous retrospectives is that by Hans Landsberg, which investigates work conducted by Landsberg, Sam Schurr, and others. In this article, written mainly for model users, we highlight Landsberg's retrospective as a uniquely valuable contribution to improving forecasting methodologies. We also encourage model users to support such retrospectives more frequently. Finally, we give the current generation of analysts the kind of guidance we believe Landsberg and Sam Schurr would have offered about how to do retrospectives well.