Comparison of Data from an IAQ Test House with Predictions of an IAQ Computer Model

One of the objectives of EPA's indoor air quality (IAQ) program is to provide guidance on the impact of indoor sources on IAQ. A computer model, EXPOSURE, was developed to assist in this effort. EXPOSURE calculates pollutant concentration as a function of time for each room of the building. EXPOSURE includes effects of sources, sinks, room-to-room air movement, and air exchange with the outdoors. Several experiments designed to evaluate the impact of indoor sources on IAQ are described. Measured concentrations are compared with concentrations predicted by an IAQ model. The measured concentrations are in excellent agreement with the predictions. The model predictions and the experimental data demonstrate the importance of sinks in determining long-term IAQ.