Equipment for Measuring Air Flow, Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Carbon Dioxide in Schools. Technical Bulletin.

Information on equipment and techniques that school facility personnel may use to evaluate IAQ conditions are discussed. Focus is placed on the IAQ parameters of air flow, air temperature, relative humidity, as well as carbon dioxide and the equipment used to measure these factors. Reasons for measurement and for when the measurement of these parameters is warranted, along with guidance for the interpretation of the data obtained, are covered. This is followed by an overview of equipment types that are available to quantify the specific parameters, and a comparison table presenting key factors that differentiate the types of equipment available. Various measurement techniques, such as measuring a room's air velocity, are summarized along with the methodologies recommended for obtaining useful data. Some of the common problems encountered when measuring IAQ are described. It is claimed that with a good understanding of the dynamics of the key IAQ parameters and a modest investment in monitoring equipment, school facilities staff can provide quick, cost-effective responses to IAQ complaints and establish a program that can identify potential IAQ problem areas. (Contains 5 tables and 10 references.) (RJM)