DISCOMFORT CAUSED BY ODORANTS AND IRRITANTS IN THE AIR

Why are we ventilating buildings and how much ventilation is required? These are the fundamental questions that engineers, architects and hy gienists have tried to answer over the past two hundred years. Dramati c changes in the philosophy behind ventilation have occurred but durin g the last half century, buildings have been ventilated primarily to a void discomfort caused by odorants and irritants in the air, i.e. to e stablish an indoor air quality that is perceived as acceptable for hum ans. This philosophy is still behind ventilation standards at present being revised in different parts of the world, although health effects are also being considered. The historical development will be briefly reviewed and common new trends in the revisions of European and Ameri can standards will be discussed. New data on the additivity of sensory pollution sources and on the impact of temperature and humidity will be reviewed. A new paradigm shift in the philosophy behind ventilation is predicted.