Contaminant levels, source strengths, and ventilation rates in California retail stores

Abstract

Field measurements suggest that California retail stores were well ventilated relative to the minimum ventilation rate requirement specified in the Building Energy Efficiency Standards Title 24. Concentrations of formaldehyde found in retail stores were low relative to levels found in homes but exceeded the most stringent chronic health guideline. Looking ahead, California is mandating zero energy commercial buildings by 2030. To reduce the energy use from building ventilation while maintaining or even lowering formaldehyde in retail stores, effective formaldehyde source control measures are vitally important.

Cooking‐related PM 2.5 and acrolein measured in grocery stores and comparison with other retail types

“…Aside from the two contaminants considered here, there were other differences in contaminant concentrations between grocery stores and other retail store types. Concentrations of acetaldehyde and d‐limonene were about two times higher in grocery stores compared to the other store types (Chan et al., ). The mean indoor acetaldehyde concentration of 19 μ g/m 3 measured in grocery stores exceeded the U.S. EPA RfC of 9 μ g/m 3 , but it was below OEHHA chronic REL of 140 μ g/m 3 .…”

“…This half‐life is sufficiently longer than the time constant associated with the average building ventilation rate of 1/h measured in the grocery and retail stores (see Chan et al. () for values of measured ventilation rates), corresponding to a half‐life of 0.7 h. Thus, for the purpose of calculating the indoor emission source strength, we assumed that there was negligible removal of acrolein other than by ventilation.…”

“…Values of measured outdoor air ventilation rate k oa (1/h), and building volume V (m 3 ) which was calculated by floor area times ceiling height, are available from Chan et al. ().…”

“…Results of measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, and ventilation rates are described in Chan et al. (). More detail descriptions of the stores sampled and data summaries can also be found in Chan et al.…”

IAQ and energy impacts of ventilation strategies and building envelope airtightness in a big box retail building

“…Most buildings in the Bennett et al [8] study did not meet California's Title 24 minimum requirements for ventilation on a per area basis. Chan et al (2012Chan et al ( , 2014) conducted a study of retail stores in California, which showed that HCHO concentrations exceeded the OEHHA REL, and that acetaldehyde and acrolein levels exceeded the reference concentration for chronic inhalation exposure (RfC) issued by the U.S. EPA [10] while meeting or exceeding the Title 24 minimum ventilation requirement of 7 L/s person or 1 L/s m 2 . The highest levels of HCHO were measured in apparel stores, and acetaldehyde and acrolein were highest in grocery stores.…”