1. Introduction

Improved building techniques and concern for energy efficiency have created airtight housing. These buildings also retain and recirculate indoor air-along with any contaminants. At the same time many common chemicals and materials in the home are now being implicated in conditions from chronic respiratory irritation to cancer.

These potentially harmful substances carried in indoor air fall into two groups: particles and gases [1].

Particles are invisible and evade the body's natural filtering mechanisms, carrying toxic substances deep into lung tissue and are absorbed into the body. Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and pollen are common particles that cause asthma

in some-but may cause chronic runny noses, watery eyes, headaches, lethargy, or snoring. Many people don't even know they have these allergies; they just endure them.

Draperies: Treated fabrics can contain formaldehyde. Curtain folds help

Noise Calculation Charts and Indoor Environmental Quality for Evaluating Industrial Indoor…

Pet dander: Animal hair and skin flakes are a common allergen.

non-smokers, especially in areas with poor air circulation.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84993

Tobacco smoke: Contains 43 known carcinogens, many of which are passed to

Carpets: Outgases formaldehyde, harbors dust, dust mites, animal dander, and

Paints and solvents: Sources of many volatile chemicals that are easily vaporized

VOCs and indoor air quality: VOCs are volatile organic compounds. VOCs can be

Auto exhaust: Such fumes enter the home from the garage or nearby traffic. Carbon monoxide is the primary danger and has a cumulative effect on the nervous

Fuels: Storage of gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels can release volatile

released by human source in indoor environment and can react with the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, and to a lesser degree, acid rain. Some VOCs, like the fumes from numerous interior products (glues, paints, cabinets, carpets, and pads, furniture, etc.) are toxic, and can cause a range of health problems from occasional headaches to allergic reactions, depending on the concentration and sensitivity of the individual. "Least toxic" products are those which contain levels of VOCs below the permissible levels. In some cases, a "least

toxic" product may be preferable to a "non-toxic" product for reasonable performance. For additional assurance, mechanical ventilation with an air-to-air heat exchanger or outdoor duct exposed to solar radiation can be considered (examples of which are provided later) that gives fresh air without wasting heat.

with the functioning of the immune system.

3. Noise characterization

author [5–15].

103

matically expressed as:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in everything from paints and coatings to underarm deodorant and cleaning fluids. VOCs have been found to be a major contributing factor to ozone, a common air pollutant which has been proven to be a public health hazard. While ozone in the upper atmosphere is beneficial, ozone at ground level is quite the opposite. The atmospheric ozone layer helps protect us from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. Ground level ozone, however, is a highly reactive gas which affects the normal function of the lung in many healthy humans. These studies show that breathing air with ozone concentrations above air quality standards aggravates symptoms of people with pulmonary diseases and seems to increase rates of asthma attacks. There is also evidence that prolonged exposure to ozone causes permanent damage to lung tissue and interferes

A unified theory for stresses and oscillations is proposed by the author [7]. The following standard measurement equations are derived and adopted from the standard definitions for sources of noise interference as developed by the

Noise of sol: For a pack of solar energy wave, the multiplication of solar power storage and the velocity of light gives solar power intensity I. On taking logarithm of two intensities of solar power, I<sup>1</sup> and I2, provides intensity difference. It is mathe-

collect dust.

other allergens.

system.

and absorbed by the body.

chemicals into the air.

Gases in indoor air may also present health risks. Of most concern are the volatile organic compounds-or-VOCs-of which over 500 have been identified, and are dispersed from cleaning solutions, carpets, building materials, and many household items.

Lin et al. [2] anticipated that there will be behavioral changes that accompany population growth and aging and examined the relationship between home occupant behavior and indoor air quality. Vlek and Steg [3] discussed the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration and desirable developments in environmental psychology for identifying problems, driving forces in human behavior and environmental sustainability. Stansfeld [4] discussed that in planning and health impact assessment environmental noise should be considered as an independent contributor to health risk. It has a separate and substantial role in ill-health separate to that of air pollution. Dehra [5–28] introduced characterization of physical agents as wanted physical agents and unwanted physical agents. The wanted physical agents are categorized as new field of acoustics [15]. Unwanted physical agents are categorized as noise intruding parameters, which are required to be removed from the environment by proper conditioning and filtering [18].

The aim of this chapter is to present practical understanding of how industrial environments and indoor air quality interact with noise so as to impact health and wellness. Noise, defined as "a sensation of unwanted intensity of a wave," is perception of a pollutant and a type of environmental stressor. An environmental stressor such as noise may have detrimental effects on various aspects of health. The unwanted intensity of a wave is a propagation of noise due to transmission of waves (viz. physical agents) such as sun, light, sound, heat, electricity, fluid and fire. The characterization of these physical agents on human health as noise intruding elements is discussed and also presented in mathematical form.

#### 2. Indoor air quality and health

The following is the list of harmful materials in indoor environment:

Insulation: The jagged edged particles of fiberglass insulation are of even greater concern than asbestos, which can still be found in older homes. Urethane is a further concern.

Pressed wood in furniture and flooring: Manufactured with formaldehyde, which is released as a gas.

Dry cleaning: Source of toxic toluene and PERC.

Dust mites: The excreta and body parts of these organisms are a common allergen, a particular problem in bedrooms.

Lead: Found in older paints and plumbing pipes.

Aerosols in personal care products: A common source of organic gases, some of which are suspected carcinogens.

Gas stoves: Can be a source of combustion by-products.

Cleaning products: Can contain many harmful volatile compounds.

Pesticides: Extremely toxic when released into indoor air.

Fireplace smoke: Open fireplaces can produce ash dust, carcinogenic tars and combustion by-products like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Wall coverings: Plasticized wallpapers can emit VOCs; wood paneling is often manufactured with formaldehyde.

Noise Calculation Charts and Indoor Environmental Quality for Evaluating Industrial Indoor… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84993

Draperies: Treated fabrics can contain formaldehyde. Curtain folds help collect dust.

Tobacco smoke: Contains 43 known carcinogens, many of which are passed to non-smokers, especially in areas with poor air circulation.

Carpets: Outgases formaldehyde, harbors dust, dust mites, animal dander, and other allergens.

Paints and solvents: Sources of many volatile chemicals that are easily vaporized and absorbed by the body.

Pet dander: Animal hair and skin flakes are a common allergen.

Auto exhaust: Such fumes enter the home from the garage or nearby traffic. Carbon monoxide is the primary danger and has a cumulative effect on the nervous system.

Fuels: Storage of gasoline, kerosene, and other fuels can release volatile chemicals into the air.

VOCs and indoor air quality: VOCs are volatile organic compounds. VOCs can be released by human source in indoor environment and can react with the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, and to a lesser degree, acid rain. Some VOCs, like the fumes from numerous interior products (glues, paints, cabinets, carpets, and pads, furniture, etc.) are toxic, and can cause a range of health problems from occasional headaches to allergic reactions, depending on the concentration and sensitivity of the individual. "Least toxic" products are those which contain levels of VOCs below the permissible levels. In some cases, a "least toxic" product may be preferable to a "non-toxic" product for reasonable performance. For additional assurance, mechanical ventilation with an air-to-air heat exchanger or outdoor duct exposed to solar radiation can be considered (examples of which are provided later) that gives fresh air without wasting heat.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in everything from paints and coatings to underarm deodorant and cleaning fluids. VOCs have been found to be a major contributing factor to ozone, a common air pollutant which has been proven to be a public health hazard. While ozone in the upper atmosphere is beneficial, ozone at ground level is quite the opposite. The atmospheric ozone layer helps protect us from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet rays. Ground level ozone, however, is a highly reactive gas which affects the normal function of the lung in many healthy humans. These studies show that breathing air with ozone concentrations above air quality standards aggravates symptoms of people with pulmonary diseases and seems to increase rates of asthma attacks. There is also evidence that prolonged exposure to ozone causes permanent damage to lung tissue and interferes with the functioning of the immune system.

#### 3. Noise characterization

A unified theory for stresses and oscillations is proposed by the author [7]. The following standard measurement equations are derived and adopted from the standard definitions for sources of noise interference as developed by the author [5–15].

Noise of sol: For a pack of solar energy wave, the multiplication of solar power storage and the velocity of light gives solar power intensity I. On taking logarithm of two intensities of solar power, I<sup>1</sup> and I2, provides intensity difference. It is mathematically expressed as:

in some-but may cause chronic runny noses, watery eyes, headaches, lethargy, or snoring. Many people don't even know they have these allergies; they just

Gases in indoor air may also present health risks. Of most concern are the volatile organic compounds-or-VOCs-of which over 500 have been identified, and are dispersed from cleaning solutions, carpets, building materials, and many

Lin et al. [2] anticipated that there will be behavioral changes that accompany population growth and aging and examined the relationship between home occupant behavior and indoor air quality. Vlek and Steg [3] discussed the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration and desirable developments in environmental psychology for identifying problems, driving forces in human behavior and environmental sustainability. Stansfeld [4] discussed that in planning and health impact assessment environmental noise should be considered as an independent contributor to health risk. It has a separate and substantial role in ill-health separate to that of air pollution. Dehra [5–28] introduced characterization of physical agents as wanted physical agents and unwanted physical agents. The wanted physical agents are categorized as new field of acoustics [15]. Unwanted physical agents are categorized as noise intruding parameters, which are required to be removed from the

The aim of this chapter is to present practical understanding of how industrial environments and indoor air quality interact with noise so as to impact health and wellness. Noise, defined as "a sensation of unwanted intensity of a wave," is perception of a pollutant and a type of environmental stressor. An environmental stressor such as noise may have detrimental effects on various aspects of health. The unwanted intensity of a wave is a propagation of noise due to transmission of waves (viz. physical agents) such as sun, light, sound, heat, electricity, fluid and fire. The characterization of these physical agents on human health as noise intruding ele-

environment by proper conditioning and filtering [18].

ments is discussed and also presented in mathematical form.

Dry cleaning: Source of toxic toluene and PERC.

Lead: Found in older paints and plumbing pipes.

Gas stoves: Can be a source of combustion by-products.

Pesticides: Extremely toxic when released into indoor air.

combustion by-products like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Cleaning products: Can contain many harmful volatile compounds.

allergen, a particular problem in bedrooms.

which are suspected carcinogens.

manufactured with formaldehyde.

The following is the list of harmful materials in indoor environment:

concern than asbestos, which can still be found in older homes. Urethane is

Insulation: The jagged edged particles of fiberglass insulation are of even greater

Pressed wood in furniture and flooring: Manufactured with formaldehyde, which

Dust mites: The excreta and body parts of these organisms are a common

Aerosols in personal care products: A common source of organic gases, some of

Fireplace smoke: Open fireplaces can produce ash dust, carcinogenic tars and

Wall coverings: Plasticized wallpapers can emit VOCs; wood paneling is often

2. Indoor air quality and health

a further concern.

is released as a gas.

102

endure them.

Indoor Environment and Health

household items.

$$\text{Sol} = \log \left( I\_1 \right) \left( I\_2 \right)^{-1} \tag{1}$$

In determining the areas of energy for the case of fluids other than water, a

Noise Calculation Charts and Indoor Environmental Quality for Evaluating Industrial Indoor…

Noise of elasticity: For a pack of sound energy wave, the product of total power storage and the velocity of sound gives sound power intensity I. On taking logarithm of two intensities of sound power, I<sup>1</sup> and I2, provides intensity difference. It is

whereas, logarithmic unit ratio for noise of elasticity is Bel. The oncibel (oB) is more convenient for sound power systems. The mathematical expression by the

There are following elaborative points on choosing an onci as 1/11th unit of noise [15]:

i. Reference value used for <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> is �1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> on positive scale of noise and 1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> on negative scale of noise. In a power cycle, all types of wave form one positive power cycle and one negative power cycle [9]. Positive scale of noise has 10 positive units and 1 negative unit. Whereas, negative scale of noise has

ii. Each unit of sol, sip, and bel is divided into 11 parts; 1 part is 1/11th unit of

iv. Reference value of <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> is �1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> with <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> on positive scale of noise and should be taken with negative noise measurement expression (see Eqs. (2), (4) and

v. Reference value of I<sup>2</sup> is 1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> with I<sup>1</sup> on negative scale of noise and should be taken with positive noise measurement expression (see Eqs. (2), (4) and

In some cases, it is difficult to measure intensity of a power source; therefore pressure p can be measured. The relationship between pressure and intensity is

> <sup>I</sup> <sup>¼</sup> <sup>p</sup><sup>2</sup>rms ρc

Intensity difference <sup>Δ</sup><sup>I</sup> ¼ �22 log <sup>p</sup>

(7)

(8)

, ρ = density of wave

po

iii. The base of logarithm used in noise measurement equations is 11.

(6)); therefore, it gives positive values of noise.

(6)); therefore, it gives negative values of noise.

where, p = root mean-square (rms) pressure, N/m<sup>2</sup>

, c = speed of wave, m/s. Equations (2), (4), (6) are re-written in the form:

3.1 Estimating changes in noise power and noise pressure levels

Bel <sup>¼</sup> log ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> �<sup>1</sup> (5)

oB ¼ �11 log ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> �<sup>1</sup> (6)

multiplication factor in specific gravity has to be evaluated.

following equality gives an oncibel (oB), which is 1/11th unit of a Bel:

1 positive unit and 10 negative units;

mathematically expressed as:

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84993

noise.

given by:

105

medium, kg/m<sup>3</sup>

whereas logarithmic unit ratio for noise of sol is expressed as Sol. The oncisol (oS) is more convenient for solar power systems. The mathematical expression by the following equality gives an oncisol (oS), which is 1/11th unit of a Sol:

$$
\rho \mathbb{S} = \pm \mathbf{1} \mathbf{1} \log \left( I\_1 \right) \left( I\_2 \right)^{-1} \tag{2}
$$

Noise of therm: For a pack of heat energy wave, the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of light gives heat power intensity I. The pack of solar energy wave and heat energy wave (for same intensity I), have same energy areas, therefore their units of noise are same as Sol.

Noise of photons: For a pack of light energy beam, the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of light gives light power intensity I. The pack of solar energy wave and light energy beam (for same intensity I), have same energy areas, therefore their units of noise are same as Sol.

Noise of electrons: For a pack of electricity wave, the multiplication of total electrical storage and the velocity of light gives electrical power intensity I. The pack of solar energy wave and electricity wave (for same intensity I), have same energy areas, therefore their units of noise are same as Sol.

Noise of scattering: For a pack of fluid energy wave, the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of fluid gives fluid power intensity I. On taking logarithm of two intensities of fluid power, I<sup>1</sup> and I2, provides intensity difference. It is mathematically expressed as:

$$\text{Sip} = \log\left(I\_1\right) \text{( $I\_2$ )}^{-1} \tag{3}$$

whereas, logarithmic unit ratio for noise of scattering is Sip. The oncisip (oS) is more convenient for fluid power systems.

The mathematical expression by the following equality gives an oncisip (oS), which is 1/11th unit of a Sip:

$$
\rho \mathbb{S} = \pm \mathbf{1} \mathbf{1} \log \left( I\_1 \right) (I\_2)^{-1} \tag{4}
$$

For energy area determination for a fluid wave, the water with a specific gravity of 1.0 is the standard fluid considered with power of �1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> for a reference intensity I2.

Noise of scattering and lightning: For a pack of fire wave, the intensity, I, of fire flash with power of light is the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of light. Whereas for a pack of fire wave, the intensity, I, of fire flash with power of fluid, is the multiplication of total power storage capacity and velocity of fluid.


In determining the areas of energy for the case of fluids other than water, a multiplication factor in specific gravity has to be evaluated.

Noise of elasticity: For a pack of sound energy wave, the product of total power storage and the velocity of sound gives sound power intensity I. On taking logarithm of two intensities of sound power, I<sup>1</sup> and I2, provides intensity difference. It is mathematically expressed as:

$$Bel = \log\left(I\_1\right) \left(I\_2\right)^{-1} \tag{5}$$

whereas, logarithmic unit ratio for noise of elasticity is Bel. The oncibel (oB) is more convenient for sound power systems. The mathematical expression by the following equality gives an oncibel (oB), which is 1/11th unit of a Bel:

$$
\rho B = \pm \mathbf{1} \mathbf{1} \log \left( I\_1 \right) \left( I\_2 \right)^{-1} \tag{6}
$$

There are following elaborative points on choosing an onci as 1/11th unit of noise [15]:


#### 3.1 Estimating changes in noise power and noise pressure levels

In some cases, it is difficult to measure intensity of a power source; therefore pressure p can be measured. The relationship between pressure and intensity is given by:

$$I = \frac{p^2 rms}{\rho c} \tag{7}$$

where, p = root mean-square (rms) pressure, N/m<sup>2</sup> , ρ = density of wave medium, kg/m<sup>3</sup> , c = speed of wave, m/s.

Equations (2), (4), (6) are re-written in the form:

$$\text{Intensity difference } \Delta I = \pm 22 \log \frac{p}{po} \tag{8}$$

Sol <sup>¼</sup> log ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> �<sup>1</sup> (1)

oS ¼ �11 log ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> �<sup>1</sup> (2)

Sip <sup>¼</sup> log ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> �<sup>1</sup> (3)

oS ¼ �11 log ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>1</sup> ð Þ <sup>I</sup><sup>2</sup> �<sup>1</sup> (4)

whereas logarithmic unit ratio for noise of sol is expressed as Sol. The oncisol (oS) is more convenient for solar power systems. The mathematical expression by

Noise of therm: For a pack of heat energy wave, the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of light gives heat power intensity I. The pack of solar energy wave and heat energy wave (for same intensity I), have same energy

Noise of photons: For a pack of light energy beam, the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of light gives light power intensity I. The pack of solar energy wave and light energy beam (for same intensity I), have same energy

Noise of electrons: For a pack of electricity wave, the multiplication of total electrical storage and the velocity of light gives electrical power intensity I. The pack of solar energy wave and electricity wave (for same intensity I), have same

Noise of scattering: For a pack of fluid energy wave, the multiplication of total

whereas, logarithmic unit ratio for noise of scattering is Sip. The oncisip (oS) is

The mathematical expression by the following equality gives an oncisip (oS),

For energy area determination for a fluid wave, the water with a specific gravity

Noise of scattering and lightning: For a pack of fire wave, the intensity, I, of fire flash with power of light is the multiplication of total power storage and the velocity of light. Whereas for a pack of fire wave, the intensity, I, of fire flash with power of fluid, is the multiplication of total power storage capacity and velocity of

• For a noise due to fire flash, the collective effect of scattering and lightning is

• For same intensity I, the pack of solar energy wave and a fire flash with light power have same energy areas; therefore, their units of noise are same as Sol. The therm power may also be included in fire flash with power of light.

• For same intensity I, the pack of fluid energy wave and a fire flash with fluid power have same energy areas; therefore, their units of noise are same as Sip.

of 1.0 is the standard fluid considered with power of �1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> for a reference

power storage and the velocity of fluid gives fluid power intensity I. On taking logarithm of two intensities of fluid power, I<sup>1</sup> and I2, provides intensity difference.

the following equality gives an oncisol (oS), which is 1/11th unit of a Sol:

areas, therefore their units of noise are same as Sol.

areas, therefore their units of noise are same as Sol.

It is mathematically expressed as:

Indoor Environment and Health

which is 1/11th unit of a Sip:

intensity I2.

fluid.

104

more convenient for fluid power systems.

obtained by superimposition principle.

energy areas, therefore their units of noise are same as Sol.

The addition of two equal pressures results in an increase of:

22 log 112 ¼ 6:4 onci sol (oS) and addition of two equal powers result in an increase of 3.2 onci sol. When two equal pressure levels are added, we are adding in effect two equal power levels, therefore:

$$Lp\mathbf{1} + Lp\mathbf{2} = \mathbf{11} \log\_{11} \left(\frac{p}{pr\mathbf{f}}\right)^2 + \mathbf{3.2aS} \tag{9}$$

Similarly, it can be shown that when N identical noise sources are added,

$$Lp(total) = Lp\mathbf{1} + \mathbf{11}\log\_{11}N\tag{10}$$

11 log N is plotted as a function of N in Figure 1.

Table 1 shows how to add two unequal noise levels and Figure 2 presents Table 1 graphically.

Table 2 has also notated grades and flag colors under limiting conditions [15]. Figure 3 has presented a double-sided hexagonal slide rule with seven edges for noise measurement representing seven sources of noise. Reference value used for I<sup>2</sup> is �1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> on positive scale of noise and 1 Wm�<sup>2</sup> on negative scale of noise. Positive scale of noise has 10 positive units and 1 negative unit, whereas negative scale of noise has 1 positive unit and 10 negative units. Each unit of sol, sip and bel is divided into 11 parts, 1 part is 1/11th unit of noise. The base of logarithm used in noise measurement equations is 11.

The results of noise filtering using various noise measurement equations for an outdoor duct exposed to solar radiation are tabulated in Tables 3–7. Table 8 has presented noise calculation charts based on intensity and pressure differences so as to calculate onci sol, onci sip and onci bel.

#### 3.2 Thermal environment

Temperature of the ambient air has a great influence on the occupant's physical state and his work efficiency. Air conditioning can prevent excessive cold and heat because high temperature in combination with high degree of humidity cause

premature fatigue, overheating and excessive sweating. Interestingly, air temperature appears to increase 1–2°C and even more with every subsequent meter above the floor level and may reach 40–50°C near the ceiling. Low temperatures are likely to cause local or general cooling of the human body and lead to catarrhal and other respiratory disorders. Humidity is an important environmental characteristic which determines the optimum safe temperature in the work zone, other being the physical effect that the work may demand. The air remains humidified, no matter how dry it feels, by water vapors it invariably contains. The concept of air humidity differentiates: maximum humidity which is the uppermost quantity of moisture that may be held in the air at a given temperature; absolute humidity, that is the actual quantity of moisture held in the air at a given temperature; and relative humidity, defined as the percentage ratio of the absolute humidity to the maximum humidity at a given temperature. The hygienic and sanitary standards refer always

Difference between two levels, oncisol, oncisip,

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84993

0 3.18 1 1.86 2 1.319 3 1.024 4 0.836 5 0.708 6 0.612 7 0.54 8 0.484 9 0.437 10 0.399 11 or more 0

Noise Calculation Charts and Indoor Environmental Quality for Evaluating Industrial Indoor…

Add to the higher level, oncisol, oncisip, oncibel

oncibel

Table 1.

Figure 2. Noise addition.

107

Addition of unequal noise levels.

Figure 1. Predicting the combined noise level of identical sources.

Noise Calculation Charts and Indoor Environmental Quality for Evaluating Industrial Indoor… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84993

