Solar Ventilation Provides Asthma Prevention and Healthier Homes & Workplaces

The latest research from the World Health Organisation has confirmed:  "Occupants of damp or mouldy buildings are at increased risk of experiencing health problems such as respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma. "

A new name to old symptoms - CIRS WDB.  

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Caused by Exposure to the Interior Environment of Water-Damaged Buildings   

(June- 2009) brochure-'Damp and mould removal'.

"Health effects associated with- Beta glucans, allergic alveolitis, inhalation fever, infection with moulds, respiratory infections in the general population, other effects, mycotoxins, Immunostimulation and IgE-mediated allergies, cytotoxicity and immuno suppression, autoimmunity, irritation, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, microbial interactions.

Employers need to do a proper risk assessment for every hazardous substance used in the workplace (such as ozone, dust, inks, solvents and toner). WorkCover NSW requires employers to keep records of these risk assessments in accordance with clause 168 of the Regulation.

Moisture-Holding Capacity, Dehumidifier and Mould Removal

Air has the capacity to hold moisture in water vapor form. The amount of moisture held by a fixed volume of air (relative humidity, or RH) increases as the temperature of that air rises. For example, cold outside air has little moisture-holding capacity, whereas warm air has significant moisture-holding capacity. For every 10°C increase in temperature, the moisture holding capacity of air approx. doubles. 

Thermal Buoyancy of Air

Warm air is less dense than cold air, so it is lighter and rises. This principle works well in natural ventilation systems where the warmer stable air, caused by body heat, is allowed to rise up and exhaust in a peak vent or chimney. Reliant on external ambient temperatures, the greater the temperature difference between inside the stable and outside - the larger the uplift or buoyancy force will be. Relying on buoyancy is not very effective in warm weather since there is little temperature difference between inside and outside. For these conditions, what’s needed is a summer breeze or mechanical forced ventilation.

Natural Ventilation System - Helps Equestrian Asthma Prevention

A natural ventilation system is quieter than most fan systems and can provide daylight, but require more management to maintain uniform temperature and air quality inside the horse stable.

Orientation is key, the length of the building must be perpendicular to the prevailing wind.  Obstructions around the stable prevent fresh air movement, especially when located within heavy tree lined sites.

Another challenge with natural ventilation systems is condensation on building surfaces. When the warm, moist air rises to be evacuated out of the stable, it comes in contact with the cold surfaces of the roof, creating condensation. This can deteriorate building components and is uncomfortable for horses and workers.
Open roof surfaces on high UV days will also radiate extreme heat downwards.

Fan-Ventilated Stable

In fan-ventilated stables, the air exchange and distribution is forced mechanically. Since every fan creates a small vacuum, all openings into the structure become sources of air. For this reason, it is important that properly designed air inlets are provided.
Mains electricity fans need constant maintenance to ensure electrical supplies and connections are clean and safe to eliminate risk of sparking which would in turn ignite most materials within a stable.