Sensory Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality by Building Occupants versus Trained and Untrained Panels

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect ventilation has on the sensory evaluation of indoor air quality by occupants and visitors, both trained in air quality evalua tion and untrained, during three separate periods in a London office building. Results from the study suggested that trained panels used to judge the level of indoor air quality failed to indicate the level of occupant dissatisfaction. A naive panel also failed to show agreement with either occupant or trained panel assessment of indoor air quality. Occupants may perceive indoor air quality as unacceptable, but odour is not considered the main problem. This suggests that the assessment of odour levels gives a poor indication of indoor air quality. The study revealed no statistically significant correlation between perceived indoor air quality and ventilation rates.