Implicaciones de la ventilación natural y mecánica en la exposición al polvo en vivienda: caso de estudio en tucson, arizona, ee. uu.

From all the alternatives to provide a better in- door environmental quality in the residential sector in Northwest Mexico and Southwest U.S.; mechanical ventilation systems are the most commonly used source of air exchange and temperature control. Innovation in the technology of ventilation systems often leads to declining use of natural ventilation, although, during selected days of the year, the free movement of airflow can contribute to human health and energy conservation. This study applies a hazard assessment process to a case study, and compares the three most common systems of temperature control and air supply: natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, and air conditioning; to observe and measure accumulations of dust and temperature variation in a single-family household in Midtown Tucson, Arizona. Firstly, this study aims to understand whether the amount and location of dust accumulations throughout a house is correlated to the type of natural ventilation and mechanical systems in operation at that time. Secondly, this study tests how human exposure to dust is diferent depending on the location of the accumulation within the house. Finally, temperature measurements are discussed to reflect upon the effectiveness of diferent types of ventilation systems in operation, to mitigate dust accumulation.