Building Flush-out
From Swikipedia
Introduction
Flush-out is a process used to remove indoor air pollutants like volatile organic compounds (emitted from adhesives, paint carpet, furnishings etc.) from a building by operating the buildings HVAC system at 100 percent outside air for a specific period of time. Mostly, such a flush-out is required in newly constructed, renovated or remodeled buildings.
Brief Description
A building flush out is an important step in finalizing a project. It typically lasts between 3 to 30 days depending on the building material and furnishings, allowing the majority of pollutants to be removed from the building prior to occupancy. The minimum recommended flush-out period is 7 days; it should be completed prior to occupancy and after all finishings are installed.
Optimally a building flush-out begins as soon as HVAC systems are operational and extends through the end of construction, furniture installation, and the first few days of occupancy. The HVAC system should be run continuously, 24 hours a day, with 100% outside air (no return air should be re-circulated into the building). Outdoor air is to be thermally conditioned as needed to maintain normal indoor temperatures. In humid climates, it is important to avoid introducing significant amounts of moisture during the flush-out period. Temporary construction filters should be installed in the air handlers during the construction period and through the duration of the flush-out. These filters must be replaced after the flush-out is completed.
In fact, for LEED projects, a building flush-out can be performed to earn credit for a Construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan.
References:
http://www.whygreenbuildings.com/glossary.php
http://ucih.ucdavis.edu/docs/FlushOutFactSheet.pdf
