| Title |
Evaluation of Ventilation Capacity and Pollutant Concentration in Bathroom Ventilation System Considering Fecal-Origin Emissions |
| Authors |
Jihoo Lee ; Min Su Jeon ; Hee Gang Kim ; Myoung Souk Yeo |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.6110/KJACR.2026.38.9.489 |
| Keywords |
기밀화; 화장실 환기; 바이오에어로졸; 호흡선; 악취 Airtightness; Bathroom ventilation; Bioaerosol; Breathing zone; Malodor |
| Abstract |
Bathroom ventilation has typically prioritized humidity removal and air exchange rates, often overlooking pollutant exposure. This study reassesses bathroom ventilation performance in relation to feces-derived pollutants using a well-mixed model and CFD simulations based on the geometry of an actual apartment bathroom. The findings reveal that the nominal ventilation rate of 80 CMH is inadequate for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in airtight conditions; reduced effective ventilation hinders pollutant removal, leading to a rapid buildup of concentrations that exceed hygiene limits within minutes of use. In contrast, ammonia (NH3) levels remain below guideline thresholds under conditions of fecal-origin emissions. CFD analyses further illustrate that ceiling-mounted exhaust systems, along with buoyancy-driven thermal plumes from occupants, can transport toilet-generated pollutants into the breathing zone, resulting in concentrations up to 40.6% higher than the room average. These results suggest that evaluating bathroom ventilation performance should consider not only nominal ventilation rates but also effective ventilation in airtight conditions and exposure to pollutants in the breathing zone. |