Evaluation of Ventilation Effectiveness in the Kitchens of Beijing Flats

The effects of different kinds of room ventilation were evaluated in an experimental chamber and in kitchens of four residences in Beijing. Carbon monoxide was used as a tracer gas in the chamber, and this together with nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide concentrations from the gas appliances were measured in the chamber and the kitchens. The ventilation styles evaluated were natural ventilation, an exhaust fan and a kitchen range hood. Their ventilation effectiveness was related to design, air flow, the distance between an appliance and air vent, and position of the appliance in the kitchen. A kitchen range hood above the appliance associated with an extra fan installed in a high window was found to be the most effective way to control indoor air quality in the kitchens.