Final answer:
Increasing ventilation in a building can lead to changes in humidity levels, which might affect health due to mold growth or discomfort from dry air. It can also result in higher energy consumption for heating or cooling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increasing the ventilation in a building can negatively impact indoor humidity levels and potentially lead to a range of unintended consequences such as energy consumption increase. When ventilation is increased, more outdoor air is introduced into the building, which can carry with it various humidity levels depending on the season and geographic location. High humidity within a building can contribute to the growth of mold and other biological contaminants, thus potentially affecting the health of the occupants. Conversely, elevated ventilation in colder climates may lead to dry indoor air, which can cause discomfort, irritation, and increased energy costs for humidification. Moreover, while proper ventilation is crucial to reduce indoor air pollutant concentrations, the increased use of mechanical ventilation systems can significantly increase a building's energy use, especially for heating or cooling the incoming air to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Indoor pollutants and sick building syndrome highlight the importance of balancing air quality with the environmental and health impacts of over-ventilation. Furthermore, considerations must be taken into account when designing and managing building systems to optimize the indoor air quality without the excessive consumption of energy.