Title: Reading and Audio-Visual Assignments
Course: WGF 106 DEVELOPMENT > Section: Content

Image |

Sub-Title | Causes of IEQ Problems and Associated Risks
Content
Human Comfort Factors Indoor air contaminants can originate within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. If contaminant sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can arise, even if the HVAC system is properly designed and

well-maintained. It may be helpful to think of air pollutant sources as fitting into one of the categories that follow. The examples given for each category are not intended to be a complete list.

Sources Outside Building

Contaminated outdoor air

- pollen, dust, fungal spores
- industrial pollutants
- general vehicle exhaust

Emissions from nearby sources

- exhaust from vehicles on nearby roads

or in parking lots, or garages

- loading docks
- odors from dumpsters
- re-entrained (drawn back into the

building) exhaust from the building itself or from neighboring buildings

- unsanitary debris near the outdoor air

intake

Soil gas

- radon
- leakage from underground fuel tanks
- contaminants from previous uses of the

site (e.g., landfills)

- pesticides

Moisture or standing water promoting

excess microbial growth

- rooftops after rainfall
- crawlspace

Equipment

HVAC system

- dust or dirt in ductwork or other

components

- microbiological growth in drip pans, humidifiers, ductwork, coils, improper use of biocides, sealants, and/or cleaning compounds
- improper venting of combustion products
- refrigerant leakage

Non-HVAC equipment

- emissions from office equipment (volatile organic compounds, ozone)
- supplies (solvents, toners, ammonia) emissions from shops, labs, cleaning processes
- elevator motors and other mechanical systems

Human Activities

Personal activities

- smoking
- cooking
- body odor
- cosmetic odors

Housekeeping activities

- cleaning materials and procedures
- emissions from stored supplies or trash
- use of deodorizers and fragrances
- airborne dust or dirt (e.g., circulated bysweeping and vacuuming)

Maintenance activities

- microorganisms in mist from improperly maintained cooling towers
- airborne dust or dirt
- volatile organic compounds from use ofpaint, caulk, adhesives, and other products
- pesticides from pest control activities
- emissions from stored supplies

Building Components and Furnishings

Locations that produce or collect dust or

fibers

- textured surfaces such as carpeting, curtains, and other textiles
- open shelving
- old or deteriorated furnishings
- materials containing damaged asbestos

Unsanitary conditions and water damage

- microbiological growth on or in soiled or water-damaged furnishings
- microbiological growth in areas of surface condensation
- standing water from clogged or poorly designed drains
- dry traps that allow the passage of sewer gas;

Chemicals released from building

components or furnishings

- volatile organic compounds or
- inorganic compounds

Other Sources

Accidental events

- spills of water or other liquids
- microbiological growth due to flooding or to leaks from roofs, piping
- fire damage (soot, PCBs from electrical

equipment, odors)

Special use areas and mixed use buildings

- smoking lounges
- laboratories
- print shops, art rooms
- exercise rooms
- beauty salons
- food preparation areas

Redecorating/remodeling/repair activities

- emissions from new furnishings
- dust and fibers from demolition
- odors and volatile organic and inorganic compounds from paint, caulk, adhesives
- micro biologicals released from demolition or remodeling activities

Indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants at concentrations that are far below any standards or guidelines for occupational exposure. Given our present knowledge, it is difficult to relate complaints of specific health effects to exposures to specific pollutant concentrations, especially since the significant exposures

may be too low of levels by pollutant mixtures.
Video | NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP_W121FmZQ
Content
Health Hazard Evaluations

NIOSH conducts investigations of possible health hazards in the workplace. These investigations, called Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs), are conducted under the authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the authority of the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, which authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, following a written request from employees, authorized representative of employees, or employers, to determine whether any substance normally found in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects in such concentrations as used or found.

NIOSH Resources

Building Air Quality

Building Air Quality Action Plan
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-123 (June 1998)
The Building Air Quality Action Plan is intended to be used in concert with the more comprehensive Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ). (See below.) This resource meets the needs of building owners and managers who want an easy-to-understand path for taking their building from current conditions and practices to the successful institutionalization of good IEQ management practices.

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 91-114 (December 1991)
In recognition of the need for practical indoor air quality advice for building owners and facility managers, EPA and NIOSH worked jointly to produce this written guidance on preventing, identifying, and correcting indoor air quality problems.
Links/Uploads | NIOSH – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/ Workplace Safety and Health Topics http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/safety.html Industries and Occupations http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/industries.html
Attributions | Image courtesy of Whole Building Design Guide – National Institute of Building Science Content courtesy of Factors Affecting IAQ – U.S. EPA, And additional content courtesy NIOSH – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention