Indoor Air Quality

1. Indoor Air Quality Trina Redford Industrial Hygienist National Naval Medical Center IH Services North

2. OBJECTIVE • To provide an overview of Indoor Air Quality, including the various factors that can impact an office-type building.

3. Objective (Cont’d) • To familiarize participants with typical health complaints, environmental measurements collection and remedial actions .

4. Terms • Building Related Illness-Diagnosable illness whose symptoms can be identified and whose cause can be be directly attributed to airborne building pollutants (e.g., hypersensitivity pneumonitis or Legionnaire’s disease)

5. Terms • Sick Building Syndrome(Tight Building Syndrome) Used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and /or comfort effects that appear to be linked to the time spent in a particular building. • No specific illness can be identified. • Complaints may be localized in a particular room zone or widespread throughout the building.

6. Four Elements of IAQ Dilemma • Source • HVAC • Pathway • Occupants

7. Sources Indoor Air Contaminants • Contaminated outdoor air • Emissions from nearby sources • Moisture or standing water promoting excessive microbial growth • Equipment • Human Activities • Housekeeping Activities

8. Source of Indoor Air Contaminants • Human activities • Maintenance Activities • Building Components and Furnishings • Unsanitary conditions and water damage • Chemicals released by building components • Other Sources

9. HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN AND OPERATION • Provides thermal comfort. • Distributes adequate amounts of outdoor air. • Isolates and removes odors and contaminants through pressure control, filtration and exhaust fans

10. Targeted groups of IAQ Dilemma • Allergic or asthmatic individuals. • People with respiratory disease. • People whose immune system are suppressed due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, disease or other causes. • Contact lens wearers.

11. Outdoor intakes Mixed-air plenum and outdoor air control Air filter Heating and cooling coils Humidification and dehumidification equipment Supply fan Ducts Terminal device Return air system Exhaust or relief fans and air outlet Self-contained heating or cooling unit Control Boiler Cooling tower Water Chiller Component of a HVAC System

12. Headache Fatigue Shortness of breath Sinus congestion Eye, nose and throat irritation Sneezing Cough Dizziness Nausea Skin irritation Types of Symptoms and Complaints

13. Conducting and IAQ Investigation • Collect and Review Existing Records • Conduct a Walkthrough Inspection • Collect Detailed Information

14. Instruments and Methodology Used for IAQ • Thermal Comfort-Temperature, Relative Humidity • Tracking Air Movement with Chemical Smoke • CO2 as a indicator of good ventilation. • Measuring Airflow • Estimating Outdoor Air Quantities

15. Instruments and Methodology Used for IAQ • Air Contaminant Concentrations • Biological Contaminants • Airborne Dust • Combustion Products

16. Regulatory Requirements • OSHA-General Duty Clause • OPNAVINST 5100.23F • ASHSHARE 62-1999 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

17. Summary • A healthy indoor environment is one which the surroundings contribute to the productivity, comfort and sense of health and well being. • A healthy environment may be achieved by proper building maintenance and communication.