IAQ Jeopardywith your host:

Lynda MartinIndustrial Hygienist

Spokane Public SchoolsAnd able-bodied co-host:

Todd Clouse

Head Custodian

Holmes Elementary

Ventilation

100

300

400

500

Mold

100

200

300

400

500

Asthma

100

200

300

400

500

Investigation /Testing Methods

100

200

300

400

500

CommonSources

100

200

300

400

500

200

IAQ Jeopardy

Studies show that over half the time indoor air quality problems are due to inadequate ventilation.

True or False

Ventilation 100

NIOSH Study - U.S. Dept. of Labor NIOSH Study - U.S. Dept. of Labor OSHA Technical ManualOSHA Technical Manual

Inadequate ventilation in a classroom can cause the level of what air contaminant to increase?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Levels about 700 ppm above outside levels are recommended by ASHRAE.

Ventilation

200

Ventilation 300

Ventilation 300

You respond to an IAQ complaint from this office. Determine the primary problem with this environment that may affect IAQ.

This is an old shower room that was converted into a workstation.

No supply air ventilation.

Ventilation

400

Below is an HVAC schematic of supply and return air locations in a classroom.

Discuss potential IAQ problems with this setup.

No Air

No AirNo Air

Short –Circuiting

Ventilation 500

By studying approximately 500 indoor air quality investigations, the National Institute By studying approximately 500 indoor air quality investigations, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified primary sources of indoor air for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified primary sources of indoor air quality problems and derived percentages of occurrence. quality problems and derived percentages of occurrence. Using the available percentages to the right of the Table, correctly complete the Using the available percentages to the right of the Table, correctly complete the Table below. Table below.

IAQ problem Sources Identified by NIOSH Study

Percent or Percent or occurrenceoccurrence

Microbial contaminationMicrobial contamination

Unknown sourcesUnknown sources 13 %

Inadequate ventilationInadequate ventilation

Contamination from Contamination from inside buildinginside building

Contamination from Contamination from outside buildingoutside building

Other sourcesOther sources 4%4%

52 %

16%

10 %

5 %

Reference - U.S. Dept. Reference - U.S. Dept. of Labor (OSHA of Labor (OSHA Technical Manual)Technical Manual)

5 %

52 %

16 %

10 %

Mold growing on indoor building materials is natural and should not be investigated.

True or False

• Clean up the mold

• Fix the water problem

• Dry out the area

Mold 100

If you find mold indoors it is generally a good idea to have it tested to see what type it is.

• It’s more important to find the water source, fix it, and clean up the mold.

Mold 200

True or False

Although it can be very expensive, sampling for airborne mold is the most reliable method for determining whether you truly have a mold problem or not.

True or False

• Mold is everywhere• No government standards identifying acceptable or

hazardous levels• Different levels of sensitivities between individuals• Testing methods are not standardized

Mold 300

What two main things are needed for mold to grow?

• Water• Food (plywood, drywall, furring strips,

carpets, and carpet padding, papers) • Optimal Temperatures (70-90o F)

(Mold can grow in 32-120o F)• High humidity (above 50%)• Stagnant Air

Mold 400

Mold 500

You identify 35 Square Feet of Mold contaminated Wallboard. Review the following work practices and decide which are considered Good or Bad.

Shut down HVAC system prior to work

Workers wearing respiratory protection

Mold contaminated materials dis-infected with concentrated bleach solution

Isolation of the work area using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape

Good

Good

Good

Bad

Asthma 100

For some, Asthma is a psychological condition and is not a real health hazard.

True or False

Normal Airway Asthmatic Airway

Asthma 200

List 3 potential Asthma Triggers• Cigarette smoke• Pet dander• Mold • Dust • Various Chemicals• Perfumes, Fragrance• Pollen• And many more

Asthma 300

According to the CDC, Asthma accounts for 1 million lost days of school each year.

True or False

14 Million

Asthma 400

According to the CDC, if a child with asthma wants to play with a stuffed toy it should be washed in hot water (about 130 degrees to kill mites)

A. Every 2 WeeksB. Every 2 MonthsC. Every yearD. Never, just thrown away when soiled.

List 3 things your school can do to help control asthma triggers

Asthma 500 •Ventilate well

•Control dust

•Keep the school dry

•Don't keep pets in classrooms

•Pest Management : Prevent insects and other pests from entering

•Practice good chemical management

Is odor an indication of a hazard?

Investigation /Testing Methods 100

Not Always Carbon monoxide

Colorless and Odorless. No odor at levels that can cause death

Benzene Carcinogen at low levels;

odor is sometimes perceived as “sweet”

Hydrogen sulfide

Smells like rotten eggs at levels lower than health risk occurs

Investigation /Testing Methods200

You receive an odor complaint believed to be caused by the restroom.

What is a simple test that can be done to see if the restroom’s HVAC is functioning properly?

Are elevated CO2 levels a health hazard? YES or NO

Investigation /Testing Methods300

Goal for classroom: 1000-1200 ppmDept of L&I 8-hour exposure limit is 5000 ppm

Levels up to 10,000 parts per million can be tolerated without ill effects by healthy people.

If you receive a complaint about IAQ what are some things you

can evaluate?

• Vents are clear/ Check with EMS• Clutter in the classroom/stuffed animals• Recent water damage/stains on ceiling tiles or

walls• Unapproved chemical use• Drain traps• Air fresheners• Check the refrigerator

Investigation /Testing Methods400

Investigation /Testing Methods 500

This is the most important step in identifying a potential IAQ problem.

Visual InspectionOr

Site Visit

CommonSources 100View the image

and name this.

Dust MiteDust Mite

FACTSLive on dead skin shed from humans and pets

Beds, pillows, stuffed animals, upholstery are prime habitats for dust mites

The feces and skin shedding of the dust mites cause the allergic reaction, not the mite itself

Common Sources 200

Name three potential sources or conditions in Mr. H’s classroom that could negatively impact IAQ.

CommonSources 300

Study the photo and identify a condition that could affect IAQ

Air Intakes

CommonSources 400

Ozone generating air cleaners actually do reduce indoor particulate levels and can reduce occupant symptoms.

True or False

However, Ozone is a respiratory irritant and these types of air cleaners should not be used in occupied spaces.

NO

Can these help clean the air?

• Cover up odor by numbing our sense of smell• About 95% of these synthetic compounds are

made from petroleum products• Fragrances can trigger asthma and other

respiratory conditions due to the irritant effect

CommonSources 500