INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)

Historical Perspective First indication of indoor contamination –

Asbestos pollution, a carcinogenic substance, discovered by epidemiologists, used in almost all building materials about 35 years back. Banned due to adverse health effects NOT considering IAQ.

Concept of IAQ first introduced among scientific community in 1980 due to some occurrences of ‘episodes indoors’.

At central headquarters of EPA building at Washington, D.C.- more than 100 people fell sick within 15 minutes of entering the office.

In Los Angeles, CO level in most of the well insulated buildings was three times greater than the outside level.

Outcome: Such episodes indoors in developed nations ended up with Extensive monitoring programme for indoors Identification of indoor contaminants Formulation of IAQ models Development of control methodologies Formulation of Indoor Air Contamination

Standards. Identification of ‘Sick Buildings’ Investigation of ‘Sick Building Syndrome

(SBS)’

Hard FactsFresh air contains 21.0% (v/v) O2 and

Exhaled air contains 17.0% (v/v) O2

An adult emits 45 gm sweat / hour containing bioaerosols.

An adult produces about 80 to 100 W heat.

Carbon based gaseous pollutants (VOCs) in indoors are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Characteristics of Indoor Air QualityPhysicalChemical Biological

FactorsCause IAQ IssuesImprove IAQ

What is IAQ?

Office Type Environment Ventilation is General Dilution

Type Heating, Ventilating, and Air

Conditioning (HVAC) System Windows

A Common Myth

Air pollution occurs only outdoors

Or

In industrial environment

Truth!!!!

What is more agreeable than one’s home?

Feeling safe ?Away from outside pollution ?

Air inside the conditioned space can be substantially more polluted than outdoor air.

Energy Efficiency Starting in the 1970’s Buildings

were Sealed Up to Reduce Energy CostsAir Contaminants TrappedLack of Outdoor AirSick Building Syndrome

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62 – Recommends 7 to 10 L/s (CFM) of Outdoor Air per Person

Causes of IAQ Problems Temperature and/or Humidity Too Much Glare Inadequate Fresh Air - Lead to

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) BuildupNormal Outdoor CO2 Levels is 350

ppmIndoor CO2 Levels Can Be 600-800

ppm> 1000 ppm CO2 Levels –

Tired/SleepinessOSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for

CO2 is 500 ppm

CO2

Introduction of Chemicals & Contaminants into the Building

Building Remodeling - Adhesives, Paints Select Low Volatile/Low Toxicity Products Schedule Work on Weekends/After Hours Allow Remodeled Area to Off-Gas Prior to

Re-Occupation Temporarily Relocate Employees

Old Food - Forgotten Lunches/Snacks

Introduction of Chemicals & Contaminants into the Building Cleaners

Use Green Seal Cleaning Supplies Non-Toxic Not a Skin Sensitizer Does Not Contain Substances Which

Contribute to Poor Indoor Air Quality If Using a Cleaner - Be Aware of How

Your Actions May Impact Your Co-Workers

Building Air Inlet - Auto Exhaust can increase Carbon Monoxide

Introduction of Chemicals & Contaminants into the Building

Personal Hygiene Products Perfumes, Deodorants, Cologne

Be Aware of How Your Actions Can Impact Your Co-Workers

Water Leaks/Water Damage Mold or Mildew

Air Cleaners - Some Use Ozone May Affect Persons with Pre-Existing

Respiratory Problems

Introduction of Chemicals & Contaminants into the Building

Printers/Copying MachinesCan Generate Particulates and OzoneOzone – Eye & Respiratory IrritationDo Not Place in Room with Poor

VentilationDo Not Point Printer Exhaust at

IndividualsStudy on Printers:

Ozone Levels: <0.001 ppm to 0.016 ppm (OSHA permissible exposure limit for ozone. 0.1 ppm)

Introduction of Chemicals & Contaminants into the Building

Animal DanderBrought into the Office on ClothingSome Persons have Allergic

Reactions Third Hand Smoke

Recent Studies – Tobacco By-Products Can Cling to Hair, Clothing, & Furniture

Be Sensitive to the Needs of Co-Workers

Monitoring for IAQ Issues Q-Trak Indoor Air Quality

MonitorTemperature and HumidityCarbon MonoxideCarbon Dioxide

ppb RAE DetectorVarious Chemical

Substances Down to the Parts per Billion Rang

Monitoring for IAQ Issues

Chemical HazardsDo Not Use Odor as an Indicator of

HazardCertain Individuals May Be More

Susceptible to Certain ChemicalsAll Chemicals Do Not Have a

Permissible Exposure Limit

In Summary Certain Individuals May Be More

Susceptible to Certain Chemicals Be a Good Neighbor/Co-Worker Don’t Be Afraid to Ask & Do Not Be

Offended If a Co-Worker Asks Discuss IAQ Issues With Your

Supervisor, Department Safety

Officer.

Thanks