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

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

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

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)

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.

Four Elements of IAQ Dilemma  Source  HVAC  Pathway  Occupants

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

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

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

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.

Component of a HVAC System  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

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

Conducting and IAQ Investigation  Collect and Review Existing Records  Conduct a Walkthrough Inspection  Collect Detailed Information

Instruments and Methodology Used for IAQ  Thermal Comfort-Temperature, Relative Humidity  Tracking Air Movement with Chemical Smoke  CO 2 as a indicator of good ventilation.  Measuring Airflow  Estimating Outdoor Air Quantities

Instruments and Methodology Used for IAQ  Air Contaminant Concentrations  Biological Contaminants  Airborne Dust  Combustion Products

Regulatory Requirements  OSHA-General Duty Clause  OPNAVINST F  ASHSHARE Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

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.