IAQ Jeopardy with your host: Lynda Martin Industrial Hygienist Spokane Public Schools And able-bodied co-host: Todd Clouse Head Custodian Holmes Elementary

Ventilation Mold Asthma Investigation / Testing Methods Common Sources

IAQ Jeopardy Studies show that over half the time indoor air quality problems are due to inadequate ventilation. True or False VentiVentilation 100ation NIOSH Study - U.S. Dept. of Labor OSHA Technical Manual

Inadequate ventilation in a classroom can cause the level of what air contaminant to increase? Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Levels about 700 ppm above outside levels are recommended by ASHRAE. Ventilation 200

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 Short –Circuiting

Ventilation 500 By studying approximately 500 indoor air quality investigations, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified primary sources of indoor air quality problems and derived percentages of occurrence. Using the available percentages to the right of the Table, correctly complete the Table below. IAQ problem Sources Identified by NIOSH Study Percent or occurrence Microbial contamination Unknown sources 13 % Inadequate ventilation Contamination from inside building Contamination from outside building Other sources 4% 4% 52 % 16% 10 % 5 % Reference - U.S. Dept. of Labor (OSHA 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 (70-90 o F) (Mold can grow in o 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 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 Weeks B. Every 2 Months C. Every year D. 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 BenzeneCarcinogen 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 CO 2 levels a health hazard? YES or NO Investigation / Testing Methods300 Goal for classroom: ppm Dept 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 Inspection Or Site Visit

Common Sources 100 View the image and name this. Dust Mite FACTS Live 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.

Common Sources 300 Study the photo and identify a condition that could affect IAQ Air Intakes

Common Sources 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 Common Sources 500