1. IAQ: Its Not Rocket Science Eric E. Dickson, CIEC Industrial Hygienist Educational Service District 101

2. Causes of IAQ Problems?? LOW BID !!!!!!! Budget Cuts impacting Maintenance & Custodial Staff Normal Wear on Equipment Average age of U.S. school buildings = 40+ yrs old Self Inflicted Issues

3. Types of IAQ Problems HVAC System related issues Airborne particulates Mold Self Inflicted (behaviors….) Animals Asthma/Allergy Triggers Room Temperature, Lighting, & Noise Asbestos (its back!) 3

4. HVAC Most Common Source of IAQ problems! Lack of Outside Air / High CO2 levels Failed equipment, energy reduction efforts Residential-style thermostats Reduced airflow Dirty filters, blocked or diverted airflow Intakes near system exhausts Exhausts fans not operating

5. High CO2 = low/no outside air

6. HVAC – Univent System

7. Blocked Univent

9. HVAC – Central Air System

10. Good idea, but ……

11. HVAC - reduced airflow What the…?

12. HVAC – Diverted airflow <<Patch fell out!

13. HVAC - dirty filters

14. HVAC – Closed damper This damper was closed!

15. HVAC – Residential thermostats Note “Fan on” setting.

16. HVAC - intakes / exhaust Exhaust >>> <<< Intake

17. HVAC – Exhaust easy fix Extend exhaust pipes above roof line.

18. 18 HVAC – Re-entrainment FA intake Sewer exhausts Bathroom exhaust Wind direction

19. HVAC: Broken fan belt

20. HVAC: Bathroom exhaust

21. 21 MOLD B.S. era (Before Sheetrock) mold was much less of a problem.

22. Mold: Nothing New Biblical Reference - Leviticus 13:1-47 and 14:33-47 Priests would order the contaminated areas to be cleaned/removed or the house to be burned. Mold contaminated food (ergot) believed partial cause of middle ages deformities and possibly Salem witch trials in 1692. The “mummy’s curse” from molds in the tombs

23. Mold – Outdoor Source Mushrooms, fungus, decaying plants Mold is everywhere!!!!!!

24. Mold Water + sheetrock = Mold Shut off water source Dry out building materials within 48-72 hrs! Cut/drill holes behind base cove material. May be able to prevent mold growth. Sheetrock is cheap!! When in doubt, rip it out!

25. Water from outside gets inside.

26. Water wicking from outside

27. Water Damage – water everywhere

28. Water Damage – bubbling paint

29. Mold: Behind cabinets

30. Mold: Inside wall cavity – from a window leak.

31. Mold: Look behind vinyl wallpaper

32. Water from Inside Building… Water leaks – pipes in walls or above ceilings.

33. Can cause this.

34. Mold – Prevention Get airflow into wall cavity ASAP.

35. Animals Look for evidence of animal activity Nesting Fecal matter

36. Animals: birds

37. Animals as Pets

38. Animals: bird’s nest in intake

39. Animals – Rodents Remove access and food source!

40. Animals: bats (guano happens!)

41. Holy Pissicles Batman!!!!

42. Self inflicted – heat source Cold rooms Heat source near thermostats

43. Self Inflicted - houseplants Unkempt houseplants

44. 44 Dust in Carpets

45. Self Inflicted - Particulates Dust in carpets.

46. Airborne Particulates Location10DateTime 0.3- 0. 5 u m 0.5- 0. 7 u m 0.7- 1. 0 u m 1.0- 2. 0 u m 2.0- 5. 0 u m >5.0u m Temp. F Humid i t yLiters Rm 31 no kids10/5/20049:37:01459031972571474477103683610 Outside ambient10/5/20049:47:0563999233660643041093594110 Rm 31 w/ kids10/5/2004 11:36:5 9454552428111813521568457693710

47. Ozone from Printers/Copiers Self-contained printer … not!

48. Asthma Triggers Cluttered room

49. Asthma Triggers Cozy Corner

50. Asthma Triggers – Pet Dander

51. IAQ Program Develop an IAQ reporting system Email, work orders, etc. - Form an IAQ team to investigate complaints Teachers, maintenance, custodial, administrative Training, “Tools for Schools” kit Purchase some basic equipment CO2 meter, moisture meter, chemical smoke, light meter Support the team

52. 52 Asbestos is back! … #@*&$! NAFTA allowed free trade without restrictions. CAFTA did the same thing! Comes from Canada, Mexico, others. Flooring, roofing, sheetrock, etc.

53. 53 Check Product Labels “Non asbestos” or “asbestos free” If it contains asbestos, label may read: Chrysotile (or chrysotile fibers) Mineral fibers Natural fibers

54. Check product labels

55. Check ingredients!!!

56. Questions????????? Eric E. Dickson, CIEC Educational Service District 101 Spokane, WA (509) 789-3518 edickson@esd101.net