Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the current upgrade in the ASHRAE standards related to ventilation requirements per person?
What is the current upgrade in the ASHRAE standards related to ventilation requirements per person?
Which of the following is NOT a part of regular preventive maintenance for air quality management?
Which of the following is NOT a part of regular preventive maintenance for air quality management?
Which classification was NOT achieved for indoor air quality certifications?
Which classification was NOT achieved for indoor air quality certifications?
What does the remediation process NOT include?
What does the remediation process NOT include?
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Which general indoor air quality parameters are monitored as part of the management process?
Which general indoor air quality parameters are monitored as part of the management process?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Sick Building Syndrome?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Sick Building Syndrome?
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Which microbe is known to be associated with Building Related Illness?
Which microbe is known to be associated with Building Related Illness?
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What is a key difference between the old and new IAQ parameters introduced in 2019?
What is a key difference between the old and new IAQ parameters introduced in 2019?
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What is the primary reason the design of the Academic Building considered IAQ?
What is the primary reason the design of the Academic Building considered IAQ?
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Fungi such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus sp. can cause what types of health effects?
Fungi such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus sp. can cause what types of health effects?
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What are some common indoor sources of nitrogen dioxide?
What are some common indoor sources of nitrogen dioxide?
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Which health effect is associated with chronic exposure to ozone?
Which health effect is associated with chronic exposure to ozone?
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What characteristic distinguishes formaldehyde among air pollutants?
What characteristic distinguishes formaldehyde among air pollutants?
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Which compound is primarily composed of petrochemical products and is a common indoor pollutant?
Which compound is primarily composed of petrochemical products and is a common indoor pollutant?
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What is the main health risk associated with exposure to Respirable Suspended Particulate matter?
What is the main health risk associated with exposure to Respirable Suspended Particulate matter?
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What is a natural source of airborne bacteria and fungi?
What is a natural source of airborne bacteria and fungi?
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What type of gas is radon and where does it usually come from?
What type of gas is radon and where does it usually come from?
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Which of the following pollutants is linked to chronic tobacco smoke exposure?
Which of the following pollutants is linked to chronic tobacco smoke exposure?
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What is a significant reason for poor indoor air quality in modern buildings?
What is a significant reason for poor indoor air quality in modern buildings?
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Which of the following is NOT considered an IAQ parameter?
Which of the following is NOT considered an IAQ parameter?
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What percentage of time do people in industrialized nations typically spend indoors?
What percentage of time do people in industrialized nations typically spend indoors?
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Which of the following can contribute to increased indoor air pollution over the years?
Which of the following can contribute to increased indoor air pollution over the years?
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Which undesirable effect is associated with poor indoor air quality?
Which undesirable effect is associated with poor indoor air quality?
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What is the purpose of the HK IAQ Certification Scheme?
What is the purpose of the HK IAQ Certification Scheme?
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What is a notable source of carbon dioxide indoors?
What is a notable source of carbon dioxide indoors?
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Which gas is commonly used as an indicator of indoor air quality?
Which gas is commonly used as an indicator of indoor air quality?
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What is the time frame for re-certification under the HK IAQ Certification Scheme?
What is the time frame for re-certification under the HK IAQ Certification Scheme?
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Which of the following factors does NOT negatively affect indoor air quality?
Which of the following factors does NOT negatively affect indoor air quality?
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Study Notes
Built Environment and Health
- Buildings shelter from natural elements and harms, provide a more comfortable environment (light, sound, privacy), and allow environmental controls.
- Sophisticated technology controls the environment, but comes at a price.
- Buildings are the most impactful man-made environments.
Health Considerations
- Environmental health
- Built environment and health
- Occupational health
- Residential health
Indoor Air Quality
- Indoor air pollutants can be 2-5 times, up to >100 times, higher than outdoor levels.
- People in industrialized nations spend 70-90% of their time indoors (infants, elderly, chronic patients even higher).
- Locations involving prolonged exposure: home, school, workplace.
- Exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased in recent decades.
Problem Getting Worse
- More tightly sealed buildings
- Reduced ventilation to save energy
- Environmental tobacco smoke
- Increased use of synthetic materials inside buildings
- Increased use of personal care products, pesticides, other household chemicals
- Indoor fuel burning
- Outdoor air pollution
Undesirable Effects of Poor IAQ
- Two levels of physical impact to humans: nuisance and discomfort, and illness (could be fatal).
- In the workplace, poor IAQ increases absenteeism and lowers productivity.
HK IAQ Certification Scheme Guidance Notes
- Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Public Places (Sept 2003)
- Excludes industrial, medical, and domestic buildings.
- Comprehensive background information and practical guidelines to prevent and/or remediate IAQ problems.
Certification Scheme
- Voluntary scheme for offices and public places served by MVAC (central AC, not window-mounted).
- Two tiers of certification by competent persons, from Feb 08, by IAQ Certificate Issuing Body (CIB).
- Initial assessment and every 5 years assessing all 12 parameters, re-certification every 4 years, measuring CO2, RSP, and mould.
- Building manager ensures maintenance of IAQ at certified level.
IAQ Parameters-Physical
- Air temperature
- Relative humidity
- Air movement
- Dropped in 2019 Guide
IAQ Parameters-Chemical
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Ozone
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Total volatile organic compounds
- Formaldehyde
- Respirable Suspended Particulates
- Radon
Carbon Dioxide
- Ultimate oxidation product of carbonaceous compounds.
- Indoor sources: human and other organisms.
- Not a common outdoor air pollutant.
- Widely used as an indicator of IAQ.
- Not toxic.
CO2 as an IAQ Indicator
- Graph showing CO2 concentration and occupancy over a day.
Carbon Monoxide
- Product of incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials.
- Exhaust component of most combustion sources (e.g., automobiles, diesel engines).
- Common outdoor air pollutant.
- Indoor sources: combustion processes.
- Highly toxic at high concentrations.
- Chronic exposure may affect nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Ozone
- Byproduct of high energy processes (e.g., electric arcs, UV irradiation).
- Natural and man-made sources.
- Common outdoor pollutant.
- Products of photochemical reactions.
- Indoor sources: office equipment.
- Causes sore throat, headache, cough.
- Chronic exposure can damage lung functions.
Nitrogen Dioxide
- Combustion byproduct.
- Natural and man-made sources.
- Common outdoor air pollutant.
- Indoor sources: combustion processes.
- Causes burning sensation, sore throat, cough.
- Chronic exposure causes emphysema, may have effects on immune system decreasing resistance to infection.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds
- Mostly petrochemical products (including fuels, solvents).
- Natural and man-made sources.
- Common outdoor air pollutant.
- Indoor sources: cleaning products, cosmetics, office supplies, etc.
- Chronic exposure may affect nervous system, liver, and kidneys, some are carcinogens.
Formaldehyde
- Common ingredient in industrial solvents and synthetic materials.
- Not a common outdoor air pollutant.
- Indoor sources: carpet, synthetic fibers & boards, foams, printed materials.
- Severely irritating to eyes and respiratory tract.
- Confirmed human carcinogen (nasal, nasal pharyngeal, possibly leukemia).
Respirable Suspended Particulate Matters
- Particulate Matters (≤10µm) (PM10).
- Can penetrate deep into human lungs.
- Composition area & seasonal dependent.
- Common outdoor air pollutant.
- Sources: building materials, human, clothing, etc.
- Causes respiratory irritation, asthma.
- Statistically linked to higher hospital admission rate and mortality rate.
Radon
- Naturally occurring radioactive gas.
- Indoor sources: geologic materials rich in uranium (e.g., granite).
- Together with its decay products, increases the chance of lung cancer.
- Radon itself serves as a carrier; the decay products cause most of the damage.
IAQ Parameters-Biological
- Airborne bacteria
- Mould (assessment by checklist) added as a parameter in 2019 Guide
Airborne Bacteria and Fungi
- Natural sources: soil, water, vegetation.
- May multiply in suitable indoor locations (e.g., wet spots).
- Exist in bacterial cells, fungal hyphae, and spores.
- May also come from infected occupants.
Bacteria
- Legionnaire's Disease
- Tuberculosis
- Opportunistic pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas)
Fungi
- Stachybotrys chartarum
- Aspergillus sp.
- Penicillium sp.
- Fungi can cause allergic, toxigenic, and pathogenic issues.
IAQ Objectives for Offices & Public Places
- Table of IAQ objectives for different pollutants (CO2, CO, PM10, NO2, O3, HCHO, TVOC, Radon, Airborne Bacteria, Mould).
12 IAQ Parameters—Old and New
- Old (2003): 3 physical, 8 chemical, 1 biological.
- New (from 2019): 8 chemical + 2 existing parameters with short-term sampling, 1 biological + 1 new parameter by checklist.
Sick Building Syndrome
- Different temporary symptoms related to staying in a particular building.
- Sore/running eyes, blocked/running nose, sneezing, dry throat, lethargy, headache, asthma.
- Symptoms subside after leaving the building.
- Exact cause not defined.
Building Related Illness
- Caused by particular microbes.
- Depends on inhaled dose, individual susceptibility, and virulence of the agent.
- Symptoms persist after leaving the building.
IAQ Management at HKUST
- Design: IAQ considered in original design, occupancy (5-8 L/s/person), use (office 1-2 air changes/hour, laboratory 6-10 air changes/hour), comply with international standards (e.g., ASHRAE 62), upgrades in progress.
- Maintenance: Continuous monitoring, regular preventive maintenance, cleaning of ventilation system (filters, air handling units, fan coil units, air duct inspection), and monitoring general IAQ parameters (Temp, RH, CO2).
- Assessment: Achieved IAQ certifications (Good Class: Library, Lecture theatres, Conference Lodge, restaurant, LG7 canteen; Excellent Class: CYT, GGT common areas, Indoor Sports Hall, LG5 Student Union office).
- Will maintain and pursue further certifications.
- Response: Response to IAQ complaints, on-site measurement, laboratory analysis, remedial actions, and confirmation.
- Remediation: Source control, ventilation, air treatment, and administrative measures.
Recapping
- Built environment is the most prominent man-made environment.
- Indoor air quality is a top environmental health concern.
- Various health impacts are caused by indoor air pollutants.
- Management through design, installation, and maintenance of ventilation systems.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the relationship between the built environment and health. This quiz covers topics such as indoor air quality, environmental health, and the impact of buildings on well-being. Understand how modern architecture influences our health and the importance of ventilation and pollution control.
