COVID-19 and Indoor Air Quality Overview

Questions and Answers

What is one of the key strategies to reduce coronavirus transmission indoors?

Lowering humidity levels

Using air fresheners

Increasing air changes and filtration (correct)

Closing windows and doors

What does the IAQ certification scheme use as a benchmark for assessing indoor air quality?

Good Class and Average Class

Standard Class and Premium Class

Excellent Class and Good Class (correct)

Excellent Class and Fair Class

Which method is NOT recommended for avoiding virus exposure?

Wearing masks

Physical distancing

Attending crowded indoor events (correct)

Avoiding crowded indoor spaces

How long is an IAQ certificate valid once issued?

12 months Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for assessing the IAQ of premises under the IAQ certification scheme?

Accredited IAQ Certificate Issuing Body (CIB) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended exposure control method during pandemics?

Ventilation and air cleaning Signup and view all the answers

What does the EPD aim for with its IAQ certification scheme?

To promote indoor air quality through a self-regulatory approach Signup and view all the answers

What does good ventilation primarily help with during airborne disease outbreaks?

It lowers the concentration of airborne pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency for assessing a full set of parameters on IAQ objectives as part of renewal?

Once every 5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant has an 8-hour IAQ objective of 1,800 mg/m3 for the Good Class?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is required for the management of IAQ post-certification?

Maintenance at the certified level Signup and view all the answers

For which pollutant is the IAQ objective formalized as 'satisfy the criteria set out in the prescriptive checklist'?

Mould Signup and view all the answers

What is the IAQ objective for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for Good Class over an averaging time of 1 hour?

100 μg/m3 Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment is required annually in the four years between full parameter assessments?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) Signup and view all the answers

At what level is certification granted for buildings?

As a unit only Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant has the highest IAQ objective value in the Good Class over an 8-hour averaging time?

Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is NOT an air quality parameter listed?

Methane (CH4) Signup and view all the answers

For carbon monoxide (CO), what is the IAQ objective for Excellent Class over an 8-hour duration?

2,000 μg/m3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a source management strategy to improve indoor air quality?

Removing sources of air pollutants Signup and view all the answers

How can exposure control methods help mitigate poor indoor air quality during a pandemic?

By scheduling cleaning sessions without occupants present Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of increasing ventilation in indoor spaces?

It helps remove indoor air pollutants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants is commonly associated with fuel combustion in indoor environments?

VOCs Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is not recommended for improving indoor air quality?

Maximizing the use of products with high VOCs Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mass balance equation play in assessing indoor air pollution?

It estimates the potential concentration of air pollutants indoors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is ineffective for reducing indoor air pollutant levels?

Delaying the opening of windows for ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of IAQ certification schemes?

To ensure compliance with air quality standards Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of COVID-19 and SARS

Both SARS in 2003 and COVID-19 demonstrated that coronaviruses can spread through airborne particles and droplets, particularly in indoor settings.
Effective ventilation and air changes, along with filtration (e.g., HEPA filters), are essential to reduce coronavirus transmission.
Risk mitigation strategies include physical distancing, mask-wearing, and avoiding crowded indoor environments.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided IAQ guidelines addressing specific chemicals, moulds, and indoor fuel combustion.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is implementing programs to enhance IAQ, such as the IAQ certification scheme for offices and public spaces.

IAQ Certification Scheme Features

Two levels of IAQ objectives exist: Excellent Class and Good Class for benchmark assessment.
An annual voluntary and self-regulatory approach is adopted for certification processes.
Premises owners must use an accredited IAQ Certificate Issuing Body (CIB) for assessments.
Upon meeting IAQ objectives, CIBs issue certificates that must be prominently displayed.
Certificates are valid for 12 months, with a full objective reassessment every 5 years, and annual CO2, PM10, and mould assessments required in between.
Certification can be granted to the entire building or specific sections, with ongoing management of IAQ required post-certification.

Revised IAQ Objectives (2019)

Key pollutants and their IAQ objectives:
- CO2: Excellent - 1,440 mg/m³, Good - 1,800 mg/m³ (8-hour average)
- CO: Excellent - 2,000 μg/m³, Good - 7,000 μg/m³ (8-hour average)
- PM10: Excellent - 20 μg/m³, Good - 100 μg/m³ (8-hour average)
- NO2: Excellent - 100 μg/m³, Good - 200 μg/m³ (1-hour average)
- Ozone: Excellent - 50 μg/m³, Good - 120 μg/m³ (8-hour average)
- Formaldehyde: Excellent - 70 μg/m³, Good - 100 μg/m³ (30-minute average)
- TVOCs: Excellent - 200 μg/m³, Good - 600 μg/m³ (8-hour average)
- Radon: Excellent - 150 Bq/m³, Good - 167 Bq/m³ (8-hour average)
- Airborne bacteria: Excellent - 500 cfu/m³, Good - 1,000 cfu/m³ (8-hour average)
- Mould: Needs to meet prescriptive checklist criteria.

Major Indoor Air Pollutants

Common indoor pollutants include particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and mould.
Sources: fuel combustion, cooking, tobacco smoking, consumer products, construction materials, and pets.
Radon typically comes from soil, granites, and some construction materials.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Source Management: Remove or ban polluting activities and products, such as smoking and high VOC materials.
Exposure Control: Schedule activities to minimize exposure to pollutants.
Reduction of Pollutant Levels: Increase ventilation rates and effectiveness, and utilize air cleaners for purification.

Air Pollutant Concentration Calculation

Steady state air pollutant concentration derived from the mass balance equation:
- C = (Q × Ca + E) / (Q + k × V)
  - Q = ventilation rate
  - Ca = outdoor pollutant concentration
  - E = pollutant emission rate
  - V = volume of indoor space
  - k = pollutant removal rate.

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Description

This quiz covers the impact of COVID-19 and SARS on the understanding of airborne virus transmission and the importance of indoor air quality guidelines. Learn about effective mitigation strategies and the certification scheme for improved air quality in indoor spaces. Test your knowledge on key concepts and safety measures related to indoor environments.