Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the key strategies to reduce coronavirus transmission indoors?
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?
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?
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?
How long is an IAQ certificate valid once issued?
Who is responsible for assessing the IAQ of premises under the IAQ certification scheme?
Who is responsible for assessing the IAQ of premises under the IAQ certification scheme?
Which of the following is a recommended exposure control method during pandemics?
Which of the following is a recommended exposure control method during pandemics?
What does the EPD aim for with its IAQ certification scheme?
What does the EPD aim for with its IAQ certification scheme?
What does good ventilation primarily help with during airborne disease outbreaks?
What does good ventilation primarily help with during airborne disease outbreaks?
What is the frequency for assessing a full set of parameters on IAQ objectives as part of renewal?
What is the frequency for assessing a full set of parameters on IAQ objectives as part of renewal?
Which pollutant has an 8-hour IAQ objective of 1,800 mg/m3 for the Good Class?
Which pollutant has an 8-hour IAQ objective of 1,800 mg/m3 for the Good Class?
Which of the following is required for the management of IAQ post-certification?
Which of the following is required for the management of IAQ post-certification?
For which pollutant is the IAQ objective formalized as 'satisfy the criteria set out in the prescriptive checklist'?
For which pollutant is the IAQ objective formalized as 'satisfy the criteria set out in the prescriptive checklist'?
What is the IAQ objective for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for Good Class over an averaging time of 1 hour?
What is the IAQ objective for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for Good Class over an averaging time of 1 hour?
Which assessment is required annually in the four years between full parameter assessments?
Which assessment is required annually in the four years between full parameter assessments?
At what level is certification granted for buildings?
At what level is certification granted for buildings?
Which pollutant has the highest IAQ objective value in the Good Class over an 8-hour averaging time?
Which pollutant has the highest IAQ objective value in the Good Class over an 8-hour averaging time?
Which one of the following is NOT an air quality parameter listed?
Which one of the following is NOT an air quality parameter listed?
For carbon monoxide (CO), what is the IAQ objective for Excellent Class over an 8-hour duration?
For carbon monoxide (CO), what is the IAQ objective for Excellent Class over an 8-hour duration?
Which of the following is a source management strategy to improve indoor air quality?
Which of the following is a source management strategy to improve indoor air quality?
How can exposure control methods help mitigate poor indoor air quality during a pandemic?
How can exposure control methods help mitigate poor indoor air quality during a pandemic?
What is one of the advantages of increasing ventilation in indoor spaces?
What is one of the advantages of increasing ventilation in indoor spaces?
Which of the following pollutants is commonly associated with fuel combustion in indoor environments?
Which of the following pollutants is commonly associated with fuel combustion in indoor environments?
Which strategy is not recommended for improving indoor air quality?
Which strategy is not recommended for improving indoor air quality?
What role does the mass balance equation play in assessing indoor air pollution?
What role does the mass balance equation play in assessing indoor air pollution?
Which of the following methods is ineffective for reducing indoor air pollutant levels?
Which of the following methods is ineffective for reducing indoor air pollutant levels?
What is a primary focus of IAQ certification schemes?
What is a primary focus of IAQ certification schemes?
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.
- C = (Q × Ca + E) / (Q + k × V)
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
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.
