Indoor Air Quality Standards and Regulations
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Questions and Answers

Who established the EPA?

  • George W. Bush
  • Barack Obama
  • Bill Clinton
  • Richard Nixon (correct)

Indoor air quality falls under the oversight of the EPA.

True (A)

What is Legionnaire's disease?

A serious type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria.

Legionella bacteria can be found in ______ systems, hot tubs, and other water sources.

<p>water</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ASHRAE Standard 62.1 aspects with their descriptions.

<p>Ventilation rates = Based on space type and occupancy Humidity recommendations = Maintaining RH between 30% and 60% MERV rating = Minimum of 6 to 8 for filters VOCs specifications = References other health-based guidelines</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of ASHRAE Standard 62.1?

<p>To specify minimum ventilation rates for indoor air quality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

ASHRAE 62.1 applies to all building types, including low-rise residential buildings.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Does ASHRAE 62.1 directly specify limits for every indoor air contaminant?

<p>No</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the net occupiable floor area should be the openable areas to ensure sufficient natural ventilation according to ASHRAE 62.1?

<p>4% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

ASHRAE 62.2 applies to high-rise residential buildings.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ASHRAE 62.2?

<p>To define minimum ventilation rates and measures for acceptable indoor air quality in residential buildings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The formula for the required ventilation rate according to ASHRAE 62.2 is Qtotal = 0.03 × Afloor + 7.5 × (Nbr + _____).

<p>1</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum exhaust ventilation requirement for kitchens according to ASHRAE 62.2?

<p>100 CFM intermittent or 5 air changes per hour continuous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ventilation requirements with their respective spaces:

<p>Kitchen = At least 100 CFM intermittent Bathroom = At least 50 CFM intermittent Living Room = Minimum airflow based on calculations Bedroom = Minimum MERV rating of 6</p> Signup and view all the answers

ASHRAE 62.2 recommends using unvented combustion appliances without any restrictions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum MERV rating for air filters in HVAC systems according to ASHRAE 62.2?

<p>6</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

EPA Establishment Year

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in December 1970 by President Richard Nixon.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

IAQ falls under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) oversight, encompassing factors affecting air quality within buildings.

Legionnaire's Disease Cause

Legionnaire's disease is a serious pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, transmitted via contaminated water aerosols.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1

ASHRAE 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates for acceptable indoor air quality in non-residential and commercial buildings (not low-rise residential).

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ASHRAE 62.1 Ventilation

Ventilation rates in ASHRAE 62.1 are calculated based on building occupancy, type, and activities.

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ASHRAE 62.1 VOCs

ASHRAE 62.1 references, rather than directly specifies, VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) limits, using other standards.

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ASHRAE 62.1 Humidity

The recommended indoor relative humidity (RH) range in ASHRAE 62.1 is 30% to 60%.

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ASHRAE 62.1 MERV

ASHRAE 62.1 suggests a minimum MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 6-8 for building ventilation filters.

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ASHRAE 62.1 ventilation requirement

Openable areas (like windows) must be at least 4% of the floor area for natural ventilation.

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ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation formula

Qtotal = 0.03 × Afloor + 7.5 × (Nbr + 1). (Qtotal = ventilation rate, Afloor = floor area, and Nbr = number of bedrooms).

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Kitchen exhaust (ASHRAE 62.2)

Minimum 100 CFM intermittent or 5 air changes per hour continuous.

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Bathroom exhaust (ASHRAE 62.2)

Minimum 50 CFM intermittent or 20 CFM continuous.

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Recommended HVAC filter rating

Minimum MERV 6 or higher.

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Unvented combustion appliances (ASHRAE 62.2)

Discouraged due to carbon monoxide risk. If used, strict emission limits apply.

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IAQ investigation factors

Workspace/office changes, general office/building changes, housekeeping/maintenance issues, and air quality characteristics (odors, humidity, etc.)

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Study Notes

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Established in December 1970 by Richard Nixon.
  • Oversees indoor air quality.

Legionnaire's Disease

  • Serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
  • Transmitted by inhaling contaminated water droplets/aerosols.
  • Example: Spread from cooling towers in a hotel.
  • Legionella found in water systems, hot tubs, etc.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1

  • Covers indoor air quality in all occupied spaces (except low-rise residential).
  • Sets ventilation rates based on space type, occupancy, and activities.
  • Doesn't specify all contaminant limits; references EPA and OSHA standards.
  • Addresses VOCs via relevant health guidelines.
  • No direct ACH (air changes per hour) prescription; ventilation rates are translated to ACH.
  • Recommended relative humidity (RH): 30-60%.
  • Minimum MERV for filters: 6-8.
  • Natural ventilation: Openable areas (windows) should be at least 4% of net floor area.

ASHRAE Standard 62.2

  • Focuses on low-rise residential buildings (single-family, duplexes, up to 3 stories).
  • Defines minimum ventilation rates for acceptable indoor air quality.
  • Example calculation: Qtotal = 0.03 × Afloor + 7.5 × (Nbr + 1).
  • Qtotal = total ventilation rate (CFM)
  • Afloor = floor area (sq ft)
  • Nbr = number of bedrooms
  • Minimum kitchen exhaust: 100 CFM intermittent or 5 ACH continuous.
  • Minimum bathroom exhaust: 50 CFM intermittent or 20 CFM continuous.
  • Minimum MERV for filters: 6 or higher.
  • Discourages unvented combustion appliances (must meet strict emissions).

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Investigations

  • Office Conditions: Housekeeping practices, vacuuming frequency, carpeting/drape cleaning, waxing, dust levels, pesticides, moisture intrusion.
  • Air Quality Characteristics: Odor, dryness, humidity, dust, temperature fluctuations (between offices, floors).
  • Recent Changes: Workspace alterations, office changes, building changes.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to indoor air quality, including the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the implications of Legionnaire's Disease. It also examines ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2, which outline ventilation rates and strategies for maintaining healthy indoor environments. Test your knowledge on important guidelines and health considerations for various spaces.

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