Lecture 2 (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns PDF

Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns Owner R Ryan Tags IAQ SSE CH2_Health Concerns_27-38.pdf There are generally three categories of indoor air pollutants: Biological (fu...

Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns Owner R Ryan Tags IAQ SSE CH2_Health Concerns_27-38.pdf There are generally three categories of indoor air pollutants: Biological (fungi, viruses, bacteria, pollen, etc.) Common Sources animals, plants, and microbes dander from animals pollen from plants microbes on surfaces or aerosolized Management reducing the prevalence of dust particles (filtration) since biological contaminants can adhere to dust particles eliminating excess moisture (either through sitting water, leaks, or humidity); moisture encourages growth of microbes maintenance of equipment and cleaning of the building regularly Chemical (gases and vapors from sources such as furniture or cleaning products) Common Sources Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 1  carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, pesticides, radon, VOCs carbon monoxide can come from incomplete combustion in furnaces or other appliances, auto exhaust, or parking garages carbon dioxide can accumulate if the number of people exceeds the capacity of the room and in areas of poor ventilation and air turnover pesticides can be pulled in from outside air Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium and usually comes into a building through the ground through cracks in the foundation, drain openings, etc. VOCs commonly arise from paints, varnishes, furnishings, etc. Management ventilation, air turnover, and fresh air sensors to detect concentrations above a limit control and isolation of sources avoiding using certain materials in the building, if possible Particle (non-biological sources such as dirt and dust from outside or particles emitted from indoor activities, e.g. sanding wood or drywall) Common Sources contaminated outside air that is pulled into the building construction activities in the building operations that produce particles Management isolate sources of particles and exhaust them out of the building use appropriate air filtration (make sure outside air is filtered and does not contain contaminants) move people away from construction activities and clean up properly afterwards Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 2  Key takeaway is to identify potential or existing sources of contamination and implement a management plan (e.g., regular checks) to control the contaminants in the building. I'm not sure if many smaller buildings (e.g., strip malls) have the staff on hand to do regular checks, but I'm sure there are plenty of places in need of resources to go through the checklist items in the appendix. IAQ - Health Concerns Common Symptoms from Poor IAQ Acute Health Effects usually develop within 24 hrs of exposure often subsides after the exposure stops health effects are usually treatable and short-term communication and documentation are important (identify contaminant sources) formaldehyde, ammonia, cleaning agents, fiberglass and pesticides Chronic Health Effects symptoms occur frequently or develop slowly over a long time respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer sources: environmental tobacco smoke, radon gas, asbestos fibers, formaldehyde Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 3  Contaminant Categories Irritant → substance that irritates the skin, eyes, or respiratory system Asphyxiate → substance that causes a lack of oxygen Allergens → substance that causes an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to it Neurotoxins → contaminant that damages the central nervous system Pathogens → disease-causing biological agent Carcinogens → substance that is capable of causing cancer Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 4  Building Related Illness diagnosable illness whose cause and symptoms can be directly attributed to a specific contaminant source within a building Legionnaires Disease → infection of the lungs caused by Legionella bacteria water over 140F and or a chlorine flush can be used to kill the bacteria found where untreated water is found in contact with air or soil cooling towers, humidifiers, warm water sprays, shower heads, fountains Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis humidifier fever is caused by microbes found in wet or moist areas of humidifiers and AC Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 5  drying and chemically treating the humidifiers can temporarily fix the problem, but regular maintenance is key Asthma airway obstruction triggered by various stimuli such as allergens or sudden change in air temperature Sick Building Syndrome building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects, though no specific illness may be diagnosed and the cause can be difficult to determine Mass Psychogenic Illness condition that occurs when groups of people start feeling sick at the same time, even though there is no physical or environmental Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 6  reason Acceptable Indoor Environments does not contain any known contains or they are at concentrations that are not harmful does not provoke any dissatisfaction among a majority of the people exposed to it indoor air without drafts, odors, dust and contaminants temperature and humidity are appropriate for the weather conditions enough light to illuminate the space and noise levels do not interfere with activities MCS - multiple chemical sensitivity - a negative physical reaction to low levels of common chemicals Investigating IAQ Concerns Appendix D: Investigating IAQ Problems and Complaints Identifying the cause(s) of IAQ problems and complaints may be difficult if an obvious source is not evident. Investigating unclear IAQ problems should take into account patterns and factors, such as occupant complaints and symptoms, location(s) in the building, time of day, seasonal differences, and relationship to activities inside or outside the building. Below are suggestions of information that may be helpful to collect. Once information is gathered, it should then be analyzed for patterns and possible causes of the IAQ problem. The analysis may point to specific methods, such as those discussed on page 7 (Identification and Assessment). The next step is to fix problems identified and evaluate the results. Has the fix resolved the problems or complaints? If not, then further investigation will need to be pursued. Consultation with Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 7  safety and health professionals or other experts should be considered at any point during an IAQ investigation. Information that may be helpful in IAQ investigations: General office conditions: Housekeeping How often is the office vacuumed? How often are carpet and drapes shampooed? How often are floors waxed? Are there any visible signs of dust? Have pesticides been applied recently? Is there any evidence of moisture intrusion into the building? Air quality in the office: Odor Dry Humid Dusty Warm Cool Drafts Temperature fluctuation Within office Between offices Between floors Any recent changes in: Work space General office Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 8  Building Lecture 2 - (9/10/24) - IAQ Health Concerns 9