indoor air quality

Indoor Air QualityIndoor Air Quality

Sean Mahar, PhD, CIH, CSP, PESean Mahar, PhD, CIH, CSP, PE

ProblemsProblems

Sick Building SyndromeSick Building Syndrome

AsthmaAsthma

AllergiesAllergies

Building Related IllnessesBuilding Related Illnesses


In "sick building syndrome" (SBS) building In "sick building syndrome" (SBS) building occupants experience acute health and occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. illness or cause can be identified.

In "building related illness" (BRI) symptoms In "building related illness" (BRI) symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminantsbuilding contaminants


• Occupants complain of symptoms associated Occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.

• The cause of the symptoms is not known. The cause of the symptoms is not known.

• Most report relief soon after leaving the Most report relief soon after leaving the building.building.

AAsthmasthma

CCharacterized by episodes of airflow haracterized by episodes of airflow obstruction in the bronchial tubes.obstruction in the bronchial tubes.

Symptoms caused by this obstruction include Symptoms caused by this obstruction include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.shortness of breath.

Although problems are often separated by Although problems are often separated by symptom-free periods, asthma is a symptom-free periods, asthma is a chronic illness.chronic illness.

Common ACommon Asthmasthmagensgens

• IsocyanatesIsocyanates• SSolder fumeolder fume• MetalsMetals• LatexLatex• VVegetable dustsegetable dusts• AAnimal proteinsnimal proteins• EEnzymesnzymes

Allergic ReactionsAllergic Reactions

Include:Include:• Allergic Allergic AAlveolitislveolitis• RhinitisRhinitis

Allergic Allergic AAlveolitislveolitis

Also known as:Also known as:

Hypersensitivity PneumonitisHypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) (HP) oror

Extrinsic Extrinsic Allergic alveolitisAllergic alveolitis (EAA) (EAA)

Other names include:Other names include:• farmers lungfarmers lung• bagassosisbagassosis• pigeon fanciers lungpigeon fanciers lung


Acute symptoms include fever, chills, Acute symptoms include fever, chills, dyspnea, leukocytosis 4-6 hours after dyspnea, leukocytosis 4-6 hours after exposure and may recur on re-exposureexposure and may recur on re-exposure..

Chronic disease shows progressive Chronic disease shows progressive dyspnea, fatigue, low-grade fever, weight dyspnea, fatigue, low-grade fever, weight loss, chronic nonproductive cough, and loss, chronic nonproductive cough, and bibasilar crackles. bibasilar crackles.


a restrictive type impairment a restrictive type impairment

type III and IV hypersensitivity reaction type III and IV hypersensitivity reaction

FFarmers armers LLungung

source: moldy source: moldy cropscrops

organisms:organisms:

Thermoactinomyces Thermoactinomyces saccharisacchari

Thermoactinomyces Thermoactinomyces vulgarisvulgaris

Micropolyspora faeniMicropolyspora faeni

BBagassosisagassosis

source: moldy sugar source: moldy sugar cane cane

organisms:organisms:

Thermoactinomyces Thermoactinomyces vulgarisvulgaris

Micropolyspora faeniMicropolyspora faeni

AspergillusAspergillus species species

PPigeon igeon FFancierancier’’s s LLungung

source: source: pigeon dustpigeon dust and bloomand bloom

substancesubstance::

proteinsproteins

RhinitisRhinitis

AA reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose and throat when airborne irritants and throat when airborne irritants or or allergens trigger the release of allergens trigger the release of histamine. histamine.

Histamine causes inflammation and fluid Histamine causes inflammation and fluid production in the fragile linings of production in the fragile linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelidsnasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids..

RhinitisRhinitis

• sneezing sneezing • congestion congestion • runny nose runny nose • itchy nose, itchy nose,

throat, eyes, throat, eyes, and ears and ears

RhinitisRhinitis

AAllergic rhinitis llergic rhinitis • pollen pollen • dust mites dust mites • mold mold • animal danderanimal dander

RhinitisRhinitis

NNonallergic rhinitis onallergic rhinitis • ffumesumes• odors odors • temperature temperature • smoke smoke • other irritants other irritants

Building Related IllnessesBuilding Related Illnesses

Include:Include:• Legionairres Disease Legionairres Disease

(Legionllosis)(Legionllosis)• Pontiac FeverPontiac Fever• Humidifier FeverHumidifier Fever

Legionella pneumophilaLegionella pneumophila

Discovered in 1976 when an outbreak of Discovered in 1976 when an outbreak of pneumonia at an American Legion pneumonia at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia led to 29 convention in Philadelphia led to 29 deaths. deaths.

Causative agent for both Legionellosis Causative agent for both Legionellosis and Pontiac Feverand Pontiac Fever

http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/kunkel/gallery/bacteria/page004/96543c.html

Legionella pneumophilaLegionella pneumophila

motile, Gram-negative, motile, Gram-negative, anaerobic rod anaerobic rod

reproduce to high numbers reproduce to high numbers in warm, stagnant water in warm, stagnant water (90°-105° F)(90°-105° F)

LegionellosisLegionellosis

Symptoms include fever, chills, and a Symptoms include fever, chills, and a cough, which may be dry or may cough, which may be dry or may produce sputum. produce sputum.

Can also include muscle aches, Can also include muscle aches, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, and, occasionally, diarrhea. and, occasionally, diarrhea.

Laboratory tests may show kidney Laboratory tests may show kidney function abnormalities.function abnormalities.


Chest X-rays often show pneumonia. Chest X-rays often show pneumonia.

Difficult to distinguish from other types of Difficult to distinguish from other types of pneumonia by symptoms alone. pneumonia by symptoms alone.

Time between exposure to the bacterium Time between exposure to the bacterium and the onset of illness is 2 to 10 and the onset of illness is 2 to 10 days.days.


Middle-aged and older persons, Middle-aged and older persons, particularly those who smoke particularly those who smoke cigarettes or have chronic lung cigarettes or have chronic lung disease at primary risk.disease at primary risk.

Immunocompromised people (AIDS, Immunocompromised people (AIDS, cancer patients, etc ) also at cancer patients, etc ) also at increased riskincreased risk. .

Pontiac FeverPontiac Fever

Symptoms include fever and muscle Symptoms include fever and muscle aches and do not have pneumonia.aches and do not have pneumonia.

Recovery in 2 to 5 days without Recovery in 2 to 5 days without treatment.treatment.

Time between exposure and illness Time between exposure and illness generally a few hours to 2 daysgenerally a few hours to 2 days

Anyone is at riskAnyone is at risk

Primary Components, Dry AirPrimary Components, Dry Air

Nitrogen 78.084 %Nitrogen 78.084 %

Oxygen 20.9476 %Oxygen 20.9476 %

Argon 0.934 %Argon 0.934 %

Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide 0.0314 %0.0314 %

CarbonDioxide

Argon

Oxygen

Nitrogen

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 1997CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 1997

Minor Components, Dry AirMinor Components, Dry Air

Neon 0.001818 % Neon 0.001818 %

Methane 0.0002 %Methane 0.0002 %

Helium 0.000524 % Helium 0.000524 %

Krypton 0.000114 %Krypton 0.000114 %

Hydrogen 0.00005 % Hydrogen 0.00005 %

Xenon 0.0000087 %Xenon 0.0000087 %

Xenon

Hydrogen

Krypton

Helium

Methane

Neon

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 1997CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 1997

Airflow in buildingsAirflow in buildings

• InfiltrationInfiltration

• ExfiltrationExfiltration

ContaminantsContaminants

AsbestosAsbestos

Carbon Dioxide (COCarbon Dioxide (CO22))Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide

(CO) (CO) Formaldehyde (HCHO)Formaldehyde (HCHO)Lead (Pb) Lead (Pb) MoldMold

Nitrogen Dioxide (NONitrogen Dioxide (NO22))

OdorOdor

Ozone (OOzone (O33))ParticlesParticlesRadon (Rn) Radon (Rn)

Sulfur Dioxide (SOSulfur Dioxide (SO22))Volatile Organic Volatile Organic

Compounds (VOCs)Compounds (VOCs)Water VaporWater Vapor

AsbestosAsbestos

Building materials, insulationBuilding materials, insulation

Diseases of IAQ concern:Diseases of IAQ concern:

• Lung cancerLung cancer

• MesotheliomaMesothelioma

UK Legislation CAWR requires assessment and UK Legislation CAWR requires assessment and management in all UK commercial propertiesmanagement in all UK commercial properties

aaWARNING CONTAINS ASBESTOS

Breathing asbestos dust is

dangerous to health

Follow safety instructions

Carbon Dioxide (COCarbon Dioxide (CO22))

Often used as a surrogate for IAQ measures Often used as a surrogate for IAQ measures

• No health effects below 7000 to 20,000 ppm No health effects below 7000 to 20,000 ppm

• As a surrogate it is kept below outdoor conc. + As a surrogate it is kept below outdoor conc. + 700 ppm 700 ppm

Maintaining CO2 concentrations within 700 ppm Maintaining CO2 concentrations within 700 ppm of outdoors should provide acceptable of outdoors should provide acceptable perceived air quality in terms of human body perceived air quality in terms of human body odor, it does not necessarily imply adequate odor, it does not necessarily imply adequate control of these other pollutant sourcescontrol of these other pollutant sources

Carbon Monoxide (CO)Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Leaking vented combustion appliances, unvented Leaking vented combustion appliances, unvented combustion appliances, parking garages combustion appliances, parking garages

Recommended IAQ levelRecommended IAQ level• 3 ppm above outdoor level (alert) 3 ppm above outdoor level (alert) • 9 ppm (health)9 ppm (health)

Alert level an indication of abnormal indoor Alert level an indication of abnormal indoor concentration; concentration;

Health level based on effects on persons with Health level based on effects on persons with coronary artery disease, average exposure for 8 coronary artery disease, average exposure for 8 hours. hours.

Formaldehyde (HCHO)Formaldehyde (HCHO)

Pressed-wood products, furniture and Pressed-wood products, furniture and furnishings furnishings

Recommended IAQ levelRecommended IAQ level

• 120 µg/m3 (0.1 ppm)120 µg/m3 (0.1 ppm)

Based on irritation of sensitive people, 30-Based on irritation of sensitive people, 30-minute exposure (WHO).minute exposure (WHO).

Lead (Pb)Lead (Pb)

Paint dust, outdoor air Paint dust, outdoor air


• 1.5 µg/m31.5 µg/m3

Based on adverse effects on Based on adverse effects on neuropsychological functioning of children, neuropsychological functioning of children, average exposure for 3 months (WHO: 0.5-1 average exposure for 3 months (WHO: 0.5-1 µg/m3 for 1 year). µg/m3 for 1 year).

Nitrogen Dioxide (NONitrogen Dioxide (NO22))

Leaking vented combustion appliances, Leaking vented combustion appliances, unvented comb. appl. Outdoor air unvented comb. appl. Outdoor air


• 100 µg/m3100 µg/m3

Based on providing protection against adverse Based on providing protection against adverse respiratory effects, average exposure for 1 respiratory effects, average exposure for 1 year. year.

OdorOdor

Occupants, fungal (mold) sources, VOC Occupants, fungal (mold) sources, VOC sources, outdoor air sources, outdoor air

Predicted acceptability to 80% or more of Predicted acceptability to 80% or more of occupants or visitors occupants or visitors

COCO22 concentration can be used as a surrogate concentration can be used as a surrogate

for occupant odors (odorous bioeffluents). for occupant odors (odorous bioeffluents).

Ozone (OOzone (O33))

Electrostatic appliances, Office machines, Electrostatic appliances, Office machines, Ozone generators, Outdoor air Ozone generators, Outdoor air


• 100 µg/m3 (50 ppb)100 µg/m3 (50 ppb)

Based on potential for adverse acute and Based on potential for adverse acute and chronic effects, and an additional margin of chronic effects, and an additional margin of protection, 8-hr exposure (WHO); continuous protection, 8-hr exposure (WHO); continuous exposure (FDA) exposure (FDA)

MoldMold

Current bogeyman of US IAQ communityCurrent bogeyman of US IAQ community

ParticlesParticles

PMPM1010, PM, PM2.52.5, Dust, Smoke, Deteriorating , Dust, Smoke, Deteriorating

materials, Outdoor air 50 µg/m3 materials, Outdoor air 50 µg/m3

Based on protecting against respiratory Based on protecting against respiratory morbidity in the general population and morbidity in the general population and avoiding exacerbation of asthma, average avoiding exacerbation of asthma, average exposure for 1 year, no carcinogens. Indoor exposure for 1 year, no carcinogens. Indoor concentrations are normally lower; guideline concentrations are normally lower; guideline level may lead to unacceptable deposition of level may lead to unacceptable deposition of "dust." "dust."

Radon (Rn)Radon (Rn)

Soil gas Soil gas


• 4 pCi/liter4 pCi/liter

Based on lung cancer, average Based on lung cancer, average exposure for 1 year.exposure for 1 year. RR

nn

Sulfur Dioxide (SOSulfur Dioxide (SO22))

Unvented space heaters (kerosene), outdoor air Unvented space heaters (kerosene), outdoor air


• 80 µg/m380 µg/m3

Based on protecting against respiratory Based on protecting against respiratory morbidity in the general population and morbidity in the general population and avoiding exacerbation of asthma, average avoiding exacerbation of asthma, average exposure for 1 year (WHO: 50 µg/mexposure for 1 year (WHO: 50 µg/m33 if with if with PM) PM)

Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)(VOCs)

organic (carbon-based) compounds that organic (carbon-based) compounds that evaporates at ambient temperaturesevaporates at ambient temperatures

New building materials and furnishings, New building materials and furnishings, consumable products, maintenance consumable products, maintenance materials, paint, mold, outdoor air materials, paint, mold, outdoor air


• 300-3000 µg/m3 (complaints possible) 300-3000 µg/m3 (complaints possible)

• >3000 µg/m3 (complaints likely)>3000 µg/m3 (complaints likely)

Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)(VOCs)

Odor and irritation responses to organic Odor and irritation responses to organic compounds are highly variable. The three compounds are highly variable. The three guidelines for this class of compounds guidelines for this class of compounds represent ranges where odor and irritation represent ranges where odor and irritation complaints are seldom observed (comfort complaints are seldom observed (comfort range); where complaints can become range); where complaints can become significant in buildings (comfort - discomfort significant in buildings (comfort - discomfort range); and where significant complaints are range); and where significant complaints are likely (discomfort range). Average indoor likely (discomfort range). Average indoor concentrations in most buildings are well concentrations in most buildings are well below 1000 µg/m3.below 1000 µg/m3.

Water Vapor

• HumidityHumidity shouldn't exceed 60% during shouldn't exceed 60% during occupied periods, and no greater than 70% occupied periods, and no greater than 70% during unoccupied periods during unoccupied periods

• (to minimize the potential for microbial growth (to minimize the potential for microbial growth in indoor spaces. Moisture is the primary in indoor spaces. Moisture is the primary factor that limits the growth of fungi on factor that limits the growth of fungi on construction and finishing materials.) construction and finishing materials.)

DiagnosisDiagnosis

• Determine fresh airDetermine fresh air

• Measure temperatureMeasure temperature

• Measure likely contaminantsMeasure likely contaminants

– COCO22 as surrogate as surrogate

• Question occupantsQuestion occupants

Summer Temp

SourceSource TempTemp

typetype

Optimum, Optimum, CC

Acceptable Acceptable range, Crange, C

CIBSE CIBSE

Guide AGuide A

Dry Dry resultantresultant

2020 20-2220-22

ANSI/ASHRAE ANSI/ASHRAE 55-199255-1992

OperativeOperative 24.524.5 23-2623-26

Winter Temp

SourceSource TempTemp

typetype

Optimum, Optimum, CC

Acceptable Acceptable range, Crange, C

CIBSE CIBSE

Guide AGuide A

Dry Dry resultantresultant

2020 19-2019-20


OperativeOperative 2222 20-23.520-23.5

Humidity

SourceSource Relative humidity range, Relative humidity range, %%

CIBSE CIBSE

Guide AGuide A

40-7040-70

ANSI/ASHRAE ANSI/ASHRAE 5555

30-6030-60

Fresh Air

SourceSource Outdoor Air, l/s/occupantOutdoor Air, l/s/occupant

CIBSE CIBSE

Guide BGuide B

88


1010

Question OccupantsQuestion Occupants

• NIOSH I-BEAMNIOSH I-BEAM

• Stockholm Indoor Environment Stockholm Indoor Environment QuestionnaireQuestionnaire

• MM40MM40

MM40MM40

• Work EnvironmentWork Environment– Draught, temp odour, noise, etc.Draught, temp odour, noise, etc.

• Work ConditionsWork Conditions– Interest, co-workersInterest, co-workers, etc., etc.

• Past/Present Diseases SymptomsPast/Present Diseases Symptoms– Asthma, hay fever, etc.Asthma, hay fever, etc.

• Work Environment SymptomsWork Environment Symptoms– Fatigue, headache, dry skin, etc.Fatigue, headache, dry skin, etc.

Assessing OdorsAssessing Odors

• Odor assessmentOdor assessment

• Odor unitsOdor units

• Difficulties in assessing nuisance, in Difficulties in assessing nuisance, in particular aspects such as aestheticsparticular aspects such as aesthetics


Odor concentrationOdor concentrationThe number of odor units per unit of The number of odor units per unit of volume. The numeric value of the odor volume. The numeric value of the odor concentration, expressed in odor units (E/ concentration, expressed in odor units (E/ mm33) equals the number of times that the ) equals the number of times that the air should be treated with odorless air to air should be treated with odorless air to reach the odor thresholdreach the odor threshold..


Odor thresholdOdor thresholdThe concentration of a gaseous The concentration of a gaseous substance, expressed in µg/msubstance, expressed in µg/m33, which will , which will be discerned from odorless air by at least be discerned from odorless air by at least half of an odor panel. The odor threshold half of an odor panel. The odor threshold per definition has an odor concentration per definition has an odor concentration of 1 odor unit/mof 1 odor unit/m33..


Odor standardOdor standardA standard for odor, expressed as a A standard for odor, expressed as a maximum concentration, which may not maximum concentration, which may not be crossed.be crossed.


Serious odor nuisanceSerious odor nuisanceA degree of odor nuisance which exceeds A degree of odor nuisance which exceeds the maximum admittable level for human the maximum admittable level for human health. Both health effects and personally health. Both health effects and personally experienced effects play a part here. In experienced effects play a part here. In practice a level of odor nuisance is practice a level of odor nuisance is determined by questionnaires in which determined by questionnaires in which people can describe the degree of odor people can describe the degree of odor nuisance they have experienced.nuisance they have experienced.


Zero-effect levelZero-effect levelThis is the highest possible odor This is the highest possible odor concentration in which people do not concentration in which people do not experience odor nuisance yetexperience odor nuisance yet..

Questions?Questions?

indoor air quality

Documents

chronic illness

chronic disease

specific illness

chronic nonproductive

related illnessesinclude

lowgrade fever

airborne irritants

moldy crops organisms