leacock bldg indoor quality assess feb2010

8/18/2019 Leacock Bldg Indoor Quality Assess Feb2010

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INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

McGill University

Leacock BuildingMontreal, Quebec

Assessment performed: November 30 th - December 4 th 2009

Prepared by:

GESTION ENVIRONNEMENTALE T. HARRIS INC.

___________________________ ___________________________Brigitte Soucy, M. Sc. Jemima BellemareHygiene Project Manager Hygiene Technician

Prepared for:

Mr. Louis Boissonneault, Eng.Project Manager

GENIVAR1600 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 16 th Floor

Montreal, Quebec (H3H 1P9)

RAP 091208-01


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OBJECTIVE

Personnel from Gestion Environnementale T. Harris Inc. (GETH) conducted a general IndoorAir Quality (IAQ) assessment of the selected areas on the 3 rd to 9 th floors of the LeacockBuilding located at 855 Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal, Quebec.

The assessment was performed from November 30 th to December 4 th 2009 at the request of Mr.Louis Boissonneault, Project Manager at GENIVAR. This evaluation was conducted in order todetermine the quality of air following the replacement of two ventilation units that serve the 3 rd

to 9th

floors.A range of measurements was taken within the areas under study. These included thermalcomfort parameters (temperature and percent relative humidity) and air quality parameters(carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and respirable suspended particulates).

METHODS

The indoor air quality assessment was performed in selected rooms throughout the 3 rd to 9 th floors. The assessment was performed mainly in offices, but measurements were also taken in atleast one class room on each floor.

Spot testing for IAQ parameters was conducted three times throughout the day for a total of 47sample locations including one exterior location. Measurements were taken in sufficient numbersin order to determine if any significant differences in air quality parameters occurred fromlocation to location and during different periods of the day.

Continuous monitoring for IAQ parameters was conducted over a 24-hour period in threelocations on each floor (3 rd to 9 th floors) and consisted of recording measured parameters everyminute. Continuous monitoring locations were chosen according to information we receivedfrom the employees in the weeks prior to our assessment.


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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of the continuous monitoring are consistent with the results of the spot testing for IAQ parameters and the following observations can be made:

• Average carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentrations are all below the ASHRAE guidelineconcentration (950 ppm i.e. 600 ppm (at 17 CFM) above outdoor CO 2 concentration) andshow that the rooms are receiving an adequate supply of fresh air.

• Average carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were all below the ASHRAE guideline for an8-hour period (9 ppm).

• Average temperatures measured in some rooms (318, 324, 443C, 539, 608, 718, 732, 812,923 and 943) are above the ASHRAE maximum temperature guideline for winter months

(24o

C).• Temperatures above the ASHRAE maximum temperature guideline for winter months(24 oC) were observed in most of the locations tested (see maximum values in Tables I toVIII in Appendix I).

• With the exception of rooms 318 and 324, average relative humidity levels are all above theminimum relative humidity level of 20% for office spaces established by the RROHS. Mostof the rooms tested over a 24-hour period also meet the ASHRAE recommended range forrelative humidity (30-60%).

• Average respirable suspended particulates (RSP) concentrations are all below the ASHRAEguideline (50 µg/m 3).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Continuous monitoring results agree well with spot testing results and indicate that duringnormal building operation, the quality of air within the locations tested should not represent ahealth concern to building occupants and that the complaints may be related to thermal comfortrather than contaminant levels.

Based on the results of the IAQ assessment performed in Leacock Building from November 30 th to December 4 th 2009, GETH makes the following recommendations in order to improve thecomfort of the occupants:

• Maintain temperature within ASHRAE guidelines, i.e. between 20 and 24o

C for wintermonths.• Avoid drifts in temperature exceeding the limits established by ASHRAE.• Maintain relative humidity levels within ASHRAE guidelines, i.e. between 30 and 60%.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................ 1

2. AIR QUALITY STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ............................................... ........ 1

3. METHODS .............................................. ............................................................................. 5

3.1 I NVESTIGATED AREAS ..................................................................................................... 53.2 T HERMAL COMFORT AND IAQ PARAMETERS .................................................................. 5

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .......................................................................................... 6

4.1 T HERMAL COMFORT AND IAQ PARAMETERS .................................................................. 65. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................... 18

6. LIMITATIONS.................................................................................................................. 20

APPENDIX I – Detailed Results

APPENDIX II – Graphical Representation (Continuous Monitoring)

APPENDIX III – Sample Location


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GENIVAR1600 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 16 th FloorMontreal, Quebec H3H 1P9

Attention: Mr. Louis BoissonneaultProject Manager

Re: Indoor Air Quality AssessmentMcGill University - Leacock BuildingMontreal, Quebec

______________________________________________________________________________

1. OBJECTIVE

Personnel from Gestion Environnementale T. Harris Inc. (GETH) conducted a general IndoorAir Quality (IAQ) assessment of the selected areas on the 3 rd to 9 th floors of the LeacockBuilding located at 855 Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal, Quebec.

The assessment was performed from November 30 th to December 4 th 2009 at the request of Mr.Louis Boissonneault, Project Manager at GENIVAR. This evaluation was conducted in order todetermine the quality of air following the replacement of two ventilation units that serve the 3 rd to 9 th floors.

A range of measurements was taken within the areas under study. These included thermalcomfort parameters: temperature (T) and percent relative humidity (%RH); air quality

parameters: carbon dioxide (CO 2), carbon monoxide (CO) and respirable suspended particulates(RSP).

2. AIR QUALITY STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for buildings are designed to providegood air quality and thermal comfort at a reasonable energy cost. Good air quality refers toadequate oxygen levels, removal of CO 2 resulting from human respiration, and dilution/removal

of contaminants, including odours. Thermal comfort is typically defined as an environment inwhich at least 80% of normally clothed occupants engaged in sedentary or near-sedentaryactivities, feel comfortable. Environmental factors contributing to thermal comfort include airtemperature, radiant heat load, relative humidity, and air velocity.

At the present time, there are no legally enforceable standards for indoor air pollutants inresidential and institutional buildings, and non-industrial workplaces in Canada. However,various organizations have published guidelines for evaluating indoor air quality. These airquality guidelines specify maximum concentrations and exposure times for specific contaminantsin indoor and outdoor environments.


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McGill University December 2009Leacock Building

INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT3rd to 9 th Floors

Gestion Environnementale T. Harris Inc. 2

The Federal-Provincial Advisory Committee on Environment and Occupational Health, underthe auspices of Health Canada, established “acceptable” IAQ guidelines for known indoor aircontaminants in two guidelines titled Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air Quality (1995) and Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide (1995), setting out

permissible ranges of airborne concentrations for selected substances. The Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air Quality includes an acceptable long-term exposure range (ALTER)that specifies the concentration of a given substance individuals may be exposed to throughout alifetime without affecting their health. Similarly, an acceptable short-term exposure range(ASTER) defines the concentration of a substance to which people can be safely exposed towithin a specified time.

The Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide stipulates that the generallyaccepted guidelines for ventilation and indoor air quality are the American Society of Heating,Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Standard 55-2004, Thermal

Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy , and ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007,Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality . These standards give recommended guidelines forthermal comfort parameters, and specific chemical contaminants in mechanically ventilated

buildings.

ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 also recommends outdoor air mechanical ventilation rates fortypical office buildings. Under this standard, the recommended outdoor air ventilation rate is

17 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per person for a typical office space, based on an estimatedmaximum occupancy of five (5) people per 1,000 ft 2. At this ventilation rate, a steady-state CO 2 concentration of no greater than about 600 ppm above outdoor levels develops in an occupiedspace with the assumption that make-up air is of satisfactory quality, and outside CO 2 concentrations are in the 300 to 500 ppm range.

For the purpose of the current IAQ assessment, an average outside CO 2 concentration of 350 ppm was used. Therefore, a guideline CO 2 concentration of 950 ppm (a concentration of 600 ppm above the average outside CO 2 concentration) would indicate an adequate supply of freshoutside air at a ventilation rate of 17 cfm per person occupying a typical office space. Eventhough this ventilation rate can be considered acceptable for a typical office environment, certain

airborne contaminants may be relatively higher depending on their content in the fresh outdoorair introduced. Therefore in some buildings, indoor air quality may not meet all the requirementsof the ASHRAE standard.


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Quebec Provincial RROHS - Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety(Règlement sur la santé et la sécurité du travail – RSST ) L.R.Q., c. S-2.1, r.19.01, establishesrequirements regarding ventilation and heating.

Table I summarizes IAQ guidelines, which were used in the interpretation of our sampling data.For reference, IAQ guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO) are alsoincluded. The WHO guidelines do not differentiate between outdoor and indoor air quality, andare aimed at protecting the health of the general population including sensitive populationsubgroups such as the elderly and asthmatics.

TABLE IIndoor Air Quality Guidelines

Health Canada RSSTL.R.Q. Parameter Units ASHRAEASTER ALTER

WHO TWAEV

Thermal Comfort

Temperature °C20-24 (Winter)

23-25.5 (Summer) - - - -

Relative Humidity % 30-60

30-80(Summer)

30-55(Winter 1)

- -20

(Office)

General IAQ

Carbon Dioxide ppm600 (at 17 CFM)

above exteriorCO 2 concentration

- ≤ 3,500 - 5,000

Carbon Monoxide ppm 9 (8 hr.)35 (1 hr.)≤ 11 (8 hr.)≤ 25 (1 hr.)

-

10 (8 hr.)25 (1 hr.)

50 (30 min.)90 (15 min.)

35

Respirable

Particulatesµg/m3 50 (annual)

2

150 (24 hr.)≤ 100 (1 hr.) 3 ≤ 40 3 -

10 000 (as

total dust) Notes: - None established; 1 unless constrained by window condensation; 2 for particles 10 µm or smaller;

3 for particles ≤ 2.5 µm.


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TABLE IILimits on Temperature Drifts and Ramps 1

Time Period Maximum Temperature Change Allowed ( oC)0.25 hr. 1.10.5 hr. 1.71 hr. 2.22 hr. 2.84 hr. 3.3

1Drift refers to passive temperature changes; Ramp refers to actively controlled temperature changes.


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3. METHODS

3.1 Investigated Areas

The indoor air quality assessment was performed in selected rooms throughout the 3 rd to 9 th floors. The assessment was performed mainly in offices, but measurements were also taken in atleast one class room on each floor.

3.2 Thermal Comfort and IAQ Parameters

Measurements of temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO 2) and carbon monoxide(CO) were taken using a TSI Q-Trak IAQ Monitor (Models 8551 and 8554). This instrument hasfour separate sensors (one for each parameter).

Airborne particulate measurements were taken using a TSI Dust-Trak Aerosol Monitor (Model8520). This device instantaneously measures average, minimum and maximum particleconcentrations for particles between 0.1 and 10 µm in diameter, with a measuring range of 10µg/m 3 to 100 mg/m 3. Air sampling was conducted at a flow rate of 1.7 litre per minute (lpm). A10 mm diameter nylon cyclone, attached to the sampling port was employed, in order to measurethe respirable fraction from the total airborne dust sampled. The cyclone, at a flow rate of

1.7 lpm, “cuts off” particles greater than 4 µm in diameter.

The above instruments were calibrated according to manufacturer instructions.

Spot testing for IAQ parameters was conducted three times throughout the day for a total of 47sample locations including one exterior location. Measurements were taken in sufficient numbersin order to determine if any significant differences in air quality parameters occurred fromlocation to location and during different periods of the day.

Continuous monitoring for IAQ parameters was conducted over a 24-hour period in threelocations on each floor (3 rd to 9 th floors) and consisted of recording measured parameters every

minute. Maximum, minimum and average values for each parameter were calculated.Continuous monitoring locations were chosen according to information we received from theemployees in the weeks prior to our assessment.


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4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Thermal Comfort and IAQ Parameters

Spot Testing

The results of IAQ spot testing performed in selected rooms on November 30 th 2009 aresummarized in the following charts. The charts show the average results for each IAQ parametermeasured on the 3 rd to 9 th floors. Detailed results for each room are shown in Tables I to VII in

Appendix I.

Carbon Dioxid e (CO 2)

633

702

656 670 649627

610

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Floor

C o n c e n

t r a

t i o n

( p p m

)

Chart No. 1: Spot Testing Results for Carbon Dioxide (CO 2)

3rd to 9 th Floors, November 30 th 2009

Chart No. 1 shows that the average carbon dioxide concentrations (610-702 ppm) measured onthe 3 rd to 9 th floors are below the ASHRAE guideline (950 ppm i.e. 600 ppm (at 17 CFM) aboveoutdoor CO 2 concentration).

ASHRAE


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Overall (with few exceptions), the CO 2 levels were noted to be higher in the afternoon than in themorning.

Carbon Monox ide (CO)

0 0 0 0,1 0,1 0 00

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Floor

C o n c e n

t r a

t i o n

( p p m

)

Chart No. 2: Spot Testing Results for Carbon Monoxide (CO)


Chart No. 2 shows that the average carbon monoxide concentrations (0-0.1 ppm) measured onthe 3 rd to 9 th floors are below the ASHRAE guideline for an 8-hour period (9 ppm).

ASHRAE


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Temperature ( o C)

22,9

24,4

23,3

23,5

22,9

22,5

23,2

21,5

22

22,5

23

23,5

24

24,5

25

3 4 5 6 7 8 9Floor

T e m p e r a

t u r e

( o C )

Chart No. 3: Spot Testing Results for Temperature


Chart No. 3 shows that the average temperature measured on the 4 th floor (24.4 oC) is slightlyhigher than the ASHRAE maximum temperature guideline for winter months (24 oC). Theaverage temperatures measured on the remaining floors (22.5-23.5 oC) are within ASRAErecommended temperature range for winter months (20-24 oC).

As can be seen in Tables II to V in Appendix I, temperatures measured in the morning on the 4 th,

5th, 6 th and 7 th floors were all higher than the ASHRAE maximum temperature guideline forwinter months (24 oC).

Drifts between morning and afternoon temperatures were observed on the 4 th, 5 th, 6 th and 7 th floors. Temperature drifts should not exceed 3.3 oC over a 4-hour period. On the 8 th floor,afternoon measurements that were taken less than one hour from each other show temperaturedrifts exceeding 2.2 oC (the limit for a 1-hour period).

Temperatures remained relatively constant over the day in most rooms on the 3 rd and 9 th floors.

ASHRAE


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Fluctuations in the temperature (that are not under the control of the occupants) may affect thethermal comfort of occupants (ASHRAE, 2007).

Relative Humidity (%)

2326 25 26 25

24 24

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Floor

R e

l a t i v e

H u m

i d i t y

( % )

ASHRAE

RROHS

Chart No. 4: Spot Testing Results for Relative Humidity


Chart No. 4 shows that the average relative humidity levels (23-26%) measured on the 3 rd to 9 th floors are below the ASHRAE guidelines (30-60%) for all floors. However, results are above the

minimum relative humidity level of 20% for office spaces established by the RROHS.

Low relative humidity levels may affect the comfort of occupants by causing symptoms such asirritation of mucus membranes.


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Respirable Suspended Particulates ( g/m 3)

3 3 3 3 3 32

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

3 4 5 6 7 8 9Floor

C o n c e n

t r a

t i o n

( µ g

/ m 3 )

Chart No. 5: Spot Testing Results for Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP)


Chart No. 5 shows that the average concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (RSP)(2-3 µg/m 3) measured on the 3 rd to 9 th floors are below the ASHRAE guideline (50 µg/m 3).

ASHRAE


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Continuous Monitoring

The results of continuous monitoring for IAQ parameters performed in selected rooms from November 30 th to December 4 th 2009 are summarized in the following charts. The charts showthe average results for each IAQ parameter measured in the selected rooms over a 24-hour

period. Detailed results for each room (average, minimum and maximum values) are shown inTable VIII in Appendix I. Graphical representation of the results for each room is shown inAppendix II. Sample location is shown in Appendix III.

Carbon Dioxid e (CO 2)

473441

482

435 410 436370

453471

427 422394 398

445

329 319

426376

482449

407

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

950

1000

307 318 324 422 432 443C 509 534 539 608 621 633 718 723 732 812 832 833 919 923 943

Room

C o n c e n

t r a

t i o n

( p p m

)

Chart No. 6: Continuous monitoring for Carbon Dioxide (CO 2)

3rd to 9 th Floors, November 30 th -December 4 th 2009

Note: Average CO 2 concentration for room 307 is based on an 11-hour monitoring since the device was unpluggedduring sampling.

Chart No. 6 shows that the average carbon dioxide concentrations (319-482 ppm) measured overa 24-hour period in selected rooms are below the ASHRAE guideline (950 ppm i.e. 600 ppm (at17 CFM) above outdoor CO 2 concentration).

ASHRAE


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Based on the charts shown in Appendix II, CO 2 concentrations were noted to be highest around15:00 in most rooms.

Carbon Monox ide (CO)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

307 318 324 422 432 443C 509 534 539 608 621 633 718 723 732 812 832 833 919 923 943

Room

C o n c e n

t r a

t i o n

( p p m

)

Chart No. 7: Continuous monitoring for Carbon Monoxide (CO)


Chart No. 7 shows that the average carbon monoxide concentrations (0-1 ppm) measured over a24-hour period in selected rooms are below the ASHRAE guideline for an 8-hour period(9 ppm).

ASHRAE


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Temperature ( o C)

21,3

26,3

29,3

22,8 23

25,6

23,9 23,925,4

26,5

20,9 21,2

25,3

22,5

24,1

26,1

21,320,4 20,6

27,7

24,7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

307 318 324 422 432 443C 509 534 539 608 621 633 718 723 732 812 832 833 919 923 943Room

T e m p e r a

t u r e

( o C )

Chart No. 8: Continuous Monitoring for Temperature


Chart No. 8 shows that the average temperatures measured over a 24-hour period in rooms 318,324, 443C, 539, 608, 718, 732, 812, 923 and 943 (24.1-29.3 oC) are above the ASHRAEmaximum temperature guideline for winter months (24 oC). The average temperatures measuredin the remaining rooms (20.4-23.9 oC) are within ASHRAE recommended temperature range forwinter months (20-24 oC).

Based on the charts shown in Appendix II, temperatures were noted to be relatively constantduring office hours with changes of 2 oC or less over the day in most rooms.

Drops in temperatures, with a rise in relative humidity have been observed in some rooms (e.g.432, 443C, 509, 621 and 718). All these rooms have opening windows. The sudden changes may

be related to the opening of the windows.

In room 633, high temperatures (25-30 oC) were noted around 13:00 and a drop in relativehumidity was also noted around the same time (see chart No 23 in Appendix II).

ASHRAE


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In room 832, temperature went from 21 oC to 26 oC in less then 3 hours (between 9:00 and 12:00).A drop in relative humidity was noted at the same time (see chart No. 33 in Appendix II). Thisdrift exceeds the limit for a 4-hour period (3.3 oC).

Relative Humidity (%)

22

11 10

37 36

22

3433

30

37

45 46

38 39 37

31

3942

44

25

40

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

307 318 324 422 432 443C 509 534 539 608 621 633 718 723 732 812 832 833 919 923 943

Room

R e

l a t i v e

H u m

i d i t y

( % )

ASHRAE

RROHS

Chart No. 9: Continuous Monitoring for Relative Humidity


Chart No. 9 shows that the average relative humidity levels measured over a 24-hour period inrooms 307, 318, 324, 443C and 923 (10-25%) are below the ASHRAE recommended range (30-60%). However, relative humidity levels measured in rooms 307, 443C and 923 (22-25%) areabove the minimum relative humidity level of 20% for office spaces established by the RROHS.

Humidity levels measured in rooms 318 and 324 are below the minimum relative humidity levelof 20% for office spaces established by the RROHS. Relative humidity levels measured in theremaining rooms (30-46%) are within ASHRAE recommended range (30-60%).


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Respirable Suspended Particulates ( g/m 3)

3

9

2

7

21

6 6 5

13 13

44

11

8

12

4 35 4

9

5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

307 318 324 422 432 443C 509 534 539 608 621 633 718 723 732 812 832 833 919 923 943Room

C o n c e n

t r a

t i o n

( g

/ m 3 )

Chart No. 10: Continuous Monitoring for Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP)


Note: Average RSP concentration for room 307 is based on a 20-hour monitoring since the device was unpluggedduring sampling.

Chart No. 10 shows that the average concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (RSP)(2-44 µg/m 3) measured over a 24-hour period are below the ASHRAE guideline (50 µg/m 3) inall rooms. The average concentration for room 422 is unavailable due to a malfunction of the

device. The maximum concentration recorded for this room is 23 µg/m3

.

ASHRAE


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Results of the continuous monitoring are consistent with the results of the spot testing for IAQ parameters and the following observations can be made:

• Average carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentrations are all below the ASHRAE guidelineconcentration (950 ppm i.e. 600 ppm (at 17 CFM) above outdoor CO 2 concentration) andshow that the rooms are receiving an adequate supply of fresh air.

• Average carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were all below the ASHRAE guideline for an8-hour period (9 ppm).

• Average temperatures measured in some rooms (318, 324, 443C, 539, 608, 718, 732, 812,923 and 943) are above the ASHRAE maximum temperature guideline for winter months

(24oC).

• Temperatures above the ASHRAE maximum temperature guideline for winter months(24 oC) were observed in most of the locations tested (see maximum values in Tables I toVIII in Appendix I).

• With the exception of rooms 318 and 324, average relative humidity levels are all above theminimum relative humidity level of 20% for office spaces established by the RROHS. Mostof the rooms tested over a 24-hour period also meet the ASHRAE recommended range forrelative humidity (30-60%).

• Average respirable suspended particulates (RSP) concentrations are all below the ASHRAEguideline (50 µg/m 3).

The following information was gathered during the assessment:

• Some rooms (located on the corners of the building) have opening windows, but the majorityhas non-opening windows.

• Room 324 (computer laboratory) was originally a larger room and no change in theventilation system has been made since the room changed layout.


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Outdoor Conditions

Table III shows the average temperature and relative humidity based on hourly data fromEnvironment Canada (between 12:00 and 12:00) during the IAQ assessment performed from

November 30 th to December 4 th 2009.

TABLE IIIOutdoor Temperature and Relative Humidity

November 30 th – December 4 th 2009

Date Temp. (o

C) RH (%) Nov. 30 th – Dec. 1 st -0.3 75Dec. 1 st – Dec. 2 nd 1.4 84Dec. 2 nd – Dec. 3 rd 5.7 84Dec. 3 rd – Dec. 4 th 4.7 81

Table IV shows the respirable suspended particulates (RSP) concentrations measured on the daysthe assessment was performed.

TABLE IVOutdoor Concentrations for Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP)

November 30 th – December 4 th 2009

Date RSP (µg/m 3)1 November 30 th 11

December 1 st 16December 2 nd 22December 3 rd 6December 4 th 9

1Measured around 12:00


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5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

While the quantity of air supplied to a work area is vital for diluting odours and othercontaminants, indoor air quality complaints may be related to thermal comfort rather thancontaminant levels. Temperature and relative humidity can play a role in how people perceivetheir indoor environment. Thermal comfort is a function of temperature, relative humidity and airmotion.

The level of carbon dioxide (CO 2) present in an occupied space is a good indicator of adequateventilation rates. Under the ASHRAE guideline, the recommended maximum carbon dioxide

(CO 2) concentrations are 600 ppm above the outside concentrations for ventilation rate of 17CFM of outside air.

Average carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentrations measured in the Leacock Building are below theASHRAE guideline concentration (950 ppm) in all the locations tested. These results indicatethat all the locations are receiving adequate quantities of fresh air to control the build-up ofcontaminants. Under these conditions, contaminants generated in the space under normalconditions should not build up to concentrations expected to impact on occupant comfort orhealth.

Average carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations remained below the ASHRAE guideline for an

8-hour period (9 ppm) in all locations tested. Therefore, this should not represent a healthconcern to the building occupants.

The average temperatures recorded in rooms 318, 324, 443C, 539, 608, 718, 732, 812, 923 and943 (24.1-29.3 oC) are higher than the thermal comfort range of 20 to 24 ˚C as derived for winterseason from the ASHRAE recommended temperature ranges. Spot testing, along with maximumtemperature values recorded during continuous monitoring, show that temperatures above theASHRAE maximum temperature guideline for winter months (24 oC) were observed in most ofthe locations tested.

Drifts in temperatures were observed mainly from the 4 th to the 8 th floors (notably in room 832).

Temperature drifts should not exceed the limits established by ASHRAE (see Table II).Temperatures higher than the thermal comfort range, along with fluctuations in the temperature(that are not under the control of the occupants) can play a role in how people perceive theirindoor environment. Temperatures should be maintained within the thermal comfort range of20 to 24 ˚ C as derived for winter season from the ASHRAE recommended temperature ranges.

With the exception of rooms 318 and 324, average relative humidity levels are all above theminimum relative humidity level of 20% for office spaces established by the RROHS. Most ofthe rooms tested over a 24-hour period also meet the ASHRAE recommended range for relative


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humidity (30-60%). The majority of building occupants should feel comfortable under theseconditions.

At low humidity conditions, some occupants may experience discomfort due to drying of theskin and mucous membranes. Low relative humidity can cause other particles in the air to

become more irritating. Additional humidification may be necessary in order to increase relativehumidity levels within recommended comfort ranges in rooms 318 and 324.

Average respirable suspended particulates (RSP) concentrations are below the ASHRAEguideline (50 µg/m 3) in all locations tested. Therefore, individuals working in these areas should

not experience discomfort at the RSP concentrations measured.

Continuous monitoring results agree well with spot testing results and indicate that duringnormal building operation, the quality of air within the locations tested should not represent ahealth concern to building occupants and that the complaints may be related to thermal comfortrather than contaminant levels.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the IAQ assessment performed in Leacock Building from November 30 th to December 4 th 2009, GETH makes the following recommendations in order to improve the

comfort of the occupants:

• Maintain temperature within ASHRAE guidelines, i.e. between 20 and 24 oC for wintermonths.

• Avoid drifts in temperature exceeding the limits established by ASHRAE (see Table II).• Maintain relative humidity levels within ASHRAE guidelines, i.e. between 30 and 60%.


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6. LIMITATIONS

The investigations, assessments and recommendations detailed in this report were carried out in amanner consistent with the level of care and skill normally exercised by reasonable members ofthe environmental and industrial hygiene consulting profession currently practicing under similarconditions in the area. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, that apply to the

professional services provided under the terms of our assignment and included in this report.

In preparing this report, Gestion Environnementale T. Harris Inc. relied on information supplied

by independent laboratories and testing services. Except as expressly set out in this report, wehave not made any independent verification of such information.

The investigation, assessments and recommendations in this report have been made in thecontext of existing industry accepted guidelines that were in place at the date of this report. Theinvestigation did not take account of any government regulations not in effect or not generally

promulgated at the date of this report.

The collection of samples at the Site was consistent with the scope of work agreed upon with the person or entity to whom this report is addressed and the information obtained concerning priorsite investigations. As conditions between samples may vary, the potential remains for the

presence of unknown additional contaminants for which there were no known indicators.This report is for the sole use of the person or entity to whom it is addressed. No other person orentity is entitled to use or rely upon this report.


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APPENDIX IDetailed Results


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Gestion Environnementale T. Harris Inc.

TABLE ISpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters - 3 rd Floor

McGill University – Leacock BuildingNovember 30 th 2009

No. Sample location Time CO 2 (ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

3 rd Floor

10:41 551 0 23.1 23.7 3

13:44 603 0 24.3 21.8 21313(N)

14:51 588 0 23.4 22.2 2

10:43 522 0 22.6 22.4 2

13:47 586 0 23.2 21.3 32314

(NE corner)

14:56 545 0 22.9 20.3 2

10:13 642 0 23.1 28.6 4

13:38 665 0 24.4 20.4 33321E

(S)

- - - - - -

10:32 654 0 23.4 22.6 2

13:40 755 0 23.7 23.0 34328

(W)14:45 730 0 21.7 25.6 2

10:35 592 0 21.4 24.3 2

13:51 580 0 21.4 23.0 25331

(corner)

14:41 557 0 21.0 22.2 1

10:19 638 0 22.9 26.4 4

13:25 760 0 24.5 22.5 66 Hall

14:48 798 0 22.2 26.4 8

Aver age 633 0 22.9 23.3 3

Minimum 522 0 21.0 20.3 1

Maximum 798 0 24.5 26.4 8


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TABLE IISpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters – 4 th Floor


No. SampleLocation TimeCO 2

(ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

4 th Floor

10:14 817 0 26.3 27.7 6

13:14 799 0 23.5 27.4 31414

(NE corner)

14:15 737 0 23.0 26.5 310:28 602 0 27.0 23.3 2

13:16 791 0 23.7 27.9 32 420

14:18 761 0.2 23.5 26.4 3

10:16 823 0 24.9 25.3 2

13:18 717 0.1 23.4 26.5 43427

(SE corner)

14:20 704 0 23.5 26.6 2

10:19 601 0 25.7 24.6 2

- - - - - -4429(S)

- - - - - -

10:22 514 0 26.4 23.0 213:21 801 0.1 23.2 26.6 35

439(W)

14:22 661 0 23.4 25.8 3

10:24 589 0 26.7 23.3 2

13:11 626 0 23.2 27.3 56443B

(NW corner)

14:14 715 0 22.8 26.9 4

10:26 595 0 26.9 23.3 4

13:13 621 0 23.3 27.1 77 Hall

14:16 869 0 23.3 26.4 3

Aver age 702 0 24.4 25.9 3

Minim um 514 0 22.8 23.0 2

Maximum 869 0.2 27.0 27.9 6


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TABLE IIISpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters – 5 th Floor



(ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

5 th Floor

10:42 529 0 25.6 22.7 3

13:30 633 0.3 22.4 25.6 21514(E)

14:32 673 0 22.7 25.0 2

10:46 578 0 26.1 23.3 2

13:32 827 0.1 22.2 28.0 32 520

14:33 1011 0 22.8 30.8 6

10:39 595 0 25.6 23.4 2

13:33 609 0.2 21.9 26.4 33521(E)

14:35 690 0 22.6 26.0 3

10:38 676 0 25.4 23.2 2

13:36 592 0 21.9 26.3 34525

(S)14:37 660 0 22.0 26.1 2

10:35 522 0 24.8 21.0 2

13:37 556 0 18.7 26.4 35528

(SW corner)

14:39 571 0 19.3 24.6 2

10:33 589 0 26.8 22.1 2

13:25 664 0 23.0 26.3 36543(N)

14:29 712 0.1 22.2 25.1 2

10:26 595 0 26.9 23.3 4

13:13 621 0 23.3 27.1 77 Hall

14:16 869 0 23.3 26.4 3 Aver age 656 0 23.3 25.2 3

Minim um 522 0 18.7 21.0 1

Maximum 1011 0.3 26.9 30.8 7


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TABLE IVSpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters – 6 th Floor



(ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

6 th Floor

10:51 608 0 26.3 23.0 3

13:41 731 0 21.7 29.1 31609

(NE corner)

14:41 660 0 21.8 26.0 310:57 651 0 26.7 23.5 3

13:46 730 0.1 22.4 28.1 32 614

14:46 681 0 22.5 26.6 2

10:52 545 0 26.5 22.6 3

13:44 663 0.2 22.2 28.1 33615(E)

14:44 651 0 22.2 26.3 2

11:00 556 0 26.0 21.9 3

13:49 644 0.4 21.9 28.0 34623(S)

14:48 606 0 22.0 25.4 2

11:01 589 0 26.3 22.0 313:55 629 0.3 21.9 27.2 35

626(SW corner)

14:50 648 0 21.4 26.1 2

10:49 595 0 26.1 22.7 3

13:43 613 0 21.9 27.8 36638

(NW corner)

14:43 621 0 22.1 25.8 3

10:58 627 0 26.6 22.7 2

13:47 1307 0.4 22.2 28.2 57 Hall

14:47 706 0 22.5 26.4 2

Aver age 670 0.1 23.5 25.6 3

Minim um 545 0 21.4 21.9 2

Maximum 1307 0.4 26.7 28.2 3


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TABLE VSpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters – 7 th Floor



(ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

7 th Floor

11:21 721 1 26.7 24.4 7

14:10 730 0.1 21.5 28.7 61 704

15:08 674 0 22.4 26.5 411:05 624 0 25.8 22.7 2

13:57 655 0.1 20.2 28.5 32710

(NE corner)

14:51 654 0 20.6 26.0 2

11:17 602 0 26.4 22.9 3

14:09 663 0.4 21.0 27.9 33714(E)

15:03 760 0 22.6 25.7 2

11:14 537 0 25.4 22.1 3

14:07 540 0 20.4 25.9 34725

(SW corner)

15:01 625 0 21.4 24.3 2

11:09 559 0 25.8 23.1 314:02 630 0.1 22.4 27.1 35

737(NW corner)

14:57 575 0 22.3 25.5 2

11:07 621 0 24.9 22.5 3

13:59 590 0.1 20.2 26.3 36738(N)

14:54 574 0 20.0 26.1 2

11:12 723 0 26.2 23.4 2

14:05 832 0.1 22.8 26.6 47 Hall

15:00 733 0 22.3 26.1 4

Aver age 649 0.1 22.9 25.3 3

Minim um 537 0 20.0 22.1 2

Maximum 832 1 26.7 28.7 7


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TABLE VISpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters – 8 th Floor



(ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

8 th Floor

11:29 561 0 23.1 22.9 3

14:22 586 0 23.4 21.4 21818(E)

15:15 566 0 21.0 24.4 211:33 590 0 22.7 23.2 3

14:24 565 0 22.8 21.0 12824

(SE corner)

15:18 607 0 20.7 25.7 3

11:36 598 0 22.9 23.1 2

14:28 569 0 22.9 21.6 13828

(SW corner)

15:19 540 0 20.7 24.4 5

11:39 757 0 23.7 25.6 4

14:29 646 0 23.6 24.0 14 836

15:22 609 0 21.4 26.8 3

11:43 574 0 22.5 22.9 214:32 577 0 22.7 21.3 25

841(NW corner)

15:12 606 0 21.0 23.4 2

11:47 692 0 24.5 24.5 6

14:34 767 0 23.4 24.2 46 Hall

15:13 883 0 21.1 26.0 2

Aver age 627 0 22.5 23.7 3

Minim um 540 0 20.7 21.0 1

Maximum 883 0 24.5 26.8 6


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TABLE VIISpot Testing Results for IAQ Parameters – 9 th Floor



(ppm)CO

(ppm)Temp.

(˚

C)R.H.(%)

RSP(µg/m 3)

9 th Floor

11:24 623 0 22.9 25.4 4

14:17 656 0 23.6 23.5 21908(N)

15:24 646 0 23.9 21.6 310:47 545 0 23.7 22.9 3

14:01 577 0 24.6 22.1 22912

(NE corner)

15:08 641 0 22.3 26.9 3

11:05 532 0 21.0 28.9 2

14:08 577 0 23.8 21.5 23925

(SE corner)

- - - - - -

11:10 543 0 22.5 25.9 2

14:11 565 0 23.6 21.2 14929

(SW corner)

15:16 551 0 23.3 20.9 1

11:15 544 0 21.6 25.4 214:14 573 0 23.4 21.6 25

940(W)

15:21 543 0 23.6 21.0 1

10:50 684 0 23.8 25.3 3

14:05 750 0 24.3 23.0 36 Hall

15:12 815 0 23.1 27.3 2

Aver age 610 0 23.2 23.8 2

Minim um 532 0 21.0 20.9 1

Maximum 815 0 24.6 28.9 4


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TABLE VIIIContinuous Monitoring Results for IAQ Parameters

McGill University – Leacock BuildingNovember 30 th - December 4 th 2009

ResultsCO 2 (ppm ) CO (ppm) Temp. (ºC) R.H. (%)

SampleLocation

Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. 3 rd Floor – November 30 th - December 1 st 2009

307 473 340 776 0 0 0 21.3 19.6 22.5 22.0 18.7 318 441 359 746 0 0 0.4 26.3 23.5 27.2 10.5 8.1 324 482 306 808 0 0 0.1 29.3 24.4 29.9 10.1 7.4

4 th Floor – December 1 st - December 2 nd 2009422 435 372 873 0 0 0 22.8 21.4 24.3 36.9 33.5

432 410 352 670 0 0 0.1 23.0 22.6 23.7 35.8 21.7 443C 436 365 720 0 0 0.4 25.6 25.1 26.1 22.4 19.5

5 th Floor – December 1 st - December 2 nd 2009509 370 300 737 0 0 0 23.9 21.3 26.1 34.2 14.3 534 453 380 698 0 0 1 23.9 23.4 25.9 32.8 21.4 539 471 399 681 0 0 0 25.4 24.2 27.1 30.4 19.6

6 th Floor – December 2 nd - December 3 rd 2009608 427 366 770 1 0 1 26.5 25.8 27.7 37.3 33.4 621 422 364 595 0 0 0 20.9 20.3 22.5 45.2 39.8 633 394 355 516 0 0 0.3 21.2 20.3 29.5 46.2 23.1

7 th Floor – December 2 nd - December 3 rd 2009718 398 316 652 0 0 0 25.3 24.8 26.4 38.0 34.1 723 445 368 798 0 0 0 22.5 22.2 23.8 38.5 34.6 732 329 286 467 0 0 0 24.1 23.7 25.4 36.8 32.7


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TABLE VIII (continued)Continuous Monitoring Results for IAQ Parameters

McGill University – Leacock BuildingNovember 30 th - December 4 th 2009

ResultsCO 2 (ppm ) CO (ppm) Temp. (ºC) R.H. (%)

SampleLocation

Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg. Min. 8 th Floor – December 3 rd - December 4 th 2009

812 319 279 659 0 0 0 26.1 25.7 26.6 31.2 25.7 832 426 353 1 066 0 0 0 21.3 20.7 26.0 39.4 24.3 833 376 332 797 0 0 0 20.4 19.8 24.2 41.5 32.7

9 th Floor – December 3 rd - December 4 th 2009919 482 355 1 009 0 0 0 20.6 20.0 22.1 43.5 39.6

923 449 348 755 0 0 0.5 27.7 25.8 27.9 24.7 21.6 943 407 359 622 0 0 0 24.7 24.1 26.6 39.8 32.5


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leacock bldg indoor quality assess feb2010

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