06 Indoormanual

Indoor Air Quality
for Non-Industrial Settings
Student Manual
BWC Division of Safety and Hygiene

Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and Health
Revised: July 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COURSE INTRODUCTION TAB 1
Objectives
Agenda
Instructors’ Biographies
Awareness Survey
OVERVIEW OF IAQ TAB 2

Statement of problem
Cost benefit analysis
Why improving IAQ is important
STANDARDS & CODES TAB 3
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM TAB 4
INTRODUCTION TO HVAC TAB 5

Properties of Air
Temperature/Humidity
Impact on IAQ
CONTROL HIERARCHY TAB 6

CONTAMINANTS
A-REC MODEL
Building & occupant issues
Chemical
Bioaerosol
HVAC SYSTEMS TAB 7

Ventilation
Temperature/humidity control
Air distribution
HVAC system contamination
Air filtration
INVESTIGATION and EVALUATION of IAQ PROBLEMS TAB 8

Building surveys
Employee surveys
EXERCISES TAB 9
Case study exercise
Field exercise
i
BUILDING AIR QUALITY
A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (EPA)
BASICS TAB 10
PREVENTING IAQ PROBLEMS TAB 11
RESOLVING IAQ PROBLEMS TAB 12
APPENDICES TAB 13
BLANK FORMS TAB 14

1
COURSE OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to understand how to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and
control IAQ problems in non-industrial environments, including the use of
various tools and reference materials which apply these concepts to the
workplace.
1
2
AGENDA
DAY 1
8:30 COURSE INTRODUCTION
STUDENT INTRODUCTIONS
AWARENESS SURVEY
OVERVIEW OF IAQ
1. Statement of Problem
2. Cost benefit analysis
3. Why is improving IAQ important?
STANDARDS & CODES
11:45 LUNCH
12:45 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Anatomy & Physiology
INTRODUCTION TO HVAC
1. Properties of Air
2. Temperature/Humidity
3. Impact on IAQ
4:30 ADJOURN
DAY 2
8:30 CONTROL HIERARCHY
CONTAMINANTS
A-REC MODEL
1. Building & occupant issues
2. Chemical
a) CO
b) Formaldehyde
c) VOC (paints, coatings, adhesives, etc.)
d) Particulates
3
AGENDA CONTINUED
DAY 2 continued
HVAC
1. Ventilation
2. Temperature/humidity control
3. Air distribution
4. HVAC system contamination
5. Air filtration
11:45 LUNCH
12:45 INVESTIGATION and EVALUATION of IAQ PROBLEMS
1. Building Surveys
a) Walk-through
b) HVAC system inspection
2. Employee Surveys
CASE STUDY EXERCISE
FIELD EXERCISE
SUMMARY
4:30 ADJOURN
4
INSTRUCTORS
Gary Chambers
Instructor for Indoor Air Quality, Occupational Respiratory Protection, and
Violence in the Workplace
Gary Chambers has been involved with occupational safety since 1981. He has worked as a
safety program manager for a multi-site public utility. Since 1986, he has been a staff industrial
hygienist for the Division of Safety & Hygiene, State of Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
He performs industrial hygiene consultative services as well as gives training in a variety of
industrial settings. A particular area of interest is confined space evaluation and training.
Gary has a B.A. in Economics from Heidelberg College and an M.S. in Preventive Medicine from
The Ohio State University. He has given numerous presentations on a variety of topics at local,
regional, and national conferences. Occasionally, he also teaches for the OSHA Training
Institute.
Gary is a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the American Academy of
Industrial Hygiene. He is certified in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene (certificate
#6120). He currently serves on the AIHA Confined Spaces technical committee.
5
Tim Fiorilli
Instructor for Indoor Air Quality
Tim Fiorilli has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Science from Cleveland
State University. Tim has over 19 years experience in safety and health including joining the
Division of Safety & Hygiene in 1979 and over three years with the EPA. Tim is a member of
AIHA and ACGIH. He has been actively involved in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Indoor Air
Quality studies since 1985.
Rich Patnode
Rich Patnode did his graduate work at Central Missouri State University. He has been a
practicing industrial hygienist since 1978 and has been a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), since
1983. Rich began his hygiene career with the US Army as a civilian employee at Fort Leonard
Wood, Missouri. He then joined the Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) staff at the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, first in Cincinnati, and later with the
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies in Morgantown, West Virginia.
After five (5) years with NIOSH, Rich joined the Division of Safety and Hygiene in 1984 where
he performs a wide range of industrial hygiene services including serving as an instructor. Rich
was actively involved with the development of three (3) courses when OCOSH was in its infancy.
He participates in several OSHA 10-hour training modules conducted by the Warren Service
Office and has recently joined the IAQ Team.
6
Gary Swinehart
Gary Swinehart is an industrial hygienist with the Division of Safety and Hygiene. Gary has been
a staff industrial hygienist for the Division of Safety and Hygiene, State of Ohio Bureau of
Workers’ Compensation since 1986. He performs industrial hygiene consultative services in a
wide range of industries and topics.
Gary has a B.A. in Biology from Wittenberg University and attended graduate classes at the
University of Cincinnati Department of Environmental Health. Gary is a member of the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the American Academy of
Industrial Hygiene. He is certified (since 1994) in the comprehensive practice of industrial
hygiene by the American Board of Industrial Hygienists (ABIH).
7
AWARENESS SURVEY
1. Which of the following are reasons for concern about indoor air today?
a. people spend most of their time indoors

b. the use of natural ventilation has decreased
c. many buildings and furnishings are produced from synthetic chemicals
d. all of the above
2. Which is most likely to be a potential source of formaldehyde?
a. particleboard subflooring
b. roofing felt
c. paint
d. solid hardwood floors
3. Volatile organic compounds (AKA VOCs) are most likely to be released from which of the following
sources?
a. asbestos insulation
b. an area with newly installed carpet
c. a recently poured concrete basement floor
d. old, dirty carpet
4. If a house has a volume of 15,000 ft 3 and air is replaced at a rate of 500 ft 3 per minute, how many air
changes are occurring each hour (expressed as “ach”)?
a. 0.5 ach
b. 1.0 ach
c. 2.0 ach
d. 0.25 ach
5. Which term correctly identifies the occurrence of eye, nose, and throat irritation experienced by a
person who walks into a new home?
a. acute effect
b. chronic effect
c. homeitis effect
d. delayed effect
6. Which of the following determines whether or not health effects will result from exposure to indoor
contaminants?
a. physical properties of the contaminant

b. age and body size
c. humidity level
d. all of the above
7. Internal nose hairs are useless evolutionary structures.

a. true
b. false
8
8. Which of the following is most likely to be associated with dry air?
a. fatigue
b. chest pain
c. irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
d. profuse sweating
9. Which of the following contaminants could result from the use of a heat exchanger or evaporative
cooler? (Note: mark all that apply.)
a. carbon monoxide
b. hydrogen sulfide
c. nitrogen dioxide
d. microorganisms
10. Which of the following statements about ASHRAE’s Standard 62-1989 (Indoor Air Quality Procedure)
is correct?
a. Acceptable indoor air quality is defined as air that does not have known harmful contaminants and
80 percent or more of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction.
b. Acceptable indoor air quality must be achieved by meeting acceptable concentrations of indoor air
contaminants.
c. The Standard recommends using a safety factor of 1/100 as a preliminary guideline for
contaminants that are not specifically listed.
d. The Standard is designed to provide protection to the entire population, including those who are
especially sensitive to chemical exposures.
11. Which of the following are characteristics of VAV* systems?
a. variable temperature
b. variable volume
c. control from one temperature sensor for each location
d. provide both hot and cold air
12.Why may ventilation standards/guidelines be inadequate to protect indoor air quality in the U.S.?
a. houses have been constructed at different times under different code or standard requirements
b. some HVAC systems may be poorly maintained and not operated correctly
c. although adequate openable window space may be available, it may not be used
d. all of the above
*VAV = variable air volume
9
13. Which of the following statements about survey forms is not correct?
a. survey forms should collect data in a consistent manner

b. form design is not difficult
c. the confidentiality of collected information must be preserved
d. survey forms can include questionnaires with both yes/no and open-ended questions
14. Which of the following is not important when obtaining data on health effects?
a. smoking history
b. occupational history
c. caffeine intake
d. all are important
15. Which of the following explains why it is difficult to evaluate measurement results? (Mark all that
apply.)
a. there are many different types of houses/structures

b. the variability in human response to contaminants
c. the lack of consensus on standards and guidelines
d. the similarity of symptoms resulting from exposure to indoor air contaminants and stress
16. A given volume of humid air weighs ___________ than the same volume of dry air
a. more
b. less
17. Which can hold the greatest quantity of water vapor?
a. air at 100o F
b. air at 98.6o F
c. air at 55o F
d. air at 30o F
18. ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 recommends that ____ CFM of outside air per person be supplied to non-
smoking occupied office environments
a. 5
b. 10
c. 15
d. 20
e. 25
19. Energy-efficient buildings are the primary cause of IAQ problems today.
a. true
b. false
20. Air sampling is a necessary step in performing a legitimate IAQ investigation.
a. true
b. false
10
Resources Available from the Division of Safety & Hygiene (DSH) Libraries
(800) 644-6292 (614) 466-7388
[email protected]
www.ohiobwc.com
Safety training:
• Safety talks, outlines and scripts - DSH Safety leader’s discussion guide, Training
Center’s One-hour safety presentations, reference books, web resources
• Videos – hundreds of safety and health topics
• Books and articles on training techniques
Machine and equipment safety:

• Safety standards (ANSI, NFPA, CGA)
• Books and articles on power presses, material handling equipment, lockout/tagout, etc.
Sample written programs:

• DSH program profiles and sample written programs
• Reference books
• Internet resources
Illness and injury statistics:

• Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• National Safety Council’s Injury Facts
• National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) studies
Hazard communication and chemical safety:

• Chemical safety information
• Material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
• Sample written programs
• Videos
• Internet resources
Safety standards
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards (including standards for
construction, machinery and equipment, personal protective equipment)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire codes (including the Life Safety Code
and the National Electrical Code)
• Compressed Gas Association (CGA) standards
Other topics of interest (books, articles, magazines, videos and standards):

• Confined spaces • Powered industrial trucks
• Electrical safety • Respiratory protection
• Job safety analysis • Scaffolds
• New employee orientation • Spill response
Directories and lists of vendors of safety equipment
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Recommendations of useful Internet sites
BWC publications
11
Saving You Time and Research
Requests for copies of OSHA standards, information on starting a safety committee, a video on accident
investigation techniques -- these are some of the thousands of inquiries BWC’s Division of Safety &
Hygiene (DSH) libraries receive each year.
DSH has two libraries to serve you:

• The central library in the William Green Building in downtown Columbus;
• The resource center and video library located at the Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and
Health (OCOSH) in Pickerington.
Both libraries are open 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Your need for information does not
require a visit to the library. You can phone, fax, or e-mail your requests and receive a quick response.
The central library provides free information services on the topics of occupational safety and health,
workers’ compensation and rehabilitation.
The OCOSH resource center provides similar services for those who visit OCOSH for meetings and
training center classes.
Students from the DSH training center can use the services and collections of the libraries to assist with the
completion of their course follow-up activities. The librarians have recommended a variety of resources
for the follow-up activities and are available to answer questions and provide assistance.
The video library offers an extensive collection of videotapes to supplement your organization’s safety
and health training program. It is a convenient and popular source for Ohio employers to borrow quality
occupational safety- and health-related training aids.
Visit our Web site at www.ohiobwc.com.
Central library
30 W. Spring St., Third Floor
Columbus OH 43215-2256
1-800-OHIOBWC
(614) 466-7388
(614) 644-9634 (fax)
[email protected]
OCOSH resource center

13430 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington OH 43147
1-800-OHIOBWC
Resource center (614) 728-6464
Video library (614) 644-0018
12
2
IAQ Overview
This course will cover:
w Standards and Codes

w Respiratory System
w HVAC
w Contaminants, Chemical and Biological
w How To Do An IAQ Investigation
w Planning to Prevent IAQ Problems
w Exercises and Case Studies
Typical complaints
w Upper respiratory irritation

w Dry throat
w Eye irritation
w Coughing
w Headache, fatigue, inability to concentrate

w Congestion
w Dizziness and nausea
13
Cause of Symptoms
u Actual verifiable problem
u Bacteria grow in HVAC system and
distributed throughout building
u Nonverifiable, dissatisfied employees

u Mass psychogenic disease - caused by
suggestions that people should be
feeling sick
Spectrum of causes
Actual verifiable Nonverifiable

physical agent physical agent
Bacteria throughout Mass psychogenic illness

bldg
IAQ Has Become An Issue
u Since 1973 tighter building

construction
u Energy conservation
u Costs more to heat/cool outside air
u Windows do not open
Less control over environment
Better individual adjustment
14
IAQ Has Become An Issue
w New building and construction
materials
w Large amount of time spent indoors
w Increased public awareness
w Increased % of population has asthma
and allergies
Importance of IAQ
w Productivity
w Desirability of rental properties
w Potential liability issues
w Good IAQ enhances occupant health,
comfort, and morale
Proactive Management
Building air quality should be

managed like other aspects of the
business.
15
Proactive Management
IAQ is influenced by a constantly

changing interaction of employees and
the building mechanical system.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
IAQ Cost / Benefit Analysis
SECTION ONE
Ways to think about the

economic impact of poor
indoor air quality. . .
16
Costs of legal action:
“ ‘Sick Building’ workers get

$1.5 Million”
The Cincinnati Enquirer,

August 16, 1997
Annual IAQ costs $60,000,000,000
uthis is the EPA’s estimate for costs to US

businesses from IAQ problems
umost of the cost is the result of lost
productivity
uthe remainder: WC and health care
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY’S
COST ESTIMATES
17
Total Cost Estimate
Based on the following criteria:
u Material & Equipment Cost

u Direct Medical Cost
u Indirect Medical Cost
u Lost Production
Material & Equipment Damages

Bell Communication Research
$10,000 - $380,000 per event
Direct Medical Cost

Poor IAQ
Average 0.24 doctor visits/worker/year
Average cost per office visit = $40
Estimated work force = 64 million workers
64,000,000 x 0.24 visits x $40/visit =
$614,400,000
18
Indirect costs
u loss in production
u investigation time
u cost of overtime or replacement worker
u employee morale
u cost to fix problem (possibly duplicates

work that should have been done originally)
“Sick building” costs*

u assumption:1% IAQ-related absenteeism
rate
u $300 annual productivity losses per
employee
*research from Healthy Buildings International
Lost Production
u Less effective because workers feel --

fatigued,
suffer from
headaches
eye irritation
u Accomplish less work per hour
u Spend more time away from the work
location
19
Lost Production
EPA concluded --
u Average production loss of 3% due to

poor IAQ
u Equivalent to 14 minutes/day in lost
work time
u Average of 0.6 added sick days/worker
COST RECOVERY
Cost recovery
u Labor Costs - salary levels & occupancy
load (150 square feet/person)
– $100 to $300 per ft2 /year
u Energy Costs
– $1.00 to $2.00 per ft 2 /year
u Total Environmental Control Costs

– $2.00 - $10.00 per ft2 /year
20
Energy costs vs personnel costs
Energy costs are ususally less than one

percent of personnel costs.
Heating, ventilation, and air-

conditioning (HVAC) & costs
u At 20 percent relative humidity, a room
temperature of 86 degrees F is needed to
match comfort of a 70 degree room at
50 percent relative humidity
u It is less expensive to add 30 percent
humidity than to add 16 degrees!
Material & Equipment Damages

Air Other
Material Damage Pollutant Factors
Paint & Surface SOx, H 2SO4 H 2O, sun

organic erosion, Particulates O 3, microbes
coating discoloration,
soiling
Textiles Reduce SOx, NO x, H 2O, sun

tensile particulates O 3, physical
strength, wear
soiling
21
Environmental Protection Agency
Air Pollution Effects on Materials
Other
Principal Air Environmental
Materials Types of Damage Pollutants Factors
Metals Corrosion, Sulfur oxides and Moisture, air salts,
tarnishing other gases microorganisms,
particulate matter
Paint and organic Surface erosion, Sulfur oxides, Moisture, sunlight,

coatings discoloration, hydrogen sulfide, ozone,
soiling particulate matter microorganisms
Source: EPA, 1987

Air Pollution Effects on Materials, cont.
Other
Principal Air Environmental
Materials Types of Damage Pollutants Factors
Textiles Reduced tensile Sulfur oxides, Moisture, sunlight,
strength, soiling nitrogen oxides, ozone, physical use
particulate matter
Textile dyes Fading color, Nitrogen oxides, Sunlight

soiling ozone
Rubber Cracking Ozone Sunlight, physical

wear
Ceramics Changes surface Acid gases, HF Moisture,

appearance microorganisms
Source: EPA, 1987
DIRECT
COST INDIRECT COSTS
ARE 4 TO 10 TIMES
VS
THE DIRECT COST
INDIRECT
COST
22
Injury and Illness Costs
u Medical
u Compensation costs (Insured costs)
Ledger Costs of Property Damage

u Building damage
u Tool & equipment damage
u Product & material damage
u Production delays and interruptions
u Legal expenses
u Expenditure of emergency supplies &

equipment
u Interim equipment rentals
u Investigation time
Uninsured Miscellaneous Costs

u Wages paid for time lost
u Cost of hiring and/or training replacements
u Overtime
u Extra supervisory time
u Clerical time
u Decreased output of injured worker upon

return
u Loss of business and good will
23
CHOP: Main Elements of
IAQ Problems
Contaminants
HVAC System Deficiencies
Occupant Behavior
P athways
24
3
Standards & Codes
Standards or Recommendations?
What “standards”?
OSHA ASHRAE
ACGIH OBBC
NIOSH BOCA
EPA HUD
Risk Rankings
50000
45000
40000
35000
Deaths/yr
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
CO 200
Torn 80
Radon
Ski 40
Veh
Tob>
Drunk
AIDS
Drown
Bike
25
OSHA & ACGIH (PELs & TLVs)
Based on health effects to healthy adults of

exposures for 8 hour days over a working
lifetime
Issue: relevance to office setting where focus

may be 1) comfort or 2) desire for absence
of unusual sensory stimuli?
OSHA
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
u IAQ standard on hold

u Nothing new
u Record-keeping is emphasized
NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
u Research arm for OSHA
u HHE* provide unique, valuable info on

building related illnesses
u Provides useful specific guidance --

e.g., on CO2 levels even though
recommendations only
*Health Hazard Evaluations
26
NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
Technical info: 1-800-356-4674
Publications: 1-513-533-8287
e.g., “Guidance For Indoor Air Quality
Investigations” (1987)
EPA
u National Ambient Air Quality

Standards (six contaminants)
u Set in order to protect the public 24

hours a day
u Issue: relevance for office IAQ

problems?
National Ambient Air Quality Standard

Contaminant Long Term Short Term
Concentration / Averaging Concentration Averaging
Sulfur Dioxide 80 ug/m3 / 1 year 365 ug/m3 / 24 hours
Total Particulate 50 ug/m3 / 1 year 150 ug/m3 / 24 hours
Carbon 35 ppm / 1 hour

Monoxide 9 ppm / 8 hours
Ozone 0.12 ppm / 1 hour
Nitrogen 100 ug/m3 / 1 year

Dioxide
Lead 1.5 ug/m3 / 3 months
27
Comparing Industrial and IAQ limits
8
7
6
5
ASHRAE
4 OSHA
3 ACGIH
2
1
0
CO CO2 HCHO
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air -Conditioning Engineers
Developed specifically for the indoors
u Thermal comfort guidelines (55-1992)

See BAQ, p. 137-38
u Ventilation standard (62-1999)

See BAQ, p. 137
ASHRAE 55 - 1992
u Temperature range:
u67 -
76 F in winter
u72 - 81 F in summer
u Relative humidity range:
uabove 20 - 30 % in winter
ubelow 60 % in summer
28
ASHRAE
62-1989 (Now 62-1999)

u Applies to residential & commercial
u Guideline: “satisfy” 80% of occupants
u CFM refers to OUTSIDE air supplied per

person
ASHRAE
Defines acceptable indoor air quality as:
“air in which there are no known contaminants

at harmful concentrations as determined by
cognizant authorities and with which a
substantial majority (80% or more) of the
people exposed do not express dissatisfaction.”
ASHRAE
Fresh Air Per Occupant
Standard: Non-smoking Smoking

area: area:
62-1973 25 CFM 50 CFM
62-1981 5 CFM 20 CFM
62-1989/99 20 CFM 60 CFM
29
ASHRAE Outdoor Air
Requirements (62-1999)
Location cfm/person
Office Space 2 0
C o n f e r e n c e R o o m s 2 0
R e c e p t i o n A r e a 1 5
ASHRAE
Guidelines for Carbon Dioxide
1000 u Instantaneous level
900
800
u Outdoor air = 300-450
700 parts per million (ppm)
600
500 u People exhale 2 -3% CO2
CO2
1% = 10,000 ppm
400
300
ppm u
u 1000 ppm guidance level

200
100
0 based on 300 ppm
20 15
cfm/ocp cfm/ocp
outdoor level
IAQ Indicators Table (Room#)

TIME # ROOM TEMP. R.H. VENTI - CO2 ON DOOR WINDOW
PEOPLE CO2 LATION VENTI-
IN ROOM LEVEL LATOR
9:30 0 800 70 29 ON 800 OPEN CLOSED
10:30 26 2200 71 27 ON 2000 OPEN CLOSED
12:00 1 1500 71 28 ON 1400 OPEN CLOSED
1:30 27 2200 70 30 ON 2000 CLOSED CLOSED
2:30 12 2400 71 28 ON 2100 CLOSED CLOSED
- SPECIFIC AGENTS (CO, DUST, FORMALDEHYDE, VOC’S, OZONE)

- COMMENTS (Return blocked; Musty odor; Stained tiles; Plants; Pets)
30
62-1999 (Continuous Maintenance)
u June 1997 instead of revision of entire std.
u 62-c; Std. Will no longer deal with thermal
comfort issue,
u 62-d; Compliance does not assure relief for
susceptible individuals,
u 62-e; Removes smoking reference since EPA
carcinogen,
u 62-f; Changes 1000 ppm to difference between
indoor and outdoor
62 - 1989 R (Revised)
u System commissioning
u Satisfy accustomed occupants
u Minimum filtration efficiencies
u Continuous HVAC operation
u HVAC protection during renovation
u Balance ventilation every 5 years
u Monthly record of filter pressure drop
u CO level > 3 ppm above outdoor level
HUD US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

Source emission standard
u Product standard limiting formaldehyde
exposures from pressed wood products in
mobile & manufactured homes
u <0.2 PPM plywood
u <0.3 PPM particleboard
u Goal: indoor HCHO exposures <0.4 PPM, but
TLV is now 0.3 PPM!
31
HUD (continued)
Ventilation standard
Part of its mortgage insurance and low

rent public housing program as well as
construction requirements for
manufactured housing
HUD (continued)
Ventilation standard
u Area at least 8% the size of floor area
must be available for natural ventilation,
or
u Mechanical system available to change
room air every 30 minutes
(2 ach)
Model Building Codes

u Purpose: identify design & construction
specifications for buildings (housing)
u Updated to reflect new knowledge or

incorporate standards
u State & local governments can use part or

all of a code.
32
Primary codes in US:
u BOCA Building Officials & Code
Administrators International
u SBCCI Southern Building Code Congress
International
u CABO Council of American Building Officials
u APHA American Public Health Association

Ventilation specification areas (examples):
u Area of window space & amount openable
u Alternatives to openable windows
u Bathroom exhaust
u Crawl space ventilation openings
u Attic ventilation
Ohio Model Building Codes
Ohio Basic Building Code (OBBC)

Uses BOCA’s Nat’l Mechanical Code
(Article 16, “Ventilation Air”)
Article 16 [Ohio Admin. Code 4101:2-47]

“Ventilation Air (Mechanical)”
33
u Ventilation required depends on occupant

load & use of the space; e.g., 35 CFM in
conference rooms
u Specifies minimumoutdoor air of 5 CFM
per person
u Smoking areas not specifically addressed
u Recirculation rates specified

(max.: 67 to 85 %)
Other resources :
u ACGIH Industrial Ventilation Manual

“Ventilation Aspects of Indoor Air Quality”
u OSHA Technical Manual

“Indoor Air Quality Investigations”
34
IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit
u IAQ Coordinator’s Guide
u IAQ Coordinator’s Forms
u IAQ Backgrounder
u IAQ Problem Solving Wheel
u IAQ Checklists
u Teachers
u Administrative Staff
u Health Officer
u Building Maintenance
u Food Services
u Renovation and Repair
Additional Resources
u American Lung Association u National Air Duct Cleaning Association
u 800 LUNGUSA u 202-737 -2926
u ACGIH u National Air Filtration Association
u 513-742 -2020 u 202-628 -5328
u ASHRAE u National Pesticide Network
u 404-636 -8400 u 800-858 -7378
u Bldg.Air Quality Alliance u NIOSH
u 888-704 -2577 u 800-35NIOSH
u Division of Safety & Hygiene u Ohio Dept. of Health Env. Health Div.
u 800 OHIOBWC u 614-466 -3543
u EPA IAQ Division u Ohio State Un. Extension Services
u 202-233 -9030 u 800-589 -8292
u EPA Research & Inform. Clearinghouse u OSHA / GPO Clev- 216-522-4922
u 800-438 -4318 Col- 614-4 6 9-5582 Tol- 419-259-7542
u Tool for School Pub.# 055-000 -00503-6 u Radon Information Hotline
u 202-512 -1800 u 800-767 -7236
Standards on the Web

u ansi.org -Amer. Nat. Standards Institute
u asce.org -Amer. Society of Civil Eng.
u ashrae.org -Am. Society of Heating Refrig. & Air -conditioning Eng.
u astm.org -Am. Soc. For Testing and Materials
u bocai.org -Building Officials & Code Administrators International
u energycodes.org -U.S.Dept. of Energy Bldg. Stds. & Guidelines Program
u icbo.org -International Conference of Building Officials
u nateval.org -National Evaluation Services, Inc.
u ncsbcs.org -Nat. Conf. Of States on Bldg. Codes and Standards, Inc.
u nfpa.org -The National Fire Protection Association
u nibs.org -National Institute of Building Sciences
u nist.gov -National Institute of Standards and Technologies
u nssn.org -National Resource for Global Standards
35
36
4
The Respiratory System
Content covered
u Overview of respiratory system

function
u How chemicals can interact with the

respiratory system
Chemistry versus Physics

Chemistry:
130,000 toxic chemicals - NIOSH
650,000 hazardous chemicals- OSHA
Physics - only 3 physical states:
Solid
Liquid
Gas
37
Physical states of matter --
GAS
ua state of matter having very low density &

viscosity compared with solids & liquids
(expands to fill its container)
u at NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure) is
in the gaseous state

LIQUID
u Vapor: gaseous phase of a substance
whose normal state is as a liquid
(mimics a gas)
u Mist: tiny liquid droplets suspended in

air (mimics a particle)
synonyms - fog, spray
Physical states of matter
Solids - become airborne as dusts,

fumes or fibers
Aerosol - general term including both

airborne liquids and solids
38
SOLID
Dust:
u finely divided solid particles
u typically generated by
mechanical processes
u Examples: sawing, grinding,
sanding

SOLID
Fume :
u a solid which has been heated to a
vapor and cooled quickly, condensing
as extremely small particles
u Examples: welding, soldering
Physical states of matter -- SOLID
Fiber:
u an airborne solid whose length is at
least three times its width.
u Examples: asbestos, fiber glass, man-
made mineral fibers, refractive
ceramic fibers
39
Deposition in the Respiratory System
Gases and Vapors - solubility in water.

(Fat-soluble chemicals tend to affect other
organs)
Aerosols ( airborne liquids and solids) -

particle size
Water-Soluble Chemicals
Highly water-soluble:
u Formaldehyde
u Ammonia
u Acids
They tend to act rapidly mainly on the eyes,

skin, mouth & throat.
Less water-soluble:
u Chlorine
u Sulfur dioxide
These tend to affect the upper respiratory

tract.
40
Low in water-solubility:
u Phosgene
u Oxides of nitrogen
Site of injury: delayed onset of symptoms

affecting lower respiratory tract (at alveoli).
Fat-Soluble Chemicals
u More likely to end up beyond the

respiratory system -- for example, in the
blood and major organ systems
u Examples: some pesticides, amines, &
alcohols
Micron
u One millionth of a meter
u About 1 thousandth the size of a hair
u µ or um
41
Particle deposition mechanics
u Impaction - inertia
u Interception - contact especially fibers
u Sedimentation - gravity
u Diffusion - movement due to kinetic energy

of the particle
The Lungs
Very large surface area
70 M2 in healthy male (or, about 40 times
greater than surface area of external skin)
Very thin membrane required at gas

exchange area
(only 1/2 to 1 micron thick in healthy
persons, thickness of a soap bubble)
Respiratory System
Function:
u Gas exchange between atmosphere & blood
Parts:
u Upper respiratory system:
Mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx
u Lower respiratory system:
Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs
42
Respiratory System - Anatomy
Anatomy (parts continued)

In addition to upper and lower
respiratory system, we can think of the
respiratory system in terms of airways and
gas exchange region. Actual gas exchange
takes place very deep within the lungs at the
respiratory bronchioles and alveoli.
Upper Respiratory System

Actions:
u Filters/traps large particles (8-10 microns)
> Nose filters
> Mucous traps
> Impaction at sharp bends
u Humidifies & heats air taken in
u Reacts with water-soluble chemicals
Lower Respiratory System

Actions:
u Traps & expels particles in mucous
> (muco-ciliary escalator)
u Provides less abrupt directional changes;
particles 1 to 5 microns deposited
43
Lower Respiratory System
Actions (continued):
u In lungs, gas exchange actually occurs
at clusters of 300 million air sacs
(alveoli) 2 cells thick
u Particlessmaller than 1 micron can

reach the alveoli
Gas Exchange
u Oxygen in (and quite a bit out)

u Carbon dioxide out
u Thin-walled (2 cells thick normally)
u But: chemicals (and disease) can cause

thickening
Gas Exchange (continued)
u Thickening can interfere with gas exchange;

example: pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis
(scarring)
u Lack of elasticity in lungs also a problem;
example: emphysema
44
Respiratory System Disorders
u Now that we know how the respiratory

system functions, we can better understand
what can go wrong in terms of disease.
Emphysema
u Occurs when adjacent walls in alveoli break

through, causing a reduction in the number
of air sacs
u This decreases the total gas exchange
surface that is available
u Over time, the lung becomes less elastic,
and the outflow of air is obstructed
Chronic bronchitis
u Inhaledirritants cause excessive production
of mucous in lower respiratory passages
u They also cause inflammation & fibrosis

(hardening) of the skin surface (mucosa)
45
Chronic bronchitis (continued)
u The result: airway obstruction, poor
ventilation of lungs, & interference with the
gas exchange process
u Bacteria
thrive in the mucous & so
pulmonary infections often occur
ETS* -- Respiratory effects

u Irritatesmucous membranes
u Interfereswith system which mechanically
expels contaminants
u Causes a decrease in respiratory
performance (e.g., emphysema)
u Can worsen effects of a respiratory disease
as well as delay healing
*Environmental Tobacco Smoke
ETS
Causes both:
u emphysema, and
u chronic bronchitis
46
Protective Measures
u Nasal hairs filter larger particles

u Sharp directional changes in pathway cause
particles to be caught
u Air is heated before entering lungs
u Moist surfaces react with water-soluble

substances before they get further into the
system
Protective Measures (continued)
u Organisms may kill or neutralize inhaled

particles (& even inhaled micro-organisms)
u Cough and sneeze reflexes expel some
foreign substances
u Allergic reactions can restrict entry of air
Protective Measures (continued)
Many of these defense mechanisms can

deteriorate with age, or be compromised as a
result of illness, tobacco smoking, or exposure
to chemical irritants.
47
Allergic Reactions
u Muscles in bronchioles (smaller branches)

contract
u Mucous membranes swell
u Effect: reduction of airflow

– Note: not necessarily bad
Allergic Reactions
u Common toxicological concepts such as

“dose” and “particle size,” etc. are
overpowered by the immune system.
48
5
Introduction to HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
Content covered:
u Terminology, principles & properties of air
relevant to IAQ.
u Primary HVAC system functions and their
impact on IAQ.
u Major HVAC system components &
configurations used to perform these
functions.
Part I - Air
u Terminology
u Principles
u Properties
49
Dry Air
Approximate Composition (by volume):
78.0 % Nitrogen
20.9 % Oxygen
1.0 % Argon
0.1 % Other Gases
Wet Air
Wet Air = Dry Air + Water Vapor
Wet Air Composition

Approximate Composition:
78.0 % Nitrogen
20.9 % Oxygen
1-2% Water Vapor
1% Argon
0.1 % Other Gases
50
Answer: “Billions and Billions...”
Question: How many molecules of air are in

this room?
Answer: Really fast!
Question: How fast do air molecules

typically move?
Pressure
Pressure = Force / Area
u The total force exerted upon a given surface

at any instant divided by the area of that
surface
u Expressed in “pounds per square inch” (psi)
51
Barometric Pressure
u The total force of all air molecules
impacting a given surface at a given
instant in time divided by the area
u AKA: “Atmospheric Pressure”
u Measured using a barometer and stated in

“inches of mercury”
Trick Question #1
u Which weighs more:
1 cubic ft. of dry air

or
1cubic ft. of humid air?
Air Density
u Mass of air per unit volume
u At 70 ° F., the density of dry air is
75 lbs
lbs.. per 1000 cubic ft.
52
Why Does Warm Air Rise?
As the temperature increases,
Causing its density to DECREASE
Vapor
A gas which may condense to a liquid at

normal temperatures
Water Vapor is actually H2O gas occurring in

a mixture with dry air.
Relative Humidity (RH)
Ratio of the amount of moisture present in the

air to the maximum amount which it can hold
at saturation at a given temperature
53
Human Thermal Comfort
u Defined in terms of both temperature AND
relative humidity
u ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 contains a

chart for determining human thermal
comfort
Trick Question #2
u Which can hold more water vapor:
WARM air
or
COOL air?
Sensible Heat
The amount of heat which when added to air

causes a change in temperature with NO
CHANGE in the amount of water vapor
present
54
Latent Heat
The heat content of the water vapor

present in the air
Total Heat
Total Heat = Sensible Heat + Latent Heat
Part II
u HVAC System Functions
u Impact on Indoor Air Quality
55
The Basics
Heating
Ventilation
Air
Conditioning
HVAC System Functions

u Heating
u Cooling
u Ventilation
u Filtration
u Dehumidification
u Humidification
u Distribution
Impact on IAQ
Over 50% of all IAQ problems are due to Inadequate Ventilation!
Inadequate
60 Ventilation
50 Indoor
contaminants
40 Outdoor
Contaminants
30 Building fabric
20
Biological
10 contamination
No problem found
0
%
56
6
Control Hierarchy
wEngineering controls
wAdministrative controls
wPersonal Protective Equipment
Contaminants
IAQ is relevant because --
u 90 percent of your time is spent

indoors!
57
IAQ is relevant because --
u Change in complexity of chemicals used
u Increase in number/types of chemicals
u New methods to disperse chemicals
u New processes/equipment
Is the problem new?
“No common air from without is so

unwholesome as the air within a closed
room that has been often breathed and
not changed.”
Ben Franklin
Historical examples
u Physicians in the 1700s linked the deaths of
English sailors to their unventilated cabins.
u In World War I, high levels of carbon

monoxide accumulated in Renault tanks
from long-term weapons firing.
58
The Office Setting Today
Pollutant sources:
u Building material emissions
u Furnishings
u Office equipment
u Human metabolism
u Outside contaminants brought inside
Building-related illness
u Where 1 or more workers develop a well-

defined illness,
u A specific cause (airborne agent &
pathway) is found, and
u The cause is clearly related to the building.
Building-related illness
Causative agent:
u Chemical, or
u Pathogen, or
u Biological allergen
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Building-related illness --
Examples
u Infectious syndromes:
u Legionnaires’ disease
u Pontiac fever
u Q fever
u Humidifier fever
u Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
u Building-related asthma
Sick-building syndrome*
u Significant number of workers develop non-
specific complaints or illness
u Few physical signs; absence of clinical
abnormalities
u Specific causative agent rarely found, and
assumed to be multi-factorial
u Highest risk: new or recently remodeled
structures with tight envelopes
*AKA SBS, tight building syndrome, TBS
Common SBS symptoms:

u Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
u Dry mucous membranes and skin
u Erythema (reddened skin)
u Headache, dizziness, or mental fatigue
u Respiratory infections or cough
u Hoarseness or wheezing
u Nausea
u Hypersensitivity reactions (note: if unproved)
60
Tight-building syndrome
Alternative definitions:
u Applied where engineering or architectural
flaws result in either a building-related illness
or a sick-building syndrome, or
u Applied where symptoms occur due to a
tightly sealed building -- that is, where
conditions permit the build-up of
contaminants .
Sensitization
u Sensitivity to individual chemical*
u May occur after brief or long-term exposures
u Assumed to be permanent
u Prevention:
u Proactive: limit exposures
u Reactive: remove from workplace
u Examples: isocyanates , formaldehyde
*Antigen produces immune response
Mass Psychogenic Illness

u “Symptoms that develop in a group that is
under stress (physical or emotional)”
u Suggested by 1) symptoms that have no
organic basis or are inconsistent with
exposure & 2) illness occurring only after
learning of others being ill
61
Mass Psychogenic Illness (continued)
u At risk: those in low-paying, stressful jobs
that are boring or unrealistically paced, or
within physically stressful or rigid
authoritarian organizations
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

u Particular sensitivity to a broad range of
low chemical levels
u Does it exist?
u Theories
u Sensitization spreads from chemical to
chemical
u Stressor overload
u Psychiatric in origin
Indoor Contaminants
62
“All substances are poisons! There is none
which is not a poison. The right dose
differentiates a poison and a remedy.”
Paracelsus
Major IAQ Contaminants
u Carbon monoxide
u Formaldehyde
u VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
u Particulates
AREC Evaluation Model
u Anticipation Sources
u Recognition Symptoms, signs
u Evaluation Testing
u Control Prevention
63
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Anticipation (sources)
u Cracked heat exchangers
u Combustion engines
u Poorly located air intakes
u Gas burners, gas ovens, wood stoves, or
kerosene heaters
u Even from weapons firing!
AREC
Carbon Monoxide
Recognition
u Possibly complaints of headache
u Extreme: collapse
The problem: prevents blood from carrying

normal oxygen level -- and puts those with
heart problems at special risk.
AREC
Carbon Monoxide
Evaluation
Note: can't be smelled, tasted, or seen.
Use direct-reading instruments

u Passive, electronic and draw samplers
TLV(ACGIH): 25 PPM
PEL (OSHA): 50 PPM
AREC
64
Carbon Monoxide
Control
u Preventive maintenance
u e.g., forklift tune-ups
u Proper ventilation design/layout
u Structure & location
AREC
Carbon Monoxide
Control (continued)
u Appropriate policies/rules
u Where and when motor vehicles can idle
u Equipment choice
u Airtight wood stoves, reduced fuel consumption
kero heaters
Formaldehyde
Anticipation (sources)
u Insulation (UFFI)
u Composition boards
u Medium density fiberboard, hardwood plywood,
pressed wood, particle board
u Carpet & carpet adhesives
AREC
65
Formaldehyde
Anticipation (sources continued )
u Fabrics
u Gas burners, gas ovens
u Embalming fluids
u Many other sources
AREC
Formaldehyde
Recognition
u Burning eyes (0.1 to 0.3 PPM)
u Respiratory tract irritation
(2 or 3 PPM)
u Dermal sensitization
AREC
Formaldehyde
Evaluation
u Odor threshold below 1 PPM
u Direct reading instruments, and

long-term sampling
u TLV: 0.3 PPM PEL: 0.75 PPM
AREC
66
Formaldehyde
Control
u Product choice or application method
u Scheduling of work (exposure)
u Proper isolation design
u Local exhaust ventilation
u Dilution ventilation
u Building commissioning procedures
u PPE
AREC
Volative Organic
Compounds(VOC)
Classes:
u Aliphatic hydrocarbons
u e.g., n-hexane, kerosene
u Aromatic hydrocarbons
u Benzene, xylene, toluene
VOC -- classes (continued)

u Halogenated hydrocarbons
u Perchloroehylene, methylene chloride,
diazinon
u Oxygenated hydrocarbons
u Aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones
67
Volatility
The tendency of a material to pass into

the vapor state at a given temperature;
that is, the tendency to evaporate into
the surrounding space
VOCs
Anticipation
u Maintenance products
u Building materials
u Combustion processes (including tobacco
smoking)
u Industrial / laboratory chemicals
u Many potential sources
AREC
VOCs
Recognition
Examples:
uMucous membrane irritation
uOcular (eye) irritation
uSkin irritation
AREC
68
VOCs
Evaluation
u Direct reading, and
u Long-term sampling
Examples:
u N-hexane: TLV: 50 PPM; PEL 500 PPM
u Methyl alcohol: TLV & PEL: 200 PPM
AREC
VOCs
Control
u Product choice or application method
u Scheduling of work (exposure)
u Proper isolation design
u PPE
AREC
Particulates
Anticipation
u Grinding
u Welding
u Cutting
u Sawing, etc.
AREC
Indoor Air Quality

Revised: July 2003
69
Particulates
Recognition
u Visible contamination
u Irritation of mucous membranes
u Lung illness
AREC
Particulates
Evaluation
u Long-term methods primarily
u Direct reading (increased use)
u Direct observation of gross contamination
AREC
Particulates
Control
u Material or process selection
u Work area isolation
u PPE
AREC
70
Additional information
Asbestos:
See BAQ, Appendix D, pp. 147-50
Radon:
See BAQ, Appendix E, pp. 151-52
Glossary / Acronyms:
See BAQ, pp. 153-56
BIOAEROSOLS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY

CONCERNS
Bioaerosols
Biologically derived airborne contaminants
include:
u Microorganisms
u Fragments
u Toxins
u Particulate waste from all varieties of
living organisms
71
Microorganisms
Bacteria
u Pathogenic or Natural Flora

u Unicellular prokaryotic (no nucleus)
u Multiplies by cell division
u Typically contained within a cell wall
Legionella pneumophila
Anticipation
u Water-cooled systems
Recognition
u Stagnant water
Evaluation
u Bulk samples
u Proper diagnosis
Legionella pneumophila
Control
u Regular maintenance
u Temperature setting
u Below 40 degree F
u Avoid standing waters
72
Tuberculosis
Anticipation
u Hospitals
u Nursing Homes
u Public Health
Recognition
u Occupants are sources, not building
structure
Tuberculosis
Evaluation
u Physician diagnosis of patient
Control
u OSHA / CDC has guidelines for
prevention of spread of TB bacillus in
affected industries
Microorganisms
Virus
u Group of minute infectious agents
u Can’t be seen by a light microscope
u Characterized by a lack of independent
metabolism
u Ability to replicate only within living host
cells
73
Microorganisms
Fungus - Plant
u Eukaryotic - true nucleus
u Multiplies by mitosis
u No chlorophyll
u Rigid cell wall
u Simple morphology
Fungus
u Mushrooms
u Yeast
u Rusts
u Molds
Mold
Anticipation
u Temperature range above 40 and below 100

degree F.
u Mold spores present
u Nutrient base (most surfaces)
u Moisture
74
Mold
Recognition
u Exterior corners
u Poor circulation
u Wind washing
u Low insulation levels
u Greater surface area heat loss
u Set Back Thermostats - heating season
u Mold growth during unoccupied periods
Mold
Recognition (continued)
u Air conditioned spaces
u Conditioned air blows against the interior surface
of an exterior wall.
u Thermal bridges
u Causes localized cooling of surfaces
u Dust accumulation
u Windows
u Concealed condensation
Mold
Evaluation
u Visible mold growth
u Air sampling
u Anderson impactor
u Wipe samples
u Bulk samples
75
Mold
Evaluation (continued)
u HVAC evaluation
u Relative humidity
u Temperature control
u Air circulation
Free Water in/on bldg. Materials

[Aw = Water Activity]
u Aw Low=Primary colonizers (first to grow in

dust/dirt on wall/ceiling cavities, carpet, furniture)
Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi
u Aw Moderate =Secondary colonizers (common
outdoors and infiltrate through air inlets & cloths)
Cladosporium fungi
u Aw High=Tertiary colonizers (hydrophilic; grow on
wet or recently wet bldg. materials; in cooling towers,
humidifiers, cooling coils, and condensate pans)
Fusarium /Stachybotrys fungi; Pseudomonas /
Bacillus/Streptomyces/Actinomyces G- bacteria
Interpretation of Results (Air)

u Pathogenic fungi such as aspergillus, cryptococcus, histoplasma
u Toxogenic fungi such as stachybotrys atra, toxic aspergillus,
fuscarium
u Presence of 1or more species (e.g.-2X) greater than outdoor
u > 50 cfu/m3 of 1 or more species except cladosporium, alternaria
u Different profile of species indoor than outdoor
u Mixture up to 150 cfu/m3 OK if similar to outdoor
u Higher levels OK in summer if primarily tree fungi like
cladosporium
u Even low levels of stachybotrys and aspergillus a concern
76
Mold
Control
u Maintain relative humidity near surfaces
below dew point. Reduce moisture content of
the air by...
u Control of the source
u Dilution of moisture laden air with outdoor air
when humidity levels are low
u Dehumidification
Mold
Control (continued)
u Increase air movement at surface
u Increase air temperature
(general space or building)
u Near room surfaces by raising the thermostat
setting
u Improve air circulation
u Decrease heat loss: Add insulation; Close
cracks in exterior walls
Biocontamination Prevention
u Upgrade filter efficiency
u Regular cleaning and maintenance of cooling coil & drain pans
u Maintain ductwork insulation to minimize applification
u Clean HVAC if there are obvious signs of contamination
u Design HVAC without porous materials inside ductwork
u Maintain and inspect humidifiers and cooling towers regularly
u Placement of outdoor air intakes away from street level, loading
docks, and cooling towers. Inspect and keep clean.
77
ASHRAE 52.2 MERV
u MERV %Eff. Final Resist Controls Type
u 1-4 <20 0.3 in. w.g. Pollen/mites/fiber Disp./Wash./ES
u 5-8 20-70 0.6 in. w.g. Dust/mist/spores ES/Pleated
u 9-12 70-90 1.0 in. w.g. Fume/Legionella Box/Bag
u 13-16 90-99 1.4 in. w.g. Tob.Sm./Bacteria Box/Ind. ES
u Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

u Highly controlled laboratory testing, instead of dust spot
u Minimum efficiency instead of average
u Filter ability to remove particles of specific size
Histoplasma capsulatum
Histoplasmosis
Anticipation
u Animal access to
buildings
Recognition
u Bird droppings
Histoplasma capsulatum
Evaluation
u Soil/site evaluation
u Proper diagnosis
Control
u Control access to attic
u Reduce airborne dust
78
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Most prevalent and most difficult to
determine
A group of allergic lung diseases resulting

from sensitization and recurrent exposure to
inhaled organic dust.
Aspergillus Fumigatus
uCausative agent associated with

Aspergillosis
uAlso known as Farmers Lung
Anticipation
u Ubiquitous
u Soil
u Potted plants
u Refrigerated foods
79
Recognition
u Thermophilic - thrives in high temperatures
u Composting sites in vicinity of HVAC fresh air
intake
u Farmers and construction workers - higher
risk
Evaluation
u Same as histoplasmosis
u Soil/site evaluation
u Air sampling
u Proper diagnosis
Control
u Control animal access to attics and

building structures
u Reduce dust disturbance
80
Allergens
uA substance that causes allergic reaction in

sensitized populations
u Chemical or biological in nature
Allergens
Nonviable (not living)

u House dust mite fecal
pellets
u Cockroach feces
u Insect and spider remains
u Nonviable remains of
molds and their spores
Allergens -- Nonviable continued
u Dried reentrained
animal
excretions
u Pollens
u Biogenic VOC (volatile
organic compounds)
81
Allergens
Illnesses associated with these agents
u Allergic Rhinitis
u Commonly known as hay fever
u Bronchial Asthma
Allergens - Other examples

u Thermoactinomyces candidus
u Contaminated forced air systems
u Humidifier water
u Altered or contaminated humidifier water
u Various Saprophytic fungus
u Contaminated environments
Nonviable Allergens
Recognition
u Presence of debris
u Accumulation of debris in air handling units
u Improper cleanup from a fungus/mold
growth episode
u Poor housekeeping
u After extermination of infestation
82
Nonviable Allergens (continued)
Evaluation
u Walk-through inspection
u Antigen testing
u Physical examination
Nonviable Allergens (continued)

Control
u Improved housekeeping
practices
u Proper cleaning after pest
extermination
u Maintain rodent/bird
guards at fresh air intake
83
84
7
HVAC SYSTEMS
Objective
u Provide an overview of the components

which make up a typical heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
system
Overview
u What
is an HVAC system?
u HVAC system components
– Heating equipment
– Cooling equipment
– Air handling
– Controls
85
Heating Equipment
u Steam and Hot Water Boilers

u Heat Exchangers
Cooling Equipment
u Refrigerator Cycle
u Evaporators and Coils
u Compressors
u Heat rejection equipment
86
87
88
89
90
Controls
uProper operation critical

uUncalibrated controls waste energy
uGood documentation, standard lay out,
accessible
Air Handling Equipment
uFan
uCoils
uOutside Air Intake
uFilters
uHumidifier
91
92
Unitary Systems
uResidential unit
uRooftop unit
uComputer room unit
uWindow unit
Types of All Air Systems
uSingle Zone system

uVariable Air Volume (VAV) system
uDual Duct system
uMulti Zone system
93
94
Single Zone System Characteristics
uConstant Volume of Air

uVariable Temperature of Air
uControl from one temperature sensor in
space
uEffective for uniform load
uSimple
uInexpensive
VAV System Characteristics
uVariable Volume of Air

uConstant Temperature of Air
uControl at each location
uEffective for Variable Loads
95
96
Separate Coil Air-Water System
Characteristics
uConditioned air delivered through
independent system to meet ventilation load
uTerminal unit in space provides
heating/cooling
97
98
99
100
101
102
8
Investigation and
Evaluation of IAQ
Problems
Recognition and Evaluation

w Source
w HVAC system
w Occupant
w Pathway
Source
w Outside building
w Mechanical Equipment and office
machines in building
w Human activities
w Building components and furnishings
103
HVAC system
w Unable to control air contaminants
w Unable to control thermal climate
Occupants
w Sensitive
w TLV’s and PEL’s for average white
male
w Overcrowding
Pathways
w Airflow patterns
w HVAC system predominant path
w Windows, doors
w Wind
104
Pathways
HVAC
system
X
pathway
source occupant
Wind
Pathways
air intake
HVAC
system
X
pathway
Wind
Diagnosing IAQ Complaints

w Meet with building owner/manager
w Initial walkthrough
w Interviews or questionnaires
w Review information
w More detailed investigation for specific
contaminants (air sampling)
w Report, recommendations
w Apply control measures, reassess
105
Tools for initial walk-through
w CO 2 meter or tubes
w CO meter or tubes
w Temperature, Relative humidity
w Flashlight, step ladder, tool kit
w Tape measure, camera
Approach to IAQ Problems

Problem
surfaces
Controls
Hypothesi
s
Walk-through
Gather additional info

or In-depth sampling
Tentative
conclusions
Contact building management

w Area where complaints originate
w Type and frequency
w Get building layout
w Recent renovations?
w Any suspected causes?
106
Initial walk-through
w Look for sources
w Water damage
w Presence of hazardous substances
w Obvious signs of occupant discomfort
w Look above dropped ceiling
BAQ p. 23
Initial walk-through ( continued)

w Air intakes of HVAC system
w Blocked pathways of HVAC system
Detailed Investigation
w Sampling for specific contaminant if
identified
w Bioaerosol monitoring
w Limited guidelines
w Expensive
107
Employee Surveys
and Interviews
Data collection
Questionnaires / survey forms:
Interviews
u In person
u Over phone
u Mailed
See BAQ, pp. 185-86
Data collection
Activity logs:
u“Diary” type of data
uTracking
w activities
w processes
w symptom occurrences
See BAQ , pp. 183, 187, 189
108
Data collection
“Proactive”
Complaint form
See BAQ, p. 181
Reactive
Surveys, activity logs, etc.
Data collection (continued)

u Ensure confidentiality
u Don’t bias process
uBe consistent
uBe accurate
uBe complete
u Get expert advice on question design

(if writing own survey instrument)

Compare:
“Have you been sick during the past three
weeks?” (yes/no)
With --
“Describe any unusual symptoms you’ve had
recently.” (open-ended)
109
Compare:
“I haven’t felt well for three weeks.”
With --
“I’ve had itchy eyes and a dry throat for three
weeks.”
EPA Building Air

Quality Action
Plan
u Plan for comprehensive IAQ program
u 1998
Designate an IAQ Manager

uEmployee of building owner or
manager
uCoordinates all IAQ in building
uFamiliar with building structure and
function
uHas authority to make changes
110
Develop IAQ Profile
uComprehensive look at present
situation
uDocument existing practices
uLook at structure, function, occupancy
uLook at design of HVAC system and
any changes
uMake changes to layout of building
Address Existing Problems

uIAQ Profile highlights potential
problems
uIdentify resources for emergency
situations
uUse flowchart in EPA BAQ book
(page 45)
uSame steps as investigating problems
Educate Building Personnel

uGive them perspective of thinking in
terms of IAQ
uIAQ Profile helps determine who is
trained
111
Implement Plan for Facility
Operations
uHVAC preventive maintenance and
standard operating procedures
uHousekeeping
uPreventive maintenance
uUnscheduled maintenance
Manage Potential Sources

uRemodel and renovation
uPainting,low VOC
uPest control
uShipping/receiving, loading dock
uEnvironmental Tobacco Smoke
Communicate with Occupants

uTo prevent IAQ problems
uTo get cooperation once a problem
occurs
112
Establish IAQ Complaint
Procedure
uAlways take complaints seriously
uChecklist to verify implementation
uFollow-up on complaints
113
114
9
CASE STUDY 1
For 15 years a company has used the same rust-inhibiting solution in which manufactured parts
are dipped. For quality control reasons a decision is made to spray on the rust-inhibitor and this
requires another chemical to be substituted for the one used long-term. In response to
information on the new chemical’s MSDS, employees are instructed to wear disposable latex
gloves; this is the first time any have done so. Shortly thereafter, several employees start to
complain of skin irritation on their hands.
Meanwhile, office workers begin to complain of a smell which they had never before noticed.
One day a person even becomes nauseous at work; that had never happened. The office
employees complain to their supervisor, who says she couldn’t possibly bring up the problem
now to the plant manager while the more serious production floor issues are going on -- and
anyway, once those problems get fixed the office problem will, too.
Comment:
• Use the AREC model (anticipation, recognition, evaluation, control).

• What potentially incorrect assumptions are being made in this scenario?
• Based on what has been covered in this course, as well as your own insights/experience,
what recommendations would you make to this company?
115
CASE STUDY 2
Personnel in a fourth floor hospital laboratory start complaining of strong diesel-like odors
occurring periodically in their work areas. No one can remember this having happened before.
The hospital has just had a major addition completed, which includes a (re-located) loading
dock. The maintenance personnel have heard many complaints in the past from lab personnel
about other air quality problems, and relations are strained between the lab’s director and the
maintenance section head.
Comment:
• Use the AREC model.

• How would you investigate this situation?
• What are some likely causes?
• What steps might correct the lab’s problem?
116
CASE STUDY 3
You are the owner of a cash-poor printing firm located in the basement of a building which was
flooded with several inches of water. The office’s carpet -- laid over floor tile -- was cleaned
by a company which assured you that their steam clean process would make it almost like new.
It is now a month later and again there are odors (both musty and organic solvent-like) in the
office as well as the print department. Several office and print workers complain of stuffy noses
and eye irritations. The carpet cleaners say another $150 cleaning should take care of the
problem.
Comment:

• What are your various options and what do you do?
• Is the carpet the only possible culprit?
117
CASE STUDY 4
You are the owner of an up-and-coming nail salon that is located with several other tenants in a
thirty-year-old office building located in an area with lots of empty rental spaces. You also own
another business which has been in the building for five years. In addition, for two years you
have acted as the Florida-residing, absentee landlord’s representative to the other tenants. Ever
since your nail salon opened you have been barraged with odor complaints from three tenants --
including a dentist, whose patients periodically complain of strong odors, and from personnel in
the office of a small construction firm. The landlord has heard rumors of at least two tenants
threatening to move out.
The dentist calls in the Division of Safety & Hygiene; their investigator, granted access by you,
finds 2,000 ppm carbon dioxide in all areas of the building but no solvent levels in your nail shop
in excess of what OSHA allows. Also, she finds no evidence of a fresh air supply in the
building’s HVAC system. She recommends that an HVAC maintenance vendor be called in to
see what options are available. She does mention that a local exhaust system at all five of the
salon nail benches might be appropriate to control the smells. You are afraid to think how much
that might cost. The landlord and you are relieved that no OSHA chemical exposure violations
were found.
Meanwhile, the HVAC vendor brings in a company rep who says he can sell, for only $1,200,
an ozone generator which will, by producing small amounts of ozone, essentially neutralize all the
solvent vapors created by your nail technicians. Its cost turns out to be about 20 to 30 percent
of what you’d be charged for a local exhaust capture system. He has product literature which
backs his claims. The State’s industrial hygienist must be restrained when she hears of this
device.
Comment:

• What do you do?
• And what’s with that hygienist, anyway?
118
10
Contents
Foreword..............................................................................................................................vii
Note to Building Owners and Facility Managers .................................................................ix
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................xiii
TAB I: BASICS
Section 1: About This Document .............................................................................1
Section 2: Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality........................................................ 5
Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants .....................................................................................5
HVAC System Design and Operation...................................................................................6
Pollutant Pathways and Driving Forces ................................................................................9
Building Occupants .............................................................................................................10
Section 3: Effective Communication...................................................................... 13
Communicating to Prevent IAQ Problems..........................................................................13
Communicating to Resolve IAQ Problems .........................................................................15
TAB II: PREVENTING IAQ PROBLEMS

Section 4: Developing an lAQ Profile .................................................................... 19
Skills Required to Create an IAQ Profile ............................................................................20
Steps in an IAQ Profile........................................................................................................21
Section 5: Managing Buildings for Good IAQ........................................................ 31
Developing an IAQ Management Plan................................................................................31
TAB III: RESOLVING IAQ PROBLEMS

Section 6: Diagnosing lAQ Problems .................................................................... 45
Overview: Conducting an IAQ Investigation......................................................................46
Initial Walkthrough .............................................................................................................47
Collecting Additional Information ......................................................................................49
Collecting Information about Occupant Complaints...........................................................50
Using the Occupant Data.....................................................................................................53
Collecting Information about the HVAC System ...............................................................57
Using the HVAC System Data ............................................................................................62
Collecting Information about Pollutant Pathways and Driving Forces...............................68
Using Pollutant Pathway Data.............................................................................................70
Collecting Information on Pollutant Sources ......................................................................72
Using Pollutant Source Data ...............................................................................................74
Contents iii
Sampling Air for Contaminants and Indicators...................................................................74
Complaints Due to Conditions Other Than Poor Air Quality .............................................77
Forming and Testing Hypotheses........................................................................................78
Section 7: Mitigating lAQ Problems .......................................................................81
Background: Controlling Indoor Air Problems ...................................................................81
Sample Problems and Solutions ..........................................................................................86
Judging Proposed Mitigation Designs and Their Success.................................................102
Section 8: Hiring Professional Assistance to Solve an lAQ Problem .................. 105
Make Sure That Their Approach Fits Your Needs............................................................105
Selection Criteria ...............................................................................................................106
TAB IV: APPENDICES

Appendix A: Common lAQ Measurements - A General Guide ........................... 109
Overview of Sampling Devices.........................................................................................109
Simple Ventilation/Comfort Indications ...........................................................................110
Air Contaminant Concentrations.......................................................................................115
Appendix B: HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality ........................................... 121
Background........................................................................................................................121
Types of HVAC Systems ..................................................................................................122
Basic Components of an HVAC System...........................................................................123
ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines .................................................................................137
Appendix C: Moisture, Mold and Mildew ............................................................. 141
Background on Relative Humidity, Vapor Pressure, and Condensation...........................141
Taking Steps to Reduce Moisture......................................................................................143
Identifying and Correcting Common Problems From Mold and Mildew.........................145
Appendix D: Asbestos .........................................................................................147
EPA and NIOSH Positions on Asbestos ...........................................................................148
Programs for Managing Asbestos In-Place .......................................................................149
Where to Go for Additional Information...........................................................................150
Appendix E: Radon..............................................................................................151
Building Measurement, Diagnosis and Remediation ........................................................151
Where To Go for Additional Information .........................................................................152
Appendix F: Glossary and Acronyms ..................................................................153
Appendix G: Resources.......................................................................................157
Federal Agencies with Major IAQ Responsibilities..........................................................157
Other Federal Agencies with Indoor Air Responsibilities.................................................160
State and Local Agencies ..................................................................................................160
Private Sector Contacts......................................................................................................161
Publications .......................................................................................................................164
Training .............................................................................................................................167
iv Contents
TAB V: INDOOR AIR QUALITY FORMS
IAQ Management Checklist ..............................................................................................171
Pollutant Pathway Record For IAQ Profiles .....................................................................175
Zone/Room Record ...........................................................................................................177
Ventilation Worksheet.......................................................................................................179
Indoor Air Quality Complaint Form..................................................................................181
Incident Log.......................................................................................................................183
Occupant Interview ...........................................................................................................185
Occupant Diary..................................................................................................................187
Log of Activities and System Operation ...........................................................................189
HVAC Checklist-Short Form ............................................................................................191
HVAC Checklist-Long Form ............................................................................................195
Pollutant Pathway Form For Investigations ......................................................................211
Pollutant and Source Inventory .........................................................................................213
Chemical Inventory ...........................................................................................................221
Hypothesis Form ...............................................................................................................223
This document is in the public domain. It may he reproduced in whole or in part by an individual or organization without permission. If it
is reproduced, however, EPA and NIOSH would appreciate knowing how it is used. Write the Indoor Air Division (ANR-445W), Office
of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460.
Contents v
Foreword
In the past two decades, the number of oriented" approach to these investigations.
people requesting information and assis- This document draws extensively on the
tance on health and comfort concerns experience of NIOSH in investigating and
related to indoor air quality from the U.S. correcting indoor air quality problems in
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) these types of buildings.
and the National Institute for Occupational In 1986, Congress mandated that EPA
Safety and Health (NIOSH) has risen conduct research and develop information
steadily. Although many studies on indoor on indoor air quality. To carry out its
air quality have been reported in technical information dissemination responsibilities,
publications and proceedings during these EPA's Indoor Air Division has produced a
years, little indoor air-related information number of publications which have been
has been targeted at owners and facility distributed to a wide range of audiences
managers of public and commercial and will launch an indoor air quality
buildings who are the people in the best information clearinghouse in 1992. In
position to prevent and resolve indoor air addition, the Indoor Air Division is
problems. developing several guidance documents on
In recognition of the need for practical building design and management practices.
indoor air quality advice for building This publication is part of that effort.
owners and facility managers, EPA and The guidance presented here is based
NIOSH decided to work jointly to produce on what is known and generally accepted
written guidance on preventing, identify- at this time in the relevant fields of
ing, and correcting indoor air quality building science and indoor air quality.
problems. The distinct perspectives of the EPA and NIOSH anticipate that this
two agencies are reflected in this docu- document may later be revised to include
ment. more detailed guidance as research
Since 1971, NIOSH has conducted continues and our knowledge grows. In
more than 600 indoor air quality investiga- the meantime, building owners and facility
tions in the office (non-industrial, non- managers can use the Resources section to
residential) buildings under the Health supplement and update the information
Hazard Evaluation Program. Over time, presented here.
NIOSH has developed a "solution-
Foreword vii
Note to Building Owners and
Facility Managers
From marketing and negotiating leases concerns underlie many complaints about
and maintenance contracts to planning for “poor air quality.” Furthermore, tempera-
future expansion, operating a commercial ture and humidity are among the many
or public building is a complex process factors that affect indoor contaminant
that leaves you little time for unnecessary levels.
activities. Working with your facility staff, It is important to remember that while
you make an effort to provide a pleasant occupant complaints may be related to
setting and are accustomed to dealing time at work, they may not necessarily be
with occupant complaints about room due to the quality of the air. Other factors
temperature, noise, plumbing system such as noise, lighting, ergonomic stressors
problems, and other elements of the (work station and task design), and job-
building environment. related psychosocial stressors can —
A healthy indoor environment is one in individually and in combination —
which the surroundings contribute to contribute to the complaints. These
productivity, comfort, and a sense of health problems are briefly addressed in this
and well being. The indoor air is free from document.
significant levels of odors, dust and con- Good indoor air quality enhances
taminants and circulates to prevent occupant health, comfort, and workplace
stuffiness without creating drafts. Tem- productivity. Rental properties can gain a
perature and humidity are appropriate to marketing advantage if they are known to
the season and to the clothing and activity offer a healthy and pleasant indoor envi-
of the building occupants. There is enough ronment. Failure to respond promptly and
light to illuminate work surfaces without effectively to IAQ problems can have
creating glare and noise levels do not consequences such as:
interfere with activities. Sanitation, ■ increasing health problems such as
drinking water, fire protection, and other cough, eye irritation, headache, and
factors affecting health and safety are well- allergic reactions, and, in some rare
planned and properly managed. cases, resulting in life-threatening
Good air quality is an important conditions (e.g., Legionnaire’s disease,
component of a healthy indoor environ- carbon monoxide poisoning)
ment. For the purposes of this document, ■ reducing productivity due to discomfort
the definition of good indoor air quality or increased absenteeism
includes: ■ accelerating deterioration of furnishings
■ introduction and distribution of adequate and equipment
ventilation air ■ straining relations between landlords and
■ control of airborne contaminants tenants, employers and employees
■ maintenance of acceptable temperature ■ creating negative publicity that could put
and relative humidity rental properties at a competitive
A practical guide to indoor air quality disadvantage
(IAQ) cannot overlook temperature and ■ opening potential liability problems
humidity, because thermal comfort (Note: Insurance policies tend to exclude
pollution-related claims)
Note to Building Owners and Facilities Managers ix

Provision of good air quality requires problems has sometimes led to reduced
conscientious effort by both building staff energy use due to the efficiency associated
and occupants. The commitment to with a cleaner, and better controlled
address IAQ problems starts with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
building owner or facility manager, the (HVAC) system. The energy needed to
person who has an overview of the condition and distribute ventilation air is
organization, sets policy, and assigns staff only a small part of total building energy
responsibilities. You have the authority to consumption and is far overshadowed by
see that an IAQ policy is articulated and other operating costs (such as personnel).
carried out, the ability to identify staff with Attempting to limit operating costs by
skills that enable them to react promptly reducing ventilation can be a false
and effectively to complaints, and the economy, if it leads to problems such as
incentive to initiate a program that will increased occupant complaints, reduced
prevent indoor air problems in the future. productivity, and absenteeism.
As you decide how best to respond to the Every complaint merits a response.
challenge of preventing and resolving
Many indoor air quality problems are not
indoor air quality problems in your
difficult to correct and can be solved with
building, it will be helpful to keep in mind
in-house expertise. However, gathering
the following thoughts:
relevant information about the problem
It is important to establish a process and identifying appropriate corrective
that encourages an active exchange of actions is likely to require a coordinated
information. effort by people with a variety of skills.
Without an open communications policy, An indoor air quality problem may
an atmosphere of distrust may be created be the direct or indirect result of an
that complicates your efforts to diagnose apparently minor modification.
and correct problems.
Actions such as the placement of interior
Facility staff are in a position to notice room dividers, the introduction of new
malfunctioning equipment or accidental office equipment, and personal activities
events that could produce indoor air such as cooking can have an impact on
quality problems. indoor air quality. Communication
They can play a critical role in identifying between building management and
problem situations and averting IAQ building occupants regarding their respec-
crises. On the other hand, if staff are not tive responsibilities is a critical element in
aware of IAQ issues, their activities can the management of indoor air quality.
also create indoor air quality problems. Indoor air quality in a large building is
the product of multiple influences, and
Facility staff are often instructed to keep attempts to bring problems under control
energy costs to a minimum. do not always produce the expected result.
Changes in building operation intended to Some indoor air quality problems are
save energy have sometimes contributed to complex and may require the assistance of
IAQ problems (for example, by reducing outside professionals. When contracting
the flow of outdoor ventilation air without for services, you need to be an informed
taking action to maintain the quality of the client to avoid unnecessary costs and
recirculated air). The correction of IAQ delays in solving the problem.
x Note to Building Owners and Facilities Managers

If there is reason to believe that an IAQ tion and problem-solving processes in this
problem may have serious health implica- guide can be applied, with necessary adap-
tions, appropriate experts such as occupa- tations, to a wide range of building types.
tional physicians, industrial hygienists, This document was written to be a use-
and mechanical engineers should be ful resource for you and your staff in pre-
called in as soon as possible. venting and resolving occupants’ com-
In-house investigations by non-profession- plaints that may be related in some way to
als are not recommended in such cases the quality of the indoor air. It provides
(e.g., if individuals are being hospitalized background information followed by
because of exposure inside the building). “how-to” guidance for you and your in-
house staff. The practical problem-solving
Public and commercial buildings can techniques it describes have been applied
present a wide range of IAQ problems. successfully by NIOSH and other investi-
The variety of unique features in their gators. If complaints are not resolved after
design and usage (e.g., apartment build- careful application of this guidance, out-
ings, hospitals, schools, shopping malls) side help will probably be needed. Infor-
make a wide range of IAQ problems pos- mation on possible sources of outside help
sible. In apartment buildings, for example, is included. As you read this document, or
each residential unit can produce cooking turn it over to your staff to implement,
odors and the operation of kitchen exhaust EPA and NIOSH urge you to maintain a
fans is generally outside the control of personal involvement in this issue.
building management. The basic informa-
Note to Building Owners and Facilities Managers xi

SELECTED INDOOR This box is provided to help building owners and facility managers get ac-
AIR QUALITY quainted with examples of IAQ problem indicators and associated responses.
PROBLEMS Some IAQ problem situations require immediate action. Other problems are
less urgent, but all merit a response.
Problems Requiring There have been complaints of head- Carbon monoxide poisoning is a
Immediate Action aches, nausea, and combustion odors. possibility. Investigate sources of
combustion gases right away.
One or more occupants of your building This is a potentially life-threatening

have been diagnosed as having illness. Request Health Department
Legionnaire’s disease. assistance in determining whether your
building may be the source of the
infection.
Staff report that water from a roof leak If damp carpeting cannot be lifted and
has flooded a portion of the carpeting. thoroughly dried within a short time, it
might need to be discarded. Proper
cleaning and disinfection procedures
must be used to prevent the growth of
mold and bacteria that could cause
serious indoor air quality problems.
Problems That Inspection of the humidification system Inadequately maintained humidifiers can
Require A reveals an accumulation of slime and promote the growth of biological
mold. There have been no health contaminants. Clean equipment
Response, But
complaints suggesting IAQ problems. thoroughly, and consider modifying
Are Not maintenance practices.
Emergencies
A group of occupants has discovered The symptoms described suggest an
that they share common symptoms of IAQ problem that is not life-threatening,
headaches, eye irritation, and respira- but it would be wise to respond
tory complaints and decided that their promptly.
problems are due to conditions in the
building.
Immediately after delivery of new Volatile compounds emitted by the new

furnishings (furniture or carpeting), furnishings could be causing the
occupants complain of odors and complaints.
discomfort.
Local news articles suggest that some The only way to determine the indoor
buildings in the area have high indoor radon concentration in a given
radon levels. structure is to test in appropriate
locations.
You wonder whether some old pipe Asbestos can be positively identified
insulation contains asbestos. only by laboratory analysis.
xii Note to Building Owners and Facilities Managers

Acknowledgements
The development of this document, served as the team of core technical

Building Air Quality: A Guide for advisors for this document. These indi-
Building Owners and Facility Managers, viduals contributed a substantial amount of
has been a joint undertaking of the written material and thoughtful comments
Indoor Air Division in the Office of on the many drafts and, most importantly,
Atmospheric and Indoor Air Programs of their considerable practical experience in
the United States Environmental identifying and resolving indoor air quality
Protection Agency and the National problems. Joseph Lstiburek, Building
Institute for Occupational Safety and Science Corporation, contributed much of
Health. The document was prepared the material on the problem of moisture.
under the direction of Robert Axelrad, EPA and NIOSH particularly wish to thank
Director, EPA Indoor Air Division and the staff of The Charles E. Smith Compa-
Philip J. Bierbaum, Director, NIOSH nies who reviewed numerous drafts of the
Division of Physical Sciences and document and made invaluable comments
Engineering. from a building management perspective.
EPA and NIOSH appreciate the time The photographs were donated by: Terry
that many organizations and individuals Brennan, Camroden Associates; Michael
took to share ideas, discuss their own Crandall, NIOSH; Ed Light, Pathway
practical experiences, and review many Diagnostics; Joseph Lstiburek, Building
drafts of this document. Many of the Science Corporation; Phil Morey, Clayton
ideas raised by these reviewers have Environmental Services; Tedd Nathanson,
been incorporated into this document. Public Works Canada; Robert Olcerst,
Two people had primary responsibility Brujos Scientific Inc.; Stan Salisbury,
for developing the content and format of NIOSH; William A. Turner, The H.L.
the document. Elizabeth Agle, the EPA Turner Group; and Kenneth Wallingford,
project manager, developed the structure NIOSH. Additional slides came from the
of the document, assembled the teams of NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program
contributors and reviewers, and provided and from the Occupational Safety and
direction and untiring support as the pro- Health Administration.
ject came to fruition. Susan Galbraith, A large number of people within both
Cogito Technical Services, served as the EPA and NIOSH commented on the drafts
principal writer. She brought to the task of the document. EPA and NIOSH
both considerable writing skills and a recognize the following staff for their
basic understanding of how buildings particular contributions: John Girman,
operate that proved invaluable through- Elissa Feldman, Pauline Johnston, Sue
out the process of conceptualizing and Perlin, David Mudarri, Jack Primack, Bob
creating this document. Thompson, Kevin Teichman, Charles
EPA and NIOSH gratefully acknowl- Truchillo, and Jim Wilson, EPA; and
edge the important contribution of Terry Michael Crandall, Jerome Flesh, Richard
Brennan, Camroden Associates; Ed Gorman, Joseph Hurrell, Pantelis Rentos,
Light, Pathway Diagnostics; and William and Mitchell Singal, NIOSH.
A. Turner, The W.L. Turner Group, who
Acknowledgements xiii
The draft document was widely circu- William H. Groah
lated for review outside these agencies. Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers
EPA and NIOSH thank the following Association
individuals who reviewed all or part of the Shirley J. Hansen
document and submitted comments: Hansen Associates
Steven B. Hayward
Allen C. Abend Indoor Air Quality Program, California
Maryland Department of Education Department of Health Services
Charles A. Achilles John Henshaw
Institute of Real Estate Management American Industrial Hygiene Association
Henry A. Anderson Bion Howard
Wisconsin Department of Health and Alliance to Save Energy
Social Services
W. T. Irwin
David W. Bearg CertainTeed Corporation
Life Energy Associates
Paul Jacobetz
W. David Bevirt Brüel & Kjaer Instruments, Inc.
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning
Contractors Association William D. Kelley
American Conference of Governmental
Barbara Billauer Industrial Hygienists, Inc.
International Council of Shopping Centers
Jay Kirihara
Bob Bockholt The Trane Company
National Apartment Association
Daniel A. La Hart
H.E. Burroughs Maryland Department of the Environment
H. E. Burroughs & Associates, Inc.
Mary Lamielle
Harriet Burge National Center for Environmental
University of Michigan Medical Center Health Strategies
Paul A. Cammer Ellen Larson
Business Council on Indoor Air Air Conditioning Contractors of America
James L. Coggins David Lee
Energy Applications, Inc. Association of Local Air Pollution
Geraldine V. Cox Control Officials
Chemical Manufacturers Association Eugene L. Lehr
Earon S. Davis U.S. Department of Transportation
Environmental Heath Consultant Hal Levin
John E. DiFazio, Jr. Indoor Air Bulletin
Chemical Specialties Manufacturers
Association William H. McCredie
National Particleboard Association
James C. Dinegar
Building Owners and Managers Jean F. Mateson
Association, International Mateson Environmental Management, Inc.
Stephen D. Driesler Keith Mestrich
National Association of Realtors Food and Allied Service Trades
Sandra Eberle Eugene M. Moreau
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Indoor Air Program,
Commission Maine Department of Human Services
Paul C. Fiduccia Niren L. Nagda
International Council of Shopping Centers GEOMET Technologies, Inc.
Richard B. Gammage Fred Nelson
Oak Ridge National Laboratory National Foundation for the
Chemically Hypersensitive
Matthew Gillen
Occupational Health Foundation
xiv Acknowledgements
Laura Oatman Simon Turner
Indoor Air Quality Program, Healthy Buildings International, Inc.
Minnesota Department of Health
Richard A. Versen
Andrew Persily Manville Technical Center
National Institute for Standards and
Davidge Warfield
Technology
National Air Duct Cleaners Association
George R. Phelps
Lewis Weinstock
Thermal Insulation Manufacturers
Forsyth County Environmental Affairs
Association, Inc.
Department (Georgia)
Wiliam A. Pugsley
John F. Welch
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health
Safe Buildings Alliance
Department (Nebraska)
Arthur E. Wheeler
G.S. Rajhans
Wheeler Engineering Company
Ontario Ministry of Labour
Jim H. White
Susan Rose
Canada Mortgage and Housing
U.S. Department of Energy
Corporation
Steven A. Scala
W. Curtis White
U.S. Public Health Service
Aegis Environmental Management, Inc.
James Sharpe
Alexander J. Willman
The Charles E. Smith Companies
National Energy Management Institute
Richard J. Shaughnessy, III
Myra Winfield
Indoor Air Program, University of Tulsa
Veterans Administration (Texas)
Thomas J. Shepich
James E. Woods
Occupational Safety and Health
College of Architecture and Urban Studies,
Administration
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Henry J. Singer
General Services Administration Rita Cohen, of ICF, Inc., assisted in the
Philip A. Squair project management for the development
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration of this document. Marie O’Neill, of The
Institute Bruce Company, provided editorial and
John H. Stratton coordination assistance. EPA and NIOSH
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning extend special thanks to Linda Berns,
Contractors Association
Terry Savage, and others at the firm of
Kenneth M. Sufka
Berns & Kay, Ltd. for their effort and
Associated Air Balance Council
enthusiasm in designing and producing the
John M. Talbott
U.S. Department of Energy document under tight deadlines.
Acknowledgements x v
Basics
BASICS
About This Document
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The goal of this guidance document is to
help you prevent indoor air quality
problems in your building and resolve such
problems promptly if they do arise. It
recommends practical actions that can be
affecting the types of IAQ problems that
are likely to arise and the most effective
approach to resolving those problems.
■
The assumptions used in preparing this
guide include:
The expense and effort required to
1
carried out by facility staff, outside prevent most IAQ problems is much less
contractors, or both. The document will than the expense and effort required to
help you to integrate IAQ-related activities resolve problems after they develop.
into your existing organization and identify ■ Many IAQ problems can be prevented
which of your staff have the necessary by educating facility management, staff,
skills to carry out those activities. and occupants about the factors that
This is a long document. It would be create such problems. When IAQ
convenient if all of the ideas it contains problems do arise, they can often be
could be summed up in a few short resolved using skills that are available
recommendations, such as: “check for in-house.
underventilation” and “isolate pollutant ■ The basic issues and activities involved
sources.” However, such statements in preventing and resolving IAQ prob-
would only be helpful to people who are lems are similar for buildings of many
already familiar with indoor air quality different designs and uses.
concerns. If the owner’s manual for your ■ If outside assistance is needed to solve
car said to check your pollution control an IAQ problem, the best results will be
valves every year, but didn’t say how to achieved if building owners and manag-
find out whether they were working ers are informed consumers.
properly, you would need either a more
detailed manual or the money to hire a How this Guide is Organized
mechanic. Don’t be discouraged by the
This guide is divided into topic areas
number of pages in your hands. Once you
marked by tabs. Tab I marks introductory
begin to understand the factors that
material directed toward all users of the
influence indoor air quality in your
document. Tab II is directed to building
building, you can move from section to
owners and facility managers who do not
section, reading what you need to know at
have a current IAQ problem and want to
the moment and leaving the rest until later.
prevent such problems from arising. If you
currently have an indoor air quality
Some Basic Assumptions
problem, Tab III provides guidance to
EPA and NIOSH recognize that many help resolve that problem. The appendices
factors influence how an individual owner marked by Tab IV present information
or manager can put the information in this that may not be critical to resolving most
guide to use. The skills of facility staff and indoor air quality problems but could be
the uses of the building can vary widely, useful reading for additional background
About This Document 1

on major IAQ topics. Abbreviated sample Good communications can be promoted
forms are included throughout the text so through a group that represents all of the
that readers can see what types of informa- interested parties in the building. Many
tion can be collected using the forms pro- organizations have health and safety com-
vided in this document. Tab V contains mittees that can fill this role. Section 3
the complete forms discussed in the text. suggests ways to work productively with
These can be photocopied for use by you building occupants to prevent IAQ prob-
and your staff. lems and to maintain good communica-
As you read this document, you will find tions during IAQ investigations.
that some guidance points are repeated.
This was intentional, as it allows you to Tab II: Preventing IAQ
use the sections on prevention, diagnosis, Problems
and mitigation as “stand-alone” guides.
Section 4: Developing an IAQ Profile
Tab I: Basics An IAQ profile is a “picture” of building

conditions from the perspective of indoor
Section 2: Factors Affecting Indoor Air
air quality. A review of construction and
Quality
operating records, combined with an
Indoor air quality is not a simple, easily inspection of building conditions, helps to
defined concept like a desk or a leaky reveal potential indoor air problems and
faucet. It is a constantly changing interac- identify building areas that require special
tion of a complex set of factors. Four of attention to prevent problems in the future.
the most important elements involved in Baseline data collected for the IAQ profile
the development of indoor air quality can facilitate later investigations, should
problems are: a source of odors or problems arise. Section 4 suggests a three-
contaminants; a problem with the design or stage approach to developing an IAQ
operation of the HVAC system; a pathway profile and describes the products of each
between the source and the location of the stage.
complaint; and the building occupants.
Read Section 2 for an introduction to the Section 5: Managing Buildings for Good
factors that influence indoor air quality. A IAQ
basic understanding of these factors is
Many indoor air problems can be pre-
critical to investigating and resolving IAQ
vented by following common sense
problems.
recommendations, such as: maintain good
sanitation, provide adequate ventilation,
Section 3: Effective Communication
and isolate pollutant sources. Other
An effective communication system helps preventive measures may require a careful
facility managers, staff, contractors, and review of job descriptions, contracts,
occupants to clarify their responsibilities supplies, and schedules. It is important to
and cooperate in identifying potential IAQ designate an IAQ manager to bear respon-
problems. Building occupants can be sibility for coordinating the effort in your
valuable allies in resolving indoor air qual- building. Section 5 discusses key elements
ity problems. On the other hand, even to include in your IAQ management plan.
small problems can have disruptive and
potentially costly consequences if occu- Tab III: Resolving IAQ
pants become frustrated and mistrustful. Problems
Effective communications are the key to
Section 6: Diagnosing IAQ Problems
cooperative problem-solving.
Most IAQ investigations begin in response
2 Section 1
to a complaint from one or more building IAQ investigations. If you are responsible
occupants. IAQ complaints can affect for developing an IAQ profile or investi-
entire buildings or be limited to areas as gating an IAQ complaint, Appendix A
small as an individual work station. The provides suggestions for collecting and
goal of the investigation is to resolve the interpreting information on: temperature
complaint without causing other problems. and humidity; airflow patterns; carbon
Section 6 describes a variety of informa- dioxide; ventilation (outdoor) air quanti-
tion-gathering strategies used to identify ties; and commonly measured environmen-
the cause of an IAQ problem. This section tal contaminants.
provides suggestions for in-house staff
who have been given the responsibility of Appendix B: HVAC Systems and IAQ
investigating the problem. It will also help
Appendix B presents basic information on
building management to understand and
HVAC system designs and components
oversee the activities of any outside
and their effects on indoor air quality.
professionals who may be brought in to
This appendix is designed to accompany
assist in the investigation.
the HVAC Checklists in Tab V.
Section 7: Mitigating IAQ Problems

Appendix C: Moisture, Mold and
The basic approaches to mitigating indoor Mildew
air quality problems are: control of
Appendix C discusses indoor moisture and
pollutant sources; modifications to the
its relationship to mold and mildew
ventilation system; air cleaning; and
growth. The role of humidity in creating
control of exposures to occupants. Suc-
mold and mildew problems is often
cessful mitigation often involves a combi-
misunderstood because relative humidity
nation of these techniques.
readings taken in the breathing zone of an
Section 7 provides criteria for judging
occupied space give little indication of
potential mitigation strategies and for
conditions at the wall and ceiling surfaces
determining whether a problem has been
or in the wall cavities. This appendix
solved. It includes brief descriptions of
describes ways in which to evaluate how
common indoor air quality problems and
moisture may be causing indoor air quality
possible solutions.
problems and how successful different
mitigation measures may be in reducing
Section 8: Hiring Professional Assis-
those problems.
tance to Solve an IAQ Problem
Indoor air quality is an emerging and Appendix D: Asbestos
interdisciplinary field. Section 8 provides
Appendix D is a brief discussion of
guidance in hiring professional assistance
asbestos. If asbestos is a concern in your
if you decide that outside expertise is
building, this appendix and the Appendix G
needed to determine the cause of an IAQ
section will direct you to sources of
problem.
detailed guidance.
Tab IV: Appendices

Appendix E: Radon
Appendix A: Common IAQ
Appendix E is a brief discussion of radon.
Measurements – A General Guide
To learn more about how to check for
Appendix A describes measurement radon in your building, refer to this
techniques that are commonly used for appendix. Appendix G will direct you to
About This Document 3

other sources of information.
Appendix F: Glossary and Acronyms WARNING

Appendix F explains scientific and Please note the following as you prepare to
engineering terminology that may be use this manual:
unfamiliar to some readers.
■ Modification of building functions to
remedy air quality complaints may create
Appendix G: Resources
other problems. A thorough understand-
Appendix G is intended for readers who ing of all of the factors that interact to
want to pursue more detailed information create indoor quality problems can help
about indoor air quality. It includes the to avoid this undesirable outcome.
names, addresses, and telephone numbers ■ The guidance in this document is not
of Federal, State, and private sector organi- intended as a substitute for appropriate
zations with interests related to IAQ, as emergency action in the event of a
well as a list of selected publications. hazardous situation that may be
Contaminant emission and movement in imminently threatening to life or safety.
buildings is an emerging field of study. ■ The implementation of mitigation
Building owners, facility managers, and recommendations reached as a result of
engineers are urged to keep abreast of new an indoor air quality evaluation should
information through professional journals always be done in accordance with local
and seminars in addition to relying on the laws and good practice. Changes to the
guidance presented in this document. overall design and operation of the
building may necessitate the involve-
Tab V: Indoor Air Quality Forms ment of a registered professional engi-
neer or other registered or certified
Tab V contains a full set of the forms
professionals.
described in Tabs II and III. Building
■ In the event that medical records are
managers are encouraged to reproduce and
utilized in the course of evaluating an
use these blank forms. You may want to
IAQ problem, appropriate legal confi-
modify elements of these forms to reflect
dentiality must be maintained.
conditions in your particular building.
4 Section 1
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality
The indoor environment in any building

is a result of the interaction between the
site, climate, building system (original
design and later modifications in the
structure and mechanical systems), con-
struction techniques, contaminant sources
the categories that follow. The examples
given for each category are not intended to
be a complete list.
Sources Outside Building
Contaminated outdoor air
■ pollen, dust, fungal spores
2
(building materials and furnishings,
■ industrial pollutants
moisture, processes and activities within the
■ general vehicle exhaust
building, and outdoor sources), and
building occupants. Emissions from nearby sources
The following four elements are involved ■ exhaust from vehicles on nearby roads Four elements—
in the development of indoor air quality or in parking lots, or garages sources, the HVAC
problems: ■ loading docks
system, pollutant
■ odors from dumpsters
Source: there is a source of contamination pathways, and
■ re-entrained (drawn back into the
or discomfort indoors, outdoors, or within
building) exhaust from the building occupants—are
the mechanical systems of the building.
itself or from neighboring buildings involved in the
HVAC: the HVAC system is not able to
■ unsanitary debris near the outdoor air development of IAQ
control existing air contaminants and ensure
thermal comfort (temperature and humidity
intake problems.
conditions that are comfortable for most Soil gas
■ radon
occupants).
■ leakage from underground fuel tanks
Pathways: one or more pollutant pathways
■ contaminants from previous uses of the
connect the pollutant source to the occu-
site (e.g., landfills)
pants and a driving force exists to move
■ pesticides
pollutants along the pathway(s).
Occupants: building occupants are present. Moisture or standing water promoting
excess microbial growth
It is important to understand the role that ■ rooftops after rainfall
each of these factors may play in order to ■ crawlspace
prevent, investigate, and resolve indoor air
quality problems. Equipment
HVAC system
SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR ■ dust or dirt in ductwork or other
CONTAMINANTS components
■ microbiological growth in drip pans,
Indoor air contaminants can originate
humidifiers, ductwork, coils
within the building or be drawn in from
■ improper use of biocides, sealants, and/
outdoors. If contaminant sources are not
or cleaning compounds
controlled, IAQ problems can arise, even if
■ improper venting of combustion
the HVAC system is properly designed and
products
well-maintained. It may be helpful to think
■ refrigerant leakage
of air pollutant sources as fitting into one of
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality 5

Non-HVAC equipment Chemicals released from building
■ emissions from office equipment (vola- components or furnishings
tile organic compounds, ozone) ■ volatile organic compounds or
■ supplies (solvents, toners, ammonia) ■ inorganic compounds
■ emissions from shops, labs, cleaning

Other Sources
processes
■ elevator motors and other mechanical
Accidental events
■ spills of water or other liquids
systems
■ microbiological growth due to flooding
Given our present Human Activities or to leaks from roofs, piping
knowledge, it is Personal activities ■ fire damage (soot, PCBs from electrical
difficult to relate ■ smoking equipment, odors)

■ cooking
complaints of Special use areas and mixed use buildings
■ body odor
specific health ■ smoking lounges
■ cosmetic odors ■ laboratories
effects to exposures Housekeeping activities ■ print shops, art rooms
to specific pollutant ■ cleaning materials and procedures ■ exercise rooms
concentrations, ■ emissions from stored supplies or trash ■ beauty salons
especially since the ■ use of deodorizers and fragrances ■ food preparation areas
significant exposures ■ airborne dust or dirt (e.g., circulated by

Redecorating/remodeling/repair activities
sweeping and vacuuming)
may be to low levels ■ emissions from new furnishings
of pollutant mixtures. Maintenance activities ■ dust and fibers from demolition

■ microorganisms in mist from improp- ■ odors and volatile organic and inorganic
erly maintained cooling towers compounds from paint, caulk, adhesives
■ airborne dust or dirt ■ microbiologicals released from demoli-
■ volatile organic compounds from use of tion or remodeling activities
paint, caulk, adhesives, and other
products Indoor air often contains a variety of
■ pesticides from pest control activities contaminants at concentrations that are far
■ emissions from stored supplies below any standards or guidelines for
Building Components and Furnishings occupational exposure. Given our present
knowledge, it is difficult to relate com-
Locations that produce or collect dust or
plaints of specific health effects to expo-
fibers
sures to specific pollutant concentrations,
■ textured surfaces such as carpeting,
especially since the significant exposures
curtains, and other textiles
may be to low levels of pollutant mixtures.
■ open shelving
■ old or deteriorated furnishings

HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN AND
■ materials containing damaged asbestos
OPERATION
Unsanitary conditions and water damage
The HVAC system includes all heating,
■ microbiological growth on or in soiled
cooling, and ventilation equipment serving
or water-damaged furnishings
a building: furnaces or boilers, chillers,
■ microbiological growth in areas of
cooling towers, air handling units, exhaust
surface condensation
fans, ductwork, filters, steam (or heating
■ standing water from clogged or poorly
water) piping. Most of the HVAC discus-
designed drains
sion in this document applies both to central
■ dry traps that allow the passage of
HVAC systems and to individual compo-
sewer gas
nents used as stand-alone units.
6 Section 2
A properly designed and functioning Radiant heat transfer may cause people
HVAC system: located near very hot or very cold surfaces
■ provides thermal comfort to be uncomfortable even though the
■ distributes adequate amounts of outdoor thermostat setting and the measured air
air to meet ventilation needs of all temperature are within the comfort range.
building occupants Buildings with large window areas some-
■ isolates and removes odors and con- times have acute problems of discomfort
taminants through pressure control, due to radiant heat gains and losses, with
A number of
filtration, and exhaust fans the locations of complaints shifting during
the day as the sun angle changes. Large variables, including
Thermal Comfort vertical surfaces can also produce a personal activity
significant flow of naturally-convecting air, levels, uniformity of
A number of variables interact to deter-
mine whether people are comfortable with
producing complaints of draftiness. temperature, radiant
the temperature of the indoor air. The
Adding insulation to walls helps to heat gain or loss, and
moderate the temperature of interior wall
activity level, age, and physiology of each humidity, interact to
surfaces. Closing curtains reduces heating
person affect the thermal comfort require- determine whether
from direct sunlight and isolates building
ments of that individual. The American
occupants from exposure to window people are
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
surfaces (which, lacking insulation, are comfortable with the
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
likely to be much hotter or colder than the temperature of the
Standard 55-1981 describes the tempera-
ture and humidity ranges that are comfort-
walls). indoor air.
Humidity is a factor in thermal comfort.
able for most people engaged in largely
Raising relative humidity reduces the
sedentary activities. That information is
ability to lose heat through perspiration and
summarized on page 57. The ASHRAE
evaporation, so that the effect is similar to
standard assumes “normal” indoor
raising the temperature. Humidity ex-
clothing. Added layers of clothing reduce
tremes can also create other IAQ problems.
the rate of heat loss.
Excessively high or low relative humidities
Uniformity of temperature is important
can produce discomfort, while high relative
to comfort. When the heating and cooling
humidities can promote the growth of mold
needs of rooms within a single zone
and mildew (see Appendix C).
change at different rates, rooms that are
served by a single thermostat may be at
Ventilation to Meet Occupant
different temperatures. Temperature
Needs
stratification is a common problem caused
by convection, the tendency of light, warm Most air handling units distribute a blend
air to rise and heavier, cooler air to sink. If of outdoor air and recirculated indoor air.
air is not properly mixed by the ventilation HVAC designs may also include units that
system, the temperature near the ceiling introduce 100% outdoor air or that simply
can be several degrees warmer than at transfer air within the building. Uncon-
floor level. Even if air is properly mixed, trolled quantities of outdoor air enter
uninsulated floors over unheated spaces buildings by infiltration through windows,
can create discomfort in some climate doors, and gaps in the exterior construc-
zones. Large fluctuations of indoor tion. Thermal comfort and ventilation
temperature can also occur when controls needs are met by supplying “conditioned”
have a wide “dead band” (a temperature air (a blend of outdoor and recirculated air
range within which neither heating nor that has been filtered, heated or cooled, and
cooling takes place). sometimes humidified or dehumidified).

Large buildings often have interior system was designed may well have
(“core”) spaces in which constant cooling established a lower amount of ventilation
is required to compensate for heat gener- (in cubic feet of outdoor air per minute per
ated by occupants, equipment, and person) than is currently recommended.
lighting, while perimeter rooms may (A table of outdoor air quantities recom-
require heating or cooling depending on mended by ASHRAE is reproduced on
outdoor conditions. page 136 in Appendix B. Note that other
The amount of Two of the most common HVAC important aspects of the standard are not
outdoor air designs used in modern public and included in this table.)
considered adequate commercial buildings are constant volume
and variable air volume systems. Con- Control of Odors and
for proper ventilation
stant volume systems are designed to Contaminants
has varied provide a constant airflow and to vary the
substantially over air temperature to meet heating and
One technique for controlling odors and
contaminants is to dilute them with
time. The current cooling needs. The percentage of outdoor
outdoor air. Dilution can work only if
guideline issued by air may be held constant, but is often
there is a consistent and appropriate flow
ASHRAE is Standard controlled either manually or automatically
of supply air that mixes effectively with
to vary with outdoor temperature and
62-1989. room air. The term “ventilation effi-
humidity. Controls may include a mini-
ciency” is used to describe the ability of
mum setting that should allow the system
the ventilation system to distribute supply
to meet ventilation guidelines for outdoor
air and remove internally generated
air quantities under design conditions.
pollutants. Researchers are currently
Variable air volume (VAV) systems
studying ways to measure ventilation
condition supply air to a constant tempera-
efficiency and interpret the results of those
ture and ensure thermal comfort by varying
measurements.
the airflow to occupied spaces. Most early
Another technique for isolating odors
VAV systems did not allow control of the
and contaminants is to design and operate
outdoor air quantity, so that a decreasing
the HVAC system so that pressure
amount of outdoor air was provided as the
relationships between rooms are con-
flow of supply air was reduced. Some
trolled. This control is accomplished by
more recent designs ensure a minimum
adjusting the air quantities that are
supply of outdoor air with static pressure
supplied to and removed from each room.
devices in the outdoor air stream. Addi-
If more air is supplied to a room than is
tional energy-conserving features such as
exhausted, the excess air leaks out of the
economizer control or heat recovery are
space and the room is said to be under
also found in some buildings.
positive pressure. If less air is supplied
Good quality design, installation, and
than is exhausted, air is pulled into the
testing and balancing are critically impor-
space and the room is said to be under
tant to the proper operation of all types
negative pressure.
of HVAC systems, especially VAV
Control of pressure relationships is
systems, as are regular inspections and
critically important in mixed use buildings
maintenance. (See Appendix B for further
or buildings with special use areas.
discussion of HVAC system types.)
Lobbies and buildings in general are often
The amount of outdoor air considered
designed to operate under positive pressure
adequate for proper ventilation has varied
to prevent or minimize the infiltration of
substantially over time. The current
unconditioned air, with its potential to
guideline issued by ASHRAE is ASHRAE
cause drafts and introduce dust, dirt, and
Standard 62-1989. The building code that
thermal discomfort. Without proper
was in force when your building HVAC
operation and maintenance, these pressure
8 Section 2
differences are not likely to remain as The HVAC system is generally the
originally designed. predominant pathway and driving force for
A third technique is to use local exhaust air movement in buildings. However, all
systems (sometimes known as dedicated of a building’s components (walls, ceilings,
exhaust ventilation systems) to isolate and floors, penetrations, HVAC equipment, and
remove contaminants by maintaining occupants) interact to affect the distribution
negative pressure in the area around the of contaminants.
contaminant source. Local exhaust can be
linked to the operation of a particular piece
of equipment (such as a kitchen range) or
used to treat an entire room (such as a
smoking lounge or custodial closet). Air
should be exhausted to the outdoors, not
recirculated, from locations which produce
significant odors and high concentrations
of contaminants (such as copy rooms,
bathrooms, kitchens, and beauty salons).
Spaces where local exhaust is used must
be provided with make-up air and the local
exhaust must function in coordination with
the rest of the ventilation system. Under
some circumstances, it may be acceptable
to transfer conditioned air from relatively
clean parts of a building to comparatively
dirty areas and use it as make-up air for a
local exhaust system. Such a transfer can Chases, crawlspaces, and
For example, as air moves from supply
achieve significant energy savings. other hidden spaces can be
registers or diffusers to return air grilles, it both sources and pathways
Air cleaning and filtration devices
is diverted or obstructed by partitions, for pollutants.
designed to control contaminants are found
walls, and furnishings, and redirected by
as components of HVAC systems (for
openings that provide pathways for air
example, filter boxes in ductwork) and can
movement. On a localized basis, the
also be installed as independent units. The
movement of people has a major impact on
effectiveness of air cleaning depends upon
the movement of pollutants. Some of the
proper equipment selection, installation,
pathways change as doors and windows
operation, and maintenance. Caution
open and close. It is useful to think of the
should be used in evaluating the many new
entire building — the rooms and the
technological developments in the field of
connections (e.g., chases, corridors,
air cleaning and filtration.
stairways, elevator shafts) between them —
as part of the air distribution system.
POLLUTANT PATHWAYS AND
Natural forces exert an important
DRIVING FORCES
influence on air movement between zones
Airflow patterns in buildings result from and between the building’s interior and
the combined action of mechanical exterior. Both the stack effect and wind
ventilation systems, human activity, and can overpower a building’s mechanical
natural forces. Pressure differentials system and disrupt air circulation and
created by these forces move airborne ventilation, especially if the building
contaminants from areas of relatively envelope is leaky.
higher pressure to areas of relatively lower Stack effect is the pressure driven flow
pressure through any available openings. produced by convection (the tendency of

warm air to rise). The stack effect exists Even when the building as a whole is
whenever there is an indoor-outdoor maintained under positive pressure, there is
temperature difference and becomes always some location (for example, the
stronger as the temperature difference outdoor air intake) that is under negative
increases. As heated air escapes from pressure relative to the outdoors. Entry of
upper levels of the building, indoor air contaminants may be intermittent, occur-
moves from lower to upper floors, and ring only when the wind blows from the
replacement outdoor air is drawn into direction of the pollutant source. The
The basic principle of
openings at the lower levels of buildings. interaction between pollutant pathways and
air movement from Stack effect airflow can transport contami- intermittent or variable driving forces can
areas of relatively nants between floors by way of stairwells, lead to a single source causing IAQ
higher pressure to elevator shafts, utility chases, or other complaints in areas of the building that are
areas of relatively openings. distant from each other and from the
lower pressure can Wind effects are transient, creating local source.
areas of high pressure (on the windward
produce many
side) and low pressure (on the leeward BUILDING OCCUPANTS
patterns of
side) of buildings. Depending on the
contaminant leakage openings in the building exterior,
The term “building occupants” is generally
used in this document to describe people
distribution. wind can affect the pressure relationships
who spend extended time periods (e.g., a
within and between rooms.
full workday) in the building. Clients and
The basic principle of air movement from
visitors are also occupants; they may have
areas of relatively higher pressure to areas
different tolerances and expectations from
of relatively lower pressure can produce
those who spend their entire workdays in
many patterns of contaminant distribution,
the building, and are likely to be more
including:
sensitive to odors.
■ local circulation in the room containing
Groups that may be particularly suscep-
the pollutant source tible to effects of indoor air contaminants
■ air movement into adjacent spaces that
include, but are not limited to:
are under lower pressure (Note: Even if
■ allergic or asthmatic individuals
two rooms are both under positive
■ people with respiratory disease
pressure compared to the outdoors, one
■ people whose immune systems are
room is usually at a lower pressure than
suppressed due to chemotherapy,
the other.)
radiation therapy, disease, or other
■ recirculation of air within the zone
causes
containing the pollutant source or in
■ contact lens wearers
adjacent zones where return systems
overlap Some other groups are particularly
■ movement from lower to upper levels of vulnerable to exposures of certain
the building pollutants or pollutant mixtures. For
■ air movement into the building through example, people with heart disease may be
either infiltration of outdoor air or more affected by exposure at lower levels
reentry of exhaust air of carbon monoxide than healthy
individuals. Children exposed to environ-
Air moves from areas of higher pressure
mental tobacco smoke have been shown to
to areas of lower pressure through any
be at higher risk of respiratory illnesses
available openings. A small crack or hole
and those exposed to nitrogen dioxide have
can admit significant amounts of air if the
been shown to be at higher risk from
pressure differentials are high enough
respiratory infections.
(which may be very difficult to assess.)
10 Section 2
Because of varying sensitivity among Some complaints by building occupants
people, one individual may react to a are clearly related to the discomfort end of
particular IAQ problem while surrounding the spectrum. One of the most common
occupants have no ill effects. (Symptoms IAQ complaints is that “there’s a funny
that are limited to a single person can also smell in here.” Odors are often associated
occur when only one work station receives with a perception of poor air quality,
the bulk of the pollutant dose.) In other whether or not they cause symptoms.
cases, complaints may be widespread. Environmental stressors such as improper
Environmental
A single indoor air pollutant or problem lighting, noise, vibration, overcrowding,
can trigger different reactions in different ergonomic stressors, and job-related stressors such as
people. Some may not be affected at all. psychosocial problems (such as job stress) improper lighting,
Information about the types of symptoms can produce symptoms that are similar to noise, vibration,
can sometimes lead directly to solutions. those associated with poor air quality. overcrowding,
However, symptom information is more The term sick building syndrome (SBS) ergonomic stressors,
likely to be useful for identifying the timing is sometimes used to describe cases in
and job-related
and conditions under which problems which building occupants experience acute
psychosocial
occur. health and comfort effects that are appar-
ently linked to the time they spend in the problems (such as job
Types of Symptoms and building, but in which no specific illness or stress) can produce
Complaints cause can be identified. The complaints symptoms that are
The effects of IAQ problems are often non-
may be localized in a particular room or similar to those
zone or may be widespread throughout the associated with poor
specific symptoms rather than clearly
building. Many different symptoms have
defined illnesses. Symptoms commonly air quality.
been associated with SBS, including
attributed to IAQ problems include:
respiratory complaints, irritation, and
■ headache
fatigue. Analysis of air samples often fails
■ fatigue
to detect high concentrations of specific
■ shortness of breath
contaminants. The problem may be caused
■ sinus congestion
by any or all of the following:
■ cough
■ the combined effects of multiple
■ sneezing
pollutants at low concentrations
■ eye, nose, and throat irritation
■ other environmental stressors
■ skin irritation
(e.g., overheating, poor lighting, noise)
■ dizziness
■ ergonomic stressors
■ nausea
■ job-related psychosocial stressors
All of these symptoms, however, may also (e.g., overcrowding, labor-management

be caused by other factors, and are not problems)
necessarily due to air quality deficiencies. ■ unknown factors
“Health” and “comfort” are used to

Building-related illness (BRI) is a term
describe a spectrum of physical sensations.
referring to illness brought on by exposure
For example, when the air in a room is
to the building air, where symptoms of
slightly too warm for a person’s activity
diagnosable illness are identified (e.g.,
level, that person may experience mild
certain allergies or infections) and can be
discomfort. If the temperature continues to
directly attributed to environmental agents
rise, discomfort increases and symptoms
in the air. Legionnaire’s disease and
such as fatigue, stuffiness, and headaches
hypersensitivity pneumonitis are examples
can appear.
of BRI that can have serious, even life-
threatening consequences.

A small percentage of the population Sometimes several building occupants
may be sensitive to a number of chemicals experience rare or serious health problems
in indoor air, each of which may occur at (e.g., cancer, miscarriages, Lou Gehrig’s
very low concentrations. The existence of disease) over a relatively short time period.
this condition, which is known as multiple These clusters of health problems are
chemical sensitivity (MCS), is a matter of occasionally blamed on indoor air quality,
considerable controversy. MCS is not and can produce tremendous anxiety
currently recognized by the major medical among building occupants. State or local
organizations, but medical opinion is Health Departments can provide advice
divided, and further research is needed. and assistance if clusters are suspected.
The applicability of access for the disabled They may be able to help answer key
and worker’s compensation regulations to questions such as whether the apparent
people who believe they are chemically cluster is actually unusual and whether the
sensitive may become concerns for facility underlying cause could be related to IAQ.
managers.
12 Section 2
Effective Communication
This section discusses establishing and

maintaining a communication system that
can help prevent indoor air quality
problems and resolve problems coopera-
tively if they do arise. If you are currently
responding to an indoor air quality
potential problems to the attention of
building staff and management, and foster
a sense of shared responsibility for
maintaining a safe and comfortable indoor
environment.
The group will be most successful if it
3
complaint, you may want to skip ahead to represents the diverse interests in the
the discussion of Communicating to building, including:
Resolve IAQ Problems on page 15. ■ building owner
■ building manager
COMMUNICATING TO PREVENT ■ facility personnel
IAQ PROBLEMS ■ health and safety officials
■ tenants and/or other occupants who are

Effective communication can encourage
building occupants to improve their work not facility staff
■ union representatives (or other worker The occupant in this room
environment through positive contribu-
representatives) covered the supply air vents
tions. The following objectives should be with papers. Whether this
kept in mind while reviewing and revising was done to reduce uncom-
your current approach to communicating Clarify Responsibilities fortable drafts or to provide
with occupants: more shelf space, the result
It is important to define the responsibilities can disrupt the air flow, not
■ provide accurate information about of building management, staff, and only through this room but
factors that affect indoor air quality occupants in relation to indoor air quality. elsewhere in the building. By
tampering with the air han-
■ clarify the responsibilities of each party These responsibilities can be formalized by dling system, occupants can
(e.g., building management, staff, ten- incorporating them into documents such as unintentionally cause com-
ants, contractors) employee manuals or lease agreements. plaints in other areas.
■ establish an effective system for logging
and responding to complaints should

they occur
Provide Accurate Information

Many indoor air quality problems can be
prevented if staff and building occupants
understand how their activities affect IAQ.
You may already have a health and safety
committee functioning to promote good
working conditions. If so, it is easy to add
indoor air quality to their list of concerns.
If you do not have a health and safety
committee, consider establishing one or
setting up a joint management-tenant IAQ
task force. Whatever its official designa-
tion, such a group can help to disseminate
information about indoor air quality, bring
Effective Communication 13
Use of Space: Educate occupants about the projected ranges of occupants. If the
permitted uses and maximum occupancy of occupancy rate becomes a problem, it may
different areas within the building and be helpful to refer to a standard reference
make sure that appropriate ventilation is such as ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 to
provided for the activities that are permit- show occupants that keeping occupancy
ted. Indoor air quality complaints often within the ventilation capacity serves the
arise in mixed-use buildings. For example, goal of providing a quality work environ-
kitchen staff expect food odors as part of ment and is not an arbitrary decision by
their work, but nearby office workers may building management.
find cooking odors distracting and unpleas- Modifications: Review plans that may
ant. Problems can also arise when old involve increases in the number of occu-
tenants leave and new arrivals introduce pants, relocation of walls or partitions,
new uses of the building. installation of new equipment, or changes
Occupancy Rate: Inform occupants about in the use of space. Building owners,
the importance of keeping the building facility managers, and occupants share
management informed about significant responsibility for monitoring new equip-
changes in the number of people regularly ment installation and changes in the use of
using particular areas of the building. The space. The review process allows potential
ventilation systems in buildings are indoor air quality problems to be identified
designed and operated to supply air to so that the HVAC system can be modified
as needed. Only authorized maintenance
personnel should adjust air supply or
exhaust vents; however, if occupants are
MANAGEMENT AND OCCUPANT COOPERATION
expected to follow such a “hands-off”
ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY
policy, facility management must respond
promptly to IAQ complaints.
The State of Wisconsin’s “Quality Building Management” system has
helped to unite the diverse interests involved in operating and using Notification of planned activities:
State office buildings. Tenants and facility personnel volunteers to Establish a procedure for informing tenants
serve on teams, working cooperatively to improve the quality of the before the start of activities that produce
indoor environment. odors or contaminants (e.g., maintenance,
Each team was assigned a specific area for which it drafted “Ideal
Building Standards.” Air quality was one such area; others included
pest control, repair, remodeling,
elevators, rest rooms, and work spaces. The IAQ teams were trained redecorating).
in conducting research; toured mechanical rooms to achieve a better
understanding of building operations; read articles; and listened to Establish a System for
presentations on IAQ, ventilation, and related topics. Responding to Complaints
The proposed “Ideal Building Standards” were reviewed with other
tenants and then used as a basis for Quality Improvement Plans. Many organizations have established
Some elements of the Quality Improvement Plans identify responsi- procedures for responding to occupant
bilities of the tenants, such as adopting good housekeeping practices complaints that can be modified to include
to improve the work environment and facilitate cleaning. Responsi-
indoor air quality concerns. To avoid
bilities identified as belonging to building management are reflected in
work plans and budget decisions. frustrating delays, building occupants need
Since implementation of this management system, interactions to know how to express their complaints
between building management and tenants have improved. Tenants about IAQ. More importantly, they need to
actively seek out management staff to discuss concerns. However, know how to locate responsible staff and
they are also more willing to review their own actions when looking where to obtain complaint forms. This
for potential causes of IAQ problems.
information can be posted on bulletin
boards, circulated in memos or newsletters,
or publicized by some other means.
14 Section 3
Complaints should be handled
promptly, with every incident given Sample Form
serious attention. It is advisable to Indoor Air Quality Complaint Form
establish a recordkeeping system that
cross-references documentation on This form should be used if your complaint may be related to indoor air
quality. Indoor air quality problems include concerns with temperature
complaints with records of equipment
control, ventilation, and air pollutants. Your observations can help to
operation and maintenance. The resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Please use the space below
recordkeeping system can help to resolve to describe the nature of the complaint and any potential causes.
complaints by collecting information in a
form that highlights patterns of problems
(for example, complaints that occur at a
regular time of day or in the same area of
the building). The IAQ Complaint Form
and Incident Log shown here and on the
following page (and also reproduced in
Tab V) can be used to track complaints
related to the indoor environment.
We may need to contact you to discuss your complaint. What is the best
time to reach you?
COMMUNICATING TO RESOLVE
IAQ PROBLEMS
In many cases, building managers may be
alerted to potential indoor air quality So that we can respond promptly, please return this form to:
problems by complaints from occupants.
The complaints can be vague, to the effect
that one or more people feel “sick” or
IAQ Manager or Contact Person
“uncomfortable” or that someone has
noticed an unusual odor. They may be
specific, blaming a particular material as successful resolution of indoor air quality
the cause of discomfort or health problems. complaints. IAQ complaints may be SEE
People are usually reacting to a real grounded in poor indoor air quality, COMPLETE
problem, so their complaints should be thermal conditions, noise, glare, or even FORM
taken seriously. However, they may PAGE 181
job stresses. However, it is in the building
attribute their symptoms to the wrong manager’s best interest to respond to all
cause, so their theories about the problem complaints about the indoor environment
should be heard respectfully but weighed promptly and seriously and to establish
cautiously. credibility through open communication
Indoor air quality problems can with building occupants. The biggest
sometimes be identified and resolved mistake that building managers can make
quickly. On other occasions, complaints in the face of an IAQ complaint is to
originate from the interaction of several underestimate the problems that can result
variables, and detailed investigation may if building occupants believe that no action
be necessary in order to resolve the is being taken or that important informa-
problem. tion is being withheld. Without open
communication, any IAQ problem can
The Importance of Responding become complicated by anxiety, frustra-
to IAQ Complaints tion, and distrust, delaying its resolution.
Listening and responding to building Paying attention to communication, as
occupants is critical to achieving a well as problem-solving, helps to ensure
Sample Form
Incident Log
Investigation Record
(check the forms that were used)
File Date Problem Location Outcome / Log Entry By
Number Comments (initials)
the support and cooperation of building medical, or health and safety staff to
SEE occupants as the complaint is investigated whom the occupants should turn if they
COMPLETE and resolved. The messages to convey are have additional complaints or questions,
FORM that management believes it is important to or if they have information that may help
PAGE 183
provide a healthy and safe building, that in resolving the complaints
good indoor air quality is an essential
component of a healthful indoor environ- Maintaining the Lines of
The messages to ment, and that complaints about indoor air Communication
quality are taken seriously.
convey are that Make certain that occupants know how to
Communications, whether they occur in
management believes contact the responsible personnel who can
conversations or in writing, should include
it is important to receive and respond to IAQ complaints.
the following information: Tenants may also have an internal system
provide a healthy and ■ what types of complaints management for channeling complaints, for example
safe building, that has received through a health and safety representative,
good indoor air ■ management’s policy in regard to supervisor, or company doctor.
quality is an essential providing a healthy and safe environ- Indoor air quality complaints that can
component of a ment and responding to occupant be resolved quickly and that involve small
complaints
healthful indoor numbers of people (e.g., annoying but
■ what management has done to date (e.g., harmless odors from an easily-identified
environment, and collecting data, responding to the source) can be handled matter-of-factly
that complaints problem) like other minor problems without risking
about indoor air ■ what management plans to do in order to confusion and bad feeling among other
quality are taken further investigate and correct the building occupants. Communication
seriously. problem (including the fact that outside becomes a more critical issue when there
consultants have been called in, if they are delays in identifying and resolving the
have been) problem and when serious health concerns
■ the names and telephone numbers of are involved.
appropriate facility management,
16 Section 3
If the problem seems to be widespread Problems can arise from saying either
or potentially serious, it is advisable to too little or too much. Premature release
work with your health and safety commit- of information when data-gathering is still
tee. If you do not have a health and safety incomplete can produce confusion,
committee, consider forming one, or frustration, and mistrust at a later date.
establishing a joint management-tenant Similar problems can result from incorrect If the problem seems
IAQ task force. (See the discussion on representation of risk — assuming the to be widespread or
page 13.) worst case (or the best). However, if potentially serious, it
Productive relations will be enhanced if progress reports are not given, people may
is advisable to work
occupants are given basic information think nothing (or something terrible) is
happening. It is good practice to clear with your health and
during the process of investigation and
mitigation. Potential critics can become each piece of information with the facility safety committee. If
allies if they are invited to be part of the manager, building owner, or legal counsel. you do not have a
problem-solving process and become Management should attempt to be factual health and safety
better educated about IAQ and building and to the point when presenting informa- committee, consider
operations. Building managers may be tion such as:
forming one, or
understandably reluctant to share test ■ the definition of the complaint area
establishing a joint
results or consultants’ reports with their based upon the location and distribution
tenants or employees, but secrecy in such management-tenant
of complaints (this may be revised as the
matters can backfire if information leaks investigation progresses) IAQ task force.
out at a later time. ■ the progress of the investigation,
Building management staff can be including the types of information that
encouraged to talk directly with occupants are being gathered and ways that
both at the time a complaint occurs and occupants can help
later during a diagnostic investigation. ■ factors that have been evaluated and
Their observations about patterns of found not to be causing or contributing
symptoms or building conditions may to the problem
provide helpful information. ■ how long the investigation might take
Confidentiality of records can be ■ attempts that are being made to improve
important to occupants, especially if they indoor air quality
are concerned that IAQ complaints will ■ work that remains to be done and the
lead to negative reactions from their schedule for its completion
employers. There may be legal penalties
Vague discomfort, intermittent symp-
for violating confidentiality of medical
toms, and complex interactions of job
records. By reassuring occupants that
stress with environmental factors, which
privacy will be respected, investigators are
make IAQ problems difficult to investi-
more likely to obtain honest and complete
gate, can also obscure the effects of
information.
mitigation efforts. Even after the proper
It is advisable to explain the nature of
mitigation strategy is in place, it may take
investigative activities, so that rumors and
days or weeks for contaminants to dissi-
suspicions can be countered with factual
pate and symptoms to disappear. If
information. Notices or memoranda can
building occupants are informed that their
be delivered directly to selected occupants
symptoms may persist for some time after
or posted in general use areas. Newsletter
mitigation, the inability to bring instant
articles or other established communica-
relief is less likely to be seen as a failure.
tion channels can also be used to keep
building occupants up-to-date.
Preventing
IAQ Problems
PREVENTING IAQ
PROBLEMS
Developing an IAQ Profile
An IAQ profile is a description of the

features of the building structure, function,
and occupancy that impact indoor air
quality. When you have completed the
IAQ profile, you should have an under-
standing of the current status of air quality
After reading this manual to develop a
feel for the issues involved in maintaining
good indoor air quality in a building, the
development of an IAQ profile should
become a priority. The process of
developing an IAQ profile should require
4
in the building and baseline information on only a modest effort, from a few days to a
the factors that have a potential for causing few weeks of staff time, depending on the
problems in the future. complexity of your building and the
The IAQ profile can help building amount of detailed information collected.
management to identify potential problem The work can be done in pieces over a
areas and prioritize budgets for mainte- longer period, if necessary, to fit into a
nance and future modifications. Combined building manager’s busy schedule.
with information on lighting, security, and Over time, it is desirable to make some
other important systems, it can become an actual measurements of airflow, tempera-
owner’s manual that is specific to your ture, relative humidity, carbon dioxide
building and that will serve as a reference (CO2), and/or pressure differentials (e.g., in
in a variety of situations. each of the air handling zones or other sub-
The key questions to answer while areas of the building). These measure-
developing the IAQ profile are: ments provide far better information on
■ How was this building originally current conditions than can be obtained
intended to function? Consider the from the plans and specifications, even if
building components and furnishings, as-built records are available.
mechanical equipment (HVAC and non- In addition, few buildings have been
HVAC), and the occupant population adequately commissioned, so the system
and associated activities. may never have delivered the airflows
■ Is the building functioning as designed? shown on the design drawings. In the
Find out whether it was commissioned. event of litigation around future IAQ
Compare the information from the complaints, the value of the IAQ profile as
commissioning to its current condition. a resource document will be enhanced by
■ What changes in building layout and use real-world measurements. (Refer to
have occurred since the original design Appendix G and the ASHRAE standard on
and construction? Find out if the HVAC commissioning. The EPA document on
system has been reset and retested designing for good indoor air quality,
to reflect current usage. which is due to be published in 1992, will
■ What changes may be needed to prevent contain a more complete discussion of the
IAQ problems from developing in the process of commissioning buildings.)
future? Consider potential changes in
future uses of the building.
Developing an IAQ Profile 19

FIGURE 4-1: Developing an IAQ
Profile SKILLS REQUIRED TO CREATE
AN IAQ PROFILE
START
Many of the resources necessary for the
PRODUCTS IAQ profile should already be on hand
▼ within your organization. Additional
1. Collect and ■ Description of HVAC system
information can be collected by the staff
Review Existing design and operation; set of person or persons who have the following
Records operating instructions, manuals skills:
Review design, ■ Set of maintenance and calibration ■ basic understanding of HVAC system
construction and records
operating documents operating principles
■ Inventory of locations where
Check HVAC mainte- occupancy, equipment, or building ■ ability to read architectural and mechani-
nance records against have changed cal plans and understandmanufacturer’s
equipment lists
■ Inventory of complaint locations catalog data on equipment
Review complaint
record
■ ability to identify items of office
■ List of responsible staff and/or equipment
contractors; evidence of training; ■ ability to work cooperatively with
job descriptions
building occupants and gather informa-
▼ ■ Identification of areas where
positive or negative pressures tion about space usage
2. Conduct a should be maintained (sketch ■ ability to collect information about
Walkthrough plan)
HVAC system operation, equipment
Inspection of the ■ Record of locations that need
Building monitoring or correction
condition, and maintenance schedules
■ authority to collect information from
Talk with staff and
other occupants subcontractors about work schedules
■ Inventory of HVAC system
Look for IAQ problem components needing repair, and materials used (particularly cleaning
adjustment or replacement and pest control activities)
■ Record of control settings and ■ ability to understand the practical
operating schedules
meaning of the information contained in
■ Completed plan showing airflow
directions or pressure differen-
the Material Safety Data Sheets
▼ tials in significant areas (MSDSs)
3. Collect Detailed ■ Inventory of significant If direct measurements are to be
Information pollutant sources and their
included in the IAQ profile, the staff
locations
HVAC system ■ Set of Material Safety Data
should have the tools and training to make
condition and Sheets for supplies and the following measurements (see Appendix
operation hazardous substances that are A for guidance on air sampling):
Pollutant pathways stored or used in the building
■ air volumes at supply diffusers and
Pollutant sources ■ Zone/Room Record
exhaust grilles
Occupants ■ CO2 concentration
■ temperature
▼
■ relative humidity
Did ■ pressure differentials
Yes you find
■ assessment of thermal and ventilation
Go to Section 6 any IAQ
problems load requirements
?
Section 8 provides guidance on hiring
No IAQ professionals if you prefer to use
▼ ▼ outside expertise to develop your IAQ
Develop an IAQ management plan (see Section 5) profile.
20 Section 4
STEPS IN AN IAQ PROFILE PRODUCTS OF THE REVIEW OF EXISTING RECORDS
The information needed for an IAQ profile ■ a description of the HVAC system design and operation
is similar to that which is collected when (e.g., original plans and specifications with changes indi-
solving indoor air quality problems, but cated or new sketch plans and notes, commisioning reports,
includes the entire building rather than testing and balancing reports)
focusing on areas that may have caused an ■ a set of operating instructions, maintenance and calibra-
tion records for HVAC system components (e.g., fans,
identified problem. The IAQ profile
dampers, filters, chillers, boilers, and control systems)
should be an organized body of records
■ an inventory of locations where architectural or engineering
that can be referred to in planning for
modifications have taken place
renovations, negotiating leases and
■ an inventory of locations in which current occupancy or
contracts, or responding to future com- HVAC system operation represents a change from the
plaints. original design
The process of gathering information ■ an inventory of locations where complaints have been
for the IAQ profile can be divided into common in the past
three major stages:
1. Collect and review existing records.
2. Conduct a walkthrough inspection of drawings. If there are no operating or
the building. maintenance manuals for HVAC equip-
3. Collect detailed information on the ment, it is difficult for staff to carry out an
HVAC system, pollutant pathways, adequate preventive maintenance program.
pollutant sources, and building Study the original architectural and
occupancy. mechanical design so that you understand
The first two stages should be carried the building’s layout and intended func-
out as quickly as possible, but the third tions. Identify and note locations in which
stage can be handled as time allows so that changes in equipment or room usage create
it does not interfere with other staff a potential for indoor air quality problems
responsibilities. and give them special attention during the
walkthrough inspection.
1. Collect and Review Existing Items of interest and the questions they
Records suggest could include the following:
Review construction and operating Commissioning reports

documents ■ Was the building properly commissioned
when it was first constructed, including
Collect any available documents that
testing and balancing of the HVAC
describe the construction and operation of
system?
the building: architectural and mechanical
plans, specifications, submittals, sheet Operating manuals
metal drawings, commissioning reports, ■ Do staff members understand how the
adjusting and balancing reports, inspection HVAC equipment is intended to operate?
records, and operating manuals. Many
buildings may lack some or all of these Remodeled areas
documents. If there are no commissioning ■ Has the HVAC system layout been
reports or balancing reports, actual venti- changed to accommodate new walls,
lation quantities may be quite different rearranged partitions, or similar architec-
from those indicated on mechanical design tural modifications?

Addition, removal, or replacement of has been installed in inaccessible or out-of-
HVAC equipment the-way locations is frequently overlooked
■ Where the original equipment has been during routine maintenance. This is
replaced, do the newer units have the particularly true of items such as filter
same capacity as the originals? boxes and small capacity exhaust fans.
■ Has new equipment been properly
installed and tested? Where equipment Review records of complaints
has been removed, is it is no longer If there is an organized record of past
needed? occupant complaints about the building
Changes in room use environment, review those complaints to
■ Is there a need for additional ventilation
identify building areas that deserve
(supply and/or exhaust) due to increased particular attention.
occupant population or new activities
within any area of the building? 2. Conduct a Walkthrough
■ Have new items of equipment (non-
Inspection of the Building
HVAC) been provided with local exhaust The intent of the walkthrough inspection is
where needed? Look for unusual types to acquire a good overview of occupant
or quantities of equipment such as copy activities and building functions and to
machines or computer terminals. look for IAQ problem indicators. No
specific forms are suggested for this stage
Check HVAC maintenance records of IAQ profile development. However,
against equipment lists the investigator should have a sketch plan
Collect your existing maintenance and of the building, such as a small floor plan
calibration records and check them against showing fire exit, so that his or her notes
the construction documents (e.g., equip- can be referenced to specific locations.
ment lists and mechanical plans). See Detailed measurements of temperature,
whether all components appear to be humidity, airflow, or other parameters are
receiving regular attention. Equipment that more appropriate to a later stage of profile
development. However, chemical smoke
can be used to observe airflow patterns and
PRODUCTS OF THE WALKTHROUGH INSPECTION pressure relationships between special use
areas or other identified pollutant sources
At the end of the walkthrough inspection, you should have: and surrounding rooms. Odors in inappro-
priate locations (e.g., kitchen odors in a
■ List of staff (and contractors) with responsibilities that could affect
lobby) may indicate that ventilation system
IAQ, including contact information:
components require adjustment or repair.
names, telephone numbers job descriptions
• (See Appendix A for further discussion of
notes on training and experience of building staff
• the use of chemical smoke.)
■ Notes on the schedules and procedures used in: The value of IAQ ventilation measure-
•
facilities operation and maintenance ment tools to your operation will grow as
•
housekeeping you become more familiar with handling
•
pest control indoor air quality concerns. For example,
if you do not own a direct-reading carbon
■ Sketch plan with notes showing:
dioxide monitor, it is not necessary to
•
pressure relationships between special use areas and
acquire one for the IAQ profile. Those
surrounding rooms
who already have access to this type of
•
locations in which general indicators of IAQ problems show
instrument can take readings during the
the need for close monitoring or corrective action
walkthrough as a way to obtain baseline
22 Section 4
information about normal operating
conditions or identify problem locations.
If you begin to suspect that underventila-
tion is a consistent problem, you may
decide that it would be helpful to obtain
more ventilation monitoring equipment.
(See Appendix A for further discussion of
carbon dioxide and other ventilation
measurements.)
Talk with staff and other occupants

A walkthrough inspection provides an
opportunity to introduce facility staff and
other building occupants to the topic of
indoor air quality and to understand current
staff (and contractor) responsibilities in
relation to housekeeping and maintenance
activities. Advance notice of the inspec-
tion will make it seem less intrusive and
may encourage staff and other occupants to
remember important information.
Discussion of routine activities in the
building will help to clarify elements that
should be included in the IAQ manage-
■ trash storage and schedule of refuse Maintenance is more likely to
ment plan. Ask staff members about their be performed on a routine
job responsibilities, training and experi- removal basis when there is good
ence. It will be helpful to meet with ■ use and storage of chemicals access to HVAC equipment
such as that shown in this
responsible staff and contractors to Pest control photo.
discuss:
■ schedule and location of pesticide
Facility operation and maintenance applications
(e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electric, interior ■ use and storage of chemicals
maintenance) ■ pest control activities other than use of
■ HVAC operating schedule (e.g., occu- pesticides
pied/unoccupied cycles)
■ HVAC maintenance schedule (e.g., filter
Look for IAQ problem indicators
changes, drain pan maintenance) The walkthrough inspection can be used to
■ use and storage of chemicals identify areas with a high potential for IAQ
■ schedule of shipping and receiving, problems. The following are general
handling of vehicles at loading dock indicators of IAQ problems:
■ scheduling and other procedures for
■ odors
isolating odors, dust, and emissions from
■ dirty or unsanitary conditions (e.g.,
painting, roof repair, and other contami-
excessive dust)
nant-producing activities
■ visible fungal growth or moldy odors
■ budgeting (i.e., how do staff members
(often associated with problem of too
influence budget decisions?)
much moisture)
Housekeeping
■ sanitary conditions at equipment such as
■ cleaning schedule drain pans and cooling towers

Inadequate maintenance: Look for leaks
of oil, water, or refrigerants around HVAC
equipment. Also be aware of signals such
as unreplaced burned-out light bulbs in fan
chambers and staff members who have
difficulty locating specific pieces of
equipment. Dry drain traps can also cause
indoor air quality problems. If traps are
not kept charged with liquid, they could be
allowing sewer gas to enter occupied
spaces.
Signs of occupant discomfort: Notice
uneven temperatures, persistent odors
(including tobacco smoke), drafts, sensa-
tions of stuffiness. You may find that
occupants are attempting to compensate
for an HVAC system that doesn’t meet
their needs. Look for propped-open
corridor doors, blocked or taped up
diffusers, popped-up ceiling tiles, people
using individual fans/ heaters or wearing
heavier (or lighter) clothing than normal.
Overcrowding: Future occupant density is
estimated when the ventilation system for a
Building occupants who are ■ sanitary conditions in equipment such as building is designed. When the actual
uncomfortable may try to drain pans and cooling towers number of occupants approaches or
improve the situation by
themselves. The small fans
■ poorly-maintained filters exceeds this occupant design capacity,
shown above indicate an air ■ signs of mold or moisture damage at managers may find that IAQ complaints
circulation or thermal walls (e.g., below windows, at columns, increase. At that point, the outdoor air
discomfort problem. The irony at exterior corners), ceilings, and floors ventilation rate will have to be increased.
of this situation is that the fan
motors add heat to the air. ■ staining and discoloration (Note: Make However, the ventilation and cooling
sure that stains are removed after leaks systems may not have sufficient capacity
are repaired so that there will be visible to handle the increased loads from the
evidence if the leak recurs.) current use of the space.
■ smoke damage (Note: If a fire has
Blocked airflow: Check for under-
occurred involving electrical equipment,
ventilation caused by obstructed vents,
determine whether PCBs (polychlori-
faulty dampers or other HVAC system
nated biphenyls) may have been released
malfunctions, or from problems within the
from the equipment.)
occupied space. Furniture, papers, or other
■ presence of hazardous substances
materials can interfere with air movement
■ potential for soil gas entry (e.g., unsealed
around thermostats or block airflow from
openings to earth, wet earth smells)
wall or floor-mounted registers. If office
■ unsanitary mechanical room, or trash or
cubicles are used, a small space (i.e., two
stored chemicals in mechanical room
to four inches) between the bottom of the
■ unusual noises from light fixtures or
partitions and the floor may improve air
mechanical equipment
circulation.
In addition to these general indications,
Ceiling plenums: Lift a ceiling tile and
some common problems deserve mention:
examine the plenum for potential prob-
24 Section 4
lems. Walls or full-height partitions that
extend to the floor above can obstruct or
divert air movement in ceiling plenums PRODUCTS OF COLLECTING DETAILED INFORMATION
unless transfer grilles have been provided. ■ an inventory of HVAC system components that need to be
If fire dampers have been installed to repaired, adjusted, or replaced
allow air circulation through walls or ■ a current record of control settings and operating schedules
partitions, confirm that the dampers are ■ a floor plan of the building showing airflow directions or
pressure differentials around areas intended to run positive or negative
open. Construction debris and damaged or (e.g., special use areas)
loose material in the plenum area may ■ an inventory of pollutant sources and their locations
become covered with dust and can release ■ Material Safety Data Sheets for products used or stored within
particles and fibers. the building
■ a record of usage for each zone or room, including the source of outside
Heat sources: Be aware of areas that air and the presence of local exhaust (if any)
contain unusual types or quantities of
equipment such as copy machines or
computer terminals. Also look for
instances of over-illumination. High
concentrations of electrical fixtures and
equipment can overwhelm the ventilation
and cooling systems.
Special use areas: Confirm that the
HVAC system maintains appropriate
pressure relationships to isolate and
contain odors and contaminants in mixed-
use buildings and around special use areas.
Examples of special use areas include
attached parking garages, loading docks,
print shops, smoking lounges, janitorial
closets, storage areas, and kitchens.
Improperly located vents, exhausts and
air intakes: Check the outdoor air intakes
to see whether they are located near
contaminant sources (e.g., plumbing vents,
exhaust outlets, dumpsters, loading docks,
Collect Detailed Information Occupants or staff sometimes
or other locations where vehicles idle). open ceiling tiles into return
The collection of detailed information for plenums when attempting to
Unsanitary mechanical rooms: See if the
the IAQ profile can be handled as time is eliminate odors. Building
space containing the HVAC system is managers should be alert to
available. Areas that have been identified
clean and dry. Examples of problems such signs of occupant
as presenting potential IAQ problems
include: cleaning or other maintenance dissatisfaction in order to
should be given the highest priority. You
supplies stored in mechanical room; dust remedy the original problem
may want to review Section 2 for back- and prevent additional
and dirt buildup on floors and equipment;
ground information on the factors that problems, such as the short-
moisture in mechanical room because of
contribute to indoor air quality. circuiting of supply air.
inadequate insulation, lack of conditioned
air, or failure to provide for air movement. Inspect HVAC system condition and
Unsanitary conditions in the mechanical operation
room are particularly a problem if Use your current maintenance records in
unducted return air is dumped into and combination with one or both of the
circulated through the mechanical room. HVAC Checklists to inspect HVAC

equipment and make sure that it is in good
Sample Form operating condition. A portion of the
HVAC Checklist - Short Form is shown
HVAC Checklist — Short Form
on this page, with the entire form repro-
Mechanical Room duced in Tab V. The HVAC Checklist -
Long Form (also reproduced in Tab V) is
■ Clean and dry? recommended where a more detailed
examination is needed. You may want to
(describe items in need of attention)
create a new form incorporating elements
■ Stored refuse or chemicals? from your existing inspection forms.
Identify items of equipment that need to
Mechanical Equipment be repaired, adjusted, or replaced. Record
control settings and operating schedules for
■ Preventative maintenance (PM) plan in use? HVAC equipment for comparison to
Control System Type occupancy schedules and current uses of
space.
■ System operation Inventory pollutant pathways
Using the sketch plan of the building
that was begun during the walkthrough
inspection, indicate architectural connec-
Sample Form tions (e.g., chases) and mechanical connec-
tions (e.g., ductwork, temperature control
Pollutant Pathway Record For IAQ Profile
zones). Observe and record airflow
Building Area Use Intended Pressure Needs
between spaces intended to run positive or
(zone, room) Positive Negative Attention? Comments negative and the areas that surround them
(+) (-) (Y/N) (including airflow between perimeter
rooms and outdoors). Note that hidden
pathways such as chases may travel both
vertically and horizontally and transport
pollutants over long distances. Record the
results on the Pollutant Pathway Record
for IAQ Profiles, the sketch plan, or both.
The form is shown at the left (and in Tab
V), and a sample sketch plan is shown on
the opposite page.
Inventory pollutant sources
Use the Pollutant and Source
Inventory (shown in part on page 28 and
reproduced in full in Tab V) to record
potential pollutant sources in the building.
SEE As you fill out the inventory form, note the
COMPLETE locations of major sources. Major sources
FORMS
such as large items of equipment can be
PAGES 97
AND 81 recorded on the floor plan. The Chemical
Inventory Form (shown on page 28 and
reproduced in Tab V) can be used to record
the names and locations of chemicals or
hazardous substances used or stored within
26 Section 4
the building, such as those that may be
Sample Form contained in cleaning materials, biocides,
Pollutant and Source Inventory Form paints, caulks, and adhesives. Ask your
suppliers to provide you with Material
Using the list of potential source categories below, record any Safety Data Sheets.
indications of contamination or suspected pollutants that may require You may be unaware of the potential
further investigation or treatment. hazards of some materials that are com-
monly used in public and commercial
Source Category Checked Needs Attention Location Comments buildings. For example:
■ In 1990, EPA eliminated the sale of
SOURCES OUTSIDE THE BUILDING
mercury-containing interior latex paint.
Contaminated Ambient Air (Enamel paints do not contain mercury.)
Pollen, dust People are urged not to use exterior latex
Industrial
paint indoors, as it may contain mercury.
contaminants
General vehicular
If you have paint in storage that may
contaminants have been manufactured before August
20, 1990, you may contact the manufac-
turer, the National Pesticide Telecommu-
nication Network (1-800-858-7378), or
your State Health
Sample Form
Department for guidance.
Chemical Inventory Form
■ In 1990, EPA banned the use of
hexavalent chromium chemicals in

The inventory should include chemicals stored or used in the building cooling towers, because the chemicals
for cleaning, maintenance, operations, and pest control. If you have an have been shown to be carcinogenic.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the chemical, put a check mark
■ Heating system steam should not be used
in the right-hand column. If not, ask the chemical supplier to provide
the MSDS, if one is available. in the HVAC humidification system, as
it may contain potentially harmful
chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors.
Date Chemical/ Use Storage MSDS
Brand Name Location(s) on File? Collect information on building occu-
pancy
The Zone/Room Record shown on the
following page (and also reproduced in
Tab V) can be used during IAQ profile
development to maintain an up-to-date
record of the way each area of the building
is used, its source of outdoor air, and
whether or not it is equipped with local
exhaust. If underventilation is suspected,
the form can be used to estimate ventila-
tion rates in cubic feet per minute per
SEE person or per square foot floor area, for
COMPLETE comparison to guidelines such as design
FORMS
PAGES 119 documents, applicable building codes, or
AND 127 the recommendations of ASHRAE 62-
1989 (see the table that is reproduced in
Appendix B).
28 Section 4
Sample Form
Zone/Room Record
This form is to be used differently depending on whether the goal is to prevent or diagnose IAQ problems.
During development of a profile, this form should be used to record more general information about the entire
building; during an investigation, the form should be used to record more detailed information about the
complaint area and areas surrounding the complaint area or connected to it by pathways.
PROFILE AND DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION ONLY
Building Area Use** Source of Mechanical Comments Peak Number of Total Air Outdoor Air
(Zone/Room) Outdoor Air* Exhaust? Occupants or Supplied Supplied
(Write “No” Sq. Ft. Floor Area** (in cfm)*** per Person or
or estimate per 150 sq.
cfm airflow) Ft. Area****
Underventilation problems can occur

even in areas where ventilation rates SEE
apparently meet ASHRAE guidelines; COMPLETE
proper distribution and mixing of supply FORM
PAGE 177
air with room air are also essential for
good ventilation.
If the information collected as you
develop the IAQ profile indicates that you
have one or more IAQ problems, Sections
6-8 provide guidance to help you deal with
them. If you need to prioritize these prob-
lems, consider the apparent seriousness of
their consequences. For example, combus-
tion gas odors demand a more rapid
respons than thermostats that are out of
calibration.

Managing Buildings for Good IAQ
The relationships among building

owners, management, staff, and occupants
are an important factor in decisions that
affect indoor air quality. The objectives of
the major players in these relationships
may be very different. Occupants want the
■ keep interior of equipment and ductwork
clean and dry
Oversee activities of staff, tenants, contrac-
tors, and other building occupants that
impact indoor air quality
■ smoking
5
IAQ management
systems will only be
building to be pleasant, safe, and attractive; ■ housekeeping
if they are paying tenants, they also want successful if they are
■ building maintenance
to get the maximum use out of the space organized to fit your
■ shipping and receiving
they rent for the least cost. Building ■ pest control
specific building.
owners and management want to maintain ■ food preparation and other special uses
a reputation for providing quality property
Maintain communications with occupants
at reasonable cost, but also need to derive a
so that management will be informed of
profit. Facility staff are often caught in the
complaints about the indoor environment
middle, trying to control operating and
in a timely way
maintenance costs while still keeping
■ identify building management and staff
occupants satisfied.
Regardless of the points on which they with IAQ responsibilities
■ use health and safety committees
may disagree, building occupants, staff,
and management share the goal of provid- Educate staff, occupants, and contractors
ing a healthy indoor environment. Recog- about their responsibilities in relation to
nition of this common goal may help avoid indoor air quality
conflict when discussing IAQ-related ■ staff training
policies. ■ lease arrangements
Any IAQ management system will be ■ contracts
successful only if it is organized to fit your Identify aspects of planned projects that
specific building. It would not be appropri- could affect indoor air quality and
ate for this document to prescribe any manage projects so that good air quality
single approach. However, the skills is maintained
associated with IAQ management activities ■ redecorating, renovation, or remodeling
will be identified to help building manage- ■ relocation of personnel or functions
ment decide who will be best able to carry within the building
them out. Education and training programs ■ new construction
for staff and building occupants should be
provided to ensure that new procedures are DEVELOPING AN IAQ
understood and adopted. MANAGEMENT PLAN
Managing a building for good indoor air
quality involves reviewing and amending The chart on page 32 shows the elements
current practice (and establishing new of an IAQ management plan. Develop-
procedures, if necessary) to: ment of the management plan involves
reviewing and revising staff responsibili-
Operate and maintain HVAC equipment
ties so that IAQ considerations become
■ keep all equipment and controls in proper
incorporated into routine procedures.
working order
Managing Buildings for Good IAQ 31

Organizations may assign responsibility for Use the IAQ profile and other available
operations, recordkeeping, purchasing, information to:
communications, planning, and policy- ■ evaluate the design, operation, and usage
making in many different ways. However, of the building

the key elements of good IAQ management ■ identify potential IAQ problem locations
remain the same: ■ identify staff and contractors whose
Reach an understanding of the funda- activities affect indoor air quality

mental influences that affect indoor air Review and revise staff responsibilities to
quality in your building by: ensure that responsibilities that may affect
■ becoming familiar with literature on IAQ indoor air quality are clearly assigned. In
■ keeping abreast of new information addition, establish lines of communication
for sharing information pertaining to:
Select an IAQ manager with:
■ equipment in need of repair or
■ clearly defined responsibilities
replacement
■ adequate authority and resources
■ plans to remodel, renovate, or redecorate
■ new uses of building space or increases in
FIGURE 5-1: Developing an IAQ Management Plan occupant population

■ installation of new equipment
Review standard procedures and make

START necessary revisions to promote good
indoor air quality, such as:
Facilities Operation
▼ ■ terms of contracts (e.g., pest control,
and Maintenance
Select an IAQ Manager leases)
■ scheduling of activities that produce dust,
emissions, odors
▼ Housekeeping ■ scheduling of equipment operation,
Review IAQ Profile inspection, and maintenance

and Existing Records ■ specifications for supplies (e.g., cleaning
products, construction materials, furnish-

Pest Control ings)
▼ ■ policy regarding tobacco smoking within
Assign Staff the building
Responsibilities/Train Staff
Review the existing recordkeeping system
Tenant Relations
and make necessary revisions to:
■ establish a system for logging IAQ-
related complaints
■ obtain Material Safety Data Sheets for
Renovation
Redecorating hazardous materials used and stored in the
Remodeling building
Educate building staff, occupants, and
contractors about their influence on
indoor air quality by:
Smoking
■ establishing a health and safety committee
■ instituting training programs as needed
32 Section 5
IAQ problems may occur even in
buildings whose owners and managers PRODUCTS OF THE REVIEW OF THE IAQ PROFILE
conscientiously apply the best available AND OTHER EXISTING RECORDS
information to avoid such problems.
■ a priority list of locations and activities within the building that will
Those who can demonstrate their ongoing require special attention in order to prevent indoor air quality problems
efforts to provide a safe indoor environ- ■ a list of staff and contractors whose responsibilities need to be
ment are in a strong legal and ethical included in the IAQ management plan
position if problems do arise.
Select an IAQ Manager

IAQ management will be facilitated if one Review IAQ Profile and Other
individual is given overall responsibility Existing Records
for IAQ. Whether or not this person is If the IAQ manager was not actively
given the title of “IAQ Manager,” he or involved in developing the IAQ profile,
she should have a good understanding of one of the first tasks will be to review the
the building’s structure and function and profile carefully. The manager can start by
should be able to communicate with also identifying building locations with a
tenants, facility personnel, and building potential for IAQ problems, staff and
owners or their representatives about IAQ contractors whose activities impact indoor
issues. air quality, and other building occupants
The IAQ manager’s ongoing responsi- whose activities impact indoor air quality.
bilities might include: IAQ management will
In addition to information from the IAQ
■ developing the IAQ profile profile, it may be helpful to review lease be facilitated if one
■ overseeing the adoption of new forms and other contractual agreements for individual is given
procedures an understanding of the respective legal overall responsibility
■ establishing a system for communicating responsibilities of the building manage- for IAQ.
with occupants about IAQ issues ment, tenants, and contractors. Incorpora-
■ coordinating staff efforts that affect tion of IAQ concerns into legal documents
indoor air quality, and making sure that helps to ensure the use of proper materials
staff have the information (e.g., operat- and procedures by contractors and can help
ing manuals, training) and authority to to limit the load placed on ventilation
carry out their responsibilities equipment by occupant activities.
■ reviewing all major projects in the
building for their IAQ implications Assign Responsibilities/

■ reviewing contracts and negotiating with Train Staff
contractors (e.g., cleaning services, pest
control contractors) whose routine The assignment of responsibilities varies
activities in the building could create widely between organizations, depending
IAQ problems upon the routine activities to be carried out
■ periodically inspecting the building for
and the capabilities of the available
indicators of IAQ problems personnel. It would not be appropriate for
■ managing IAQ-related records
this document to suggest how IAQ-related
■ responding to complaints or observations
responsibilities should be allocated in your
regarding potential IAQ problems organization. For example, issues of
■ conducting an initial walkthrough
access in buildings with tenant-occupied
investigation of any IAQ complaints space highlight the need for cooperation
between building managers and the

tenants’ office managers. The building Using information from the IAQ
staff may be limited in its access to tenant profile, the IAQ manager should work
spaces and tenants may not have access to with staff and contractors to ensure that
building operations areas such as mechani- building operations and planning processes
cal rooms, yet both tenants and building incorporate a concern for indoor air
management have responsibilities for quality. New procedures, recordkeeping
maintaining good indoor air quality. requirements, or staff training programs
Facility personnel are not generally may be needed. (Growing interest in IAQ
trained to think about IAQ issues as they is stimulating government agencies and
go about their work. Even though building private sector organizations to develop
staff may be observing events and condi- training programs. See Appendix G for
tions that would indicate potential prob- additional information.) The flow of
lems to an experienced IAQ investigator, information between the IAQ manager and
the staff member’s attention may be staff, occupants, and contractors is
directed elsewhere. As new practices are particularly important. Good indoor air
introduced to prevent indoor air quality quality requires prompt attention to
problems, an organized system of changing conditions that could cause IAQ
A clean mechanical room, recordkeeping will help those practices to problems, such as installation of new
free of tracked-in dirt and
stored chemicals, is an become part of routine operations and to equipment or furnishings, increases in
important element in the “flag” decisions that could affect IAQ occupant population, or new uses of
prevention of indoor air (e.g., renovations, new tenants). The best rooms.
quality problems. Airborne
results can be achieved by taking time to
contaminants in the Facility Operation and Maintenance
mechanical room can be think about the established channels of
drawn into ductwork through communication within your organization, Indoor air quality can be affected both
return air openings or so that new forms can be integrated into by the quality of maintenance and by the
unsealed seams in return materials and procedures used in operating
ducts and circulated decisionmaking with minimum disruption
throughout the building. of normal procedures. and maintaining the building components
including the HVAC system.
Facility staff who are familiar with
building systems in general and with the
features of their building in particular are
an important resource in preventing and
resolving indoor air quality problems.
Facility personnel can best respond to
indoor air quality concerns if they under-
stand how their activities affect indoor air
quality. It may be necessary to change
existing practices or introduce new
procedures in relation to:
Equipment operating schedules: Confirm
that the timing of occupied and unoccu-
pied cycles is compatible with actual
occupied periods, and that the building is
flushed by the ventilation system before
occupants arrive. ASHRAE 62-1989
provides guidance on lead and lag times
for HVAC equipment. In hot, humid
34 Section 5
climates, ventilation may be needed during their products. Components that are
long unoccupied periods to prevent mold exposed to water (e.g., drainage pans,
growth. coils, cooling towers, and humidifiers)
Control of odors and contaminants: require scrupulous maintenance to prevent
Maintain appropriate pressure relationships microbiological growth and the entry of
between building usage areas. Avoid undesired microbiologicals or chemicals
recirculating air from areas that are strong into the indoor airstream.
sources of contaminants (e.g., smoking HVAC inspections: Modify the HVAC
lounges, chemical storage areas, beauty Checklists (reproduced in Tab V) as
salons). Provide adequate local exhaust necessary so that they are appropriate for
for activities that produce odors, dust, or inspection of the specific equipment in
contaminants, or confine those activities to your building. Be thorough in conducting
locations that are maintained under these inspections. Items such as small Be thorough in
negative pressure (relative to adjacent exhaust fans may operate independently conducting HVAC
areas). For example, loading docks are a from the rest of the HVAC system and are inspections. Items
frequent source of combustion odors. often ignored during inspections. As such as small exhaust
Maintain the rooms surrounding loading equipment is added, removed, or replaced, fans may operate
docks under positive pressure to prevent document any changes in function,
independently from
vehicle exhaust from being drawn into the capacity, or operating schedule for future
reference. It may also be helpful to store the rest of the system
building. Make sure that paints, solvents,
and other chemicals are stored and handled equipment manuals and records of equip- and are often ignored
properly, with adequate (direct exhaust) ment operation and maintenance in the during inspections.
ventilation provided. If local filter traps same location as records of occupant
and adsorbents are used, they require complaints for easy comparison if IAQ
regular maintenance. Have vendors problems arise.
provide Material Safety Data Sheets Building maintenance schedules: Try
(MSDSs). to schedule maintenance activities that
Ventilation quantities: Compare outdoor interfere with HVAC operation or produce
air quantities to the building design goal odors and emissions (e.g., painting, roofing
and local and State building codes and operations) so that they occur when the
make adjustments as necessary. It is also building is unoccupied. Inform occupants
informative to see how your ventilation when such activities are scheduled and, if
rate compares to ASHRAE 62-1989, possible, use local ventilation to ensure
because that guideline was developed with that dust and odors are confined to the
the goal of preventing IAQ problems. work area.
(Note: Increasing ventilation quantities to Purchasing: Review the general informa-
meet ASHRAE guidelines may exceed the tion provided by MSDS and request
capacity of HVAC equipment to condition information from suppliers about the
the air.) chemical emissions of materials being
HVAC equipment maintenance sched- considered for purchase.
ules: Inspect all equipment regularly (per Note: At present there is no general
recommended maintenance schedule) to system for certifying or labeling low-
ensure that it is in good condition and is emission products nor is there a standard
operating as designed (i.e., as close to the procedure for building managers to use in
design setpoints for controls as possible). gathering emissions data on products they
Most equipment manufacturers provide are considering for purchase. Limited
recommended maintenance schedules for information on some materials such as

pressed-wood products is available, and
more may be expected in the future.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Public and private sector organizations are
An HVAC system requires adequate preventive maintenance (PM) and working to develop product testing
prompt attention to repairs in order to operate correctly and provide procedures for acceptance by such organi-
suitable comfort conditions and good indoor air quality. The HVAC zations as the American Society for
system operator(s) must have an adequate understanding of the overall
system design, its intended function, and its limitations. The preventive Testing and Materials (ASTM).
maintenance program must be properly budgeted and implemented, not Preventive maintenance management:
merely planned on paper.
Maintenance “indicators” are available to
A well-implemented PM plan will improve the functioning of the
mechanical systems and usually save money when evaluated on a life- help facility staff determine when routine
cycle basis. However, in some buildings, because of budgetary maintenance is required. For example, air
constraints, maintenance is put off until breakdowns occur or complaints filters are often neglected (sometimes due
arise, following the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” philosophy. This type of
to reasons such as difficult access) and fail
program represents a false economy and often increases the eventual
cost of repairs. to receive maintenance at proper intervals.
Poor filter maintenance is a common example of this phenomenon. Installation of an inexpensive manometer,
Filters that are not changed regularly can become a bed for fungal an instrument used to monitor the pressure
growth, sometimes allowing particles or microorganisms to be distrib- loss across a filter bank, can give an
uted within the building. When filters become clogged, the fans use
more energy to operate and move less air. If the filters are an inexpen- immediate indication of filter condition
sive, low-efficiency type that becomes clogged and then “blows out,” the without having to open the unit to visually
coils then accumulate dirt, causing another increase in energy con- observe the actual filter.
sumption. Poor air filter efficiency and poor maintenance may cause
dirt to build up in ducts and become contaminated with molds, possibly Computerized systems are available that
requiring an expensive duct cleaning operation. can prompt your staff to carry out mainte-
nance activities at the proper intervals.
General elements of a PM plan include:
Some of these programs can be connected
■ periodic inspection, cleaning, and service as warranted
■ adjustment and calibration of control system components to building equipment so that a signal is
■ maintenance equipment and replacement parts that are of good transmitted to your staff if a piece of
quality and properly selected for the intended function equipment malfunctions. Individual areas
Critical HVAC system components that require PM in order to can be monitored for temperature, air
maintain comfort and deliver adequate ventilation air include: movement, humidity, and carbon dioxide,
■ outdoor air intake opening and new sensors are constantly entering the
■ damper controls
market. These sensors can be programmed
■ air filters
■ drip pans to record data and to control multiple
■ cooling and heating coils elements of the HVAC system.
■ fan belts
■ humidification equipment and controls Housekeeping
■ distribution systems
Indoor air quality complaints can arise
■ exhaust fans
from inadequate housekeeping that fails to
Some private sector organizations have developed guidance on
preventive maintenance. (See discussion in Guidelines of Care remove dust and other dirt. On the other
Developed by Trade Associations on page 43.) hand, cleaning materials themselves
produce odors and emit a variety of
chemicals.
As they work throughout your building,
cleaning staff or contractors may be the
first to recognize and respond to potential
IAQ problems. Educate them about topics
such as the following:
36 Section 5
Cleaning schedules: Consider how A good preventive maintenance program
cleaning activities are scheduled. Manag- can help a facility manager identify and
correct problems before they occur. If this
ers may want to schedule the use of some fan belt breaks, the area served by the air
cleaning agents that introduce strong odors handling unit may be without ventilation. If
or contaminants during unoccupied it is slipping, it is already reducing the
airflow.
periods. However, make sure that fumes
from cleaning products are eliminated
before air handling systems switch to their
“unoccupied” cycles.
Purchasing: Become more familiar with
the chemicals in cleaning and maintenance
products and their potential toxicity.
Select the safest available materials that
can achieve your purpose. Review the
information provided by product labels
and Material Safety Data Sheets. Request
information from suppliers about the
chemical emissions of products being
considered for purchase.
Material handling and storage: Review
the use of cleaning materials to ensure
proper use and storage.
Trash disposal: Follow proper trash
disposal procedures. If there is a restau-
rant in the building, require daily pick-up
of perishable refuse. Ensure that the
containers are covered, pest control is
effective, and that the trash collection area
is cleaned at least daily.
Shipping and Receiving
Shipping and receiving areas can create
indoor air quality problems regardless of
the types of materials being handled.
Vehicle exhaust fumes can be minimized
by prohibiting idling at the loading dock.
This is particularly important if the loading
dock is located upwind of outdoor air
intake vents. You can also reduce drafts
and pollutant entry by pressurizing interior A termiticide misapplication resulted in an
spaces (e.g., corridors) and by keeping indoor air quality problem in this school.
doors closed when they are not in use. Detectable levels of chlordane were found
in both wipe (surface) and air samples near
the injection holes drilled into the ground
floor. Note the small white circles near the
wall. (Under an agreement with EPA,
manufacturers have withdrawn chlordane
from sale.) Proper application methods are
important for all pesticides.

If an outside contractor is used for pest
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT control, it is advisable to review the terms
of the contract and include IPM principles
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a coordinated approach to pest
where possible. The following items
control intended to prevent unacceptable levels of pests, while causing
the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment and deserve particular attention.
using the most cost-effective means. IPM uses a combination of tactics, Pest control schedule: Schedule pesticide
including sanitation, monitoring, habitat modification, and the judicious applications for unoccupied periods, if
application of pesticides when absolutely necessary.
possible, so that the affected area can be
IPM methods include: flushed with ventilation air before occu-
■ improved sanitation (e.g., removing food from desks, cleaning) pants return. Pesticides should only be
■ inspection and monitoring of pest population sites applied in targeted locations, with mini-
■ managing waste (e.g., keeping refuse in tight containers, locating
mum treatment of exposed surfaces. They
waste containers away from building if possible)
■ maintaining structures (e.g., fixing leaking pipes promptly,
should be used in strict conformance with
sealing cracks) manufacturers’ instructions and EPA
■ adding physical barriers to pest entry and movement (e.g., labels. General periodic spraying may not
screens for chimneys, doors, and windows; air curtains) be necessary. If occupants are to be
■ modifying habitats (e.g., removing clutter, relocating outside light
present, they should be notified prior to the
fixtures away from doors)
pesticide application. Particularly suscep-
■ using traps (e.g., light traps, snap traps, and glue boards)
■ using pesticides judiciously
tible individuals could develop serious
illness even though they are only mini-
An efficient IPM program will integrate pest management planning
mally exposed.
with preventive maintenance, housekeeping practices, landscaping,
occupant education, and staff training. Materials selection, handling, and
storage: Select pesticides that are species
specific and attempt to minimize toxicity
for humans and non-target species. Ask
Pest Control contractors or vendors to provide EPA
labels and MSDSs. Make sure that
Pest control activities that depend upon
pesticides are stored and handled properly
the use of pesticides involve the storage,
consistent with their EPA labels.
handling, and application of materials that
can have serious health effects. Common Ventilation of areas where pesticides are
construction, maintenance practices, and applied: If only limited areas of the
occupant activities provide pests with air, building are being treated, adjust the
moisture, food, warmth, and shelter. HVAC system so that it does not distribute
Caulking or plastering cracks, crevices, or contaminated air throughout the rest of the
holes to prevent harborage behind walls building. Consider using temporary
can often be more effective than pesticide exhaust systems to remove contaminants
application at reducing pest populations to during the work. It may be necessary to
a practical minimum. modify HVAC system operation during
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a and after pest control activities (e.g.,
low-cost approach to pest control based running air handling units on 100%
upon knowledge of the biology and outdoor air for some period of time or
behavior of pests. Adoption of an IPM running the system for several complete air
program can significantly reduce the need exchanges before occupants re-enter the
for pesticides by eliminating conditions treated space).
that provide attractive habitats for pests.
38 Section 5
MATERIAL SAFETY Under OSHA regulations, responsible parties are required to document information on
DATA SHEETS potentially hazardous products. These Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) may be of
limited help in identifying some products that may pose IAQ concerns. However, profes-
sional judgment and collection of additional information may be necessary in order to make
full use of the MSDS. The following table summarizes some of the issues to keep in mind
when deciding whether information from MSDSs is applicable to emission sources and
exposures of concern in a building.
Item Possible Uses Comments
Substances Covered ■ MSDSs may identify significant ■ MSDSs may not be available onsite for many
airborne contaminants products
■ some components are listed as proprietary

and are not disclosed
■ MSDSs do not always highlight products

most likely to be airborne
■ contaminant byproducts inadvertently

formed during manufacture won't always be
listed
Personal Protection/ ■ may suggest precautions for ■ usually relates only to high-level, worst-case
First Aid conducting source inspection exposures in general industry
Health Effects ■ generally presents types of health ■ symptoms listed may not occur at low-level
effects that may be expected primarily concentrations found in indoor air
at high level (e.g., industrial)
exposures ■ MSDSs may not include more subtle IAQ
aspects such as nuisance factors and
sensitivity to mixtures
Physical Data ■ odor description may help identify ■ reference material on how to use physical
sources data information to predict IAQ impacts
may be scarce
■ volatility may suggest which products
are likely to be airborne
■ contaminants to expect in event of a

fire or decomposition may be listed
■ reactivity data may suggest potential

problems with storage or use
Control Measures ■ identifies proper storage and packaging ■ many office chemicals are kept in much
procedures smaller amounts than found in industrial
settings
■ identifies steps for cleanup of gross
spills ■ spill cleanup may not eliminate airborne
contamination
■ does not specify routine emission controls
A reasonable effort should be made to collect available MSDSs during IAQ profile develop-
ment. Care should be taken to consider information that is relevant to IAQ concerns. Other
important indicators of how a particular product may affect IAQ are available from direct odor
and dust observations, a review of work practices and interviews with operators and occu-
pants. The manufacturer is a good source of follow-up information on a given product (phone
number should be included on each MSDS).

Close monitoring of renovation,
redecorating, and remodeling projects is
recommended. The following suggestions
may be helpful:
Working with professional consultants:
Communicate your concern about prevent-
ing indoor air quality problems to the
engineer, architect, interior designer, or
other professionals involved in the project.
Product selection: Specify products and
processes that minimize odors and emis-
sions, while maintaining adequate safety
and efficacy. Review the general informa-
tion provided by the product labels and
MSDSs. Request information from
suppliers about the chemical emissions of
products being considered for purchase.
It is important for building Occupant Relations
occupants to understand that Work schedules: Schedule activities that
their activities can create Managing occupant relations to prevent produce dust, odors, or emissions for
indoor air quality problems. IAQ problems involves: allocating space unoccupied periods if possible.
Smoking releases both and monitoring the use of building areas to
carcinogenic and irritating Isolation of work areas: Block off return
substances into the air.
isolate odor- and contaminant-producing
registers so that contaminants are not
activities and avoid re-entrainment; estab-
recirculated from the demolition/construc-
lishing a communication strategy that is
tion area into adjoining areas, and install
responsive to complaints and provides
temporary barriers to confine dust and
tenants with information about their role in
noise. If possible, install temporary local
preventing indoor air quality problems;
exhaust to remove odors and contaminants,
and modifying employee manuals or lease
and check to confirm that the temporary
agreements as necessary to clarify the
ventilation system is operating as planned.
responsibilities of occupants and building
management. A health and safety commit- Installation of new furnishings: Ask
tee or joint tenant-management IAQ task suppliers to store new furnishings in a
force that represents all of the major inter- clean, dry, ventilated location so that
est groups in the building can be very volatile organic compounds will be emitted
helpful in disseminating information and before installation. Minimize the use of
fostering a cooperative approach to IAQ adhesives during installation or specify
management. See Section 3 for a discus- low-emitting products. After new furnish-
sion of these points. ings are installed, increase the ventilation
rate to flush the area with outdoor air and
Renovation, Redecorating, and dilute emissions.
Remodeling
Smoking
Renovation, redecorating, and re-
modeling activities can create indoor air Although there are many potential
problems by producing dust, odors, micro- sources of indoor air pollution, both
biologicals and their spores, and emissions. research and field studies have shown that
It is difficult to prevent IAQ problems if environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is one
some building areas are undergoing reno- of the most widespread and harmful indoor
vation while adjoining areas continue air pollutants. Environmental tobacco
normal operations. smoke is a combination of sidestream
40 Section 5
smoke from the burning end of the
cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the exhaled
PRODUCTS OF THE ASSIGNMENT OF
mainstream smoke from the smoker. ETS
RESPONSIBILITIES AND REVIEW OF TRAINING
contains over 4,000 chemicals; 43 of
which are known animal or human ■ job descriptions and/or contracts, work procedures, and schedules
revised to reflect indoor air quality concerns
carcinogens. Many other chemicals in
ETS are tumor promoters, tumor initiators, ■ procedures for reviewing purchases of supplies, new projects,
contracts, and policies in relation to indoor air quality
co-carcinogens (i.e., chemicals that are
■ smoking policy revisions, if necessary
able to cause cancer when combined with
another substance), or cancer precursors ■ plans for educating occupants and training staff training in relation to
indoor air quality
(i.e., compounds that can make it easier to
form other carcinogenic chemicals).
In 1986, The Health Consequences of Smoking areas must be separately According to a 1986
Involuntary Smoking: A Report of the ventilated, negatively pressurized in report of the Surgeon
Surgeon General on Environmental relation to surrounding interior spaces, and
General, “the case
Tobacco Smoke concluded that ETS was a supplied with much more ventilation than
cause of lung cancer in healthy non- against involuntary
non-smoking areas. The NIOSH Bulletin
smokers and that “the scientific case also recommends that the air from the smoking is more than
against involuntary smoking as a public smoking area should be exhausted directly sufficient to justify
health risk is more than sufficient to justify outdoors and not recirculated within the appropriate remedial
appropriate remedial action, and the goal building or vented with the general exhaust action to protect the
of any remedial action must be to protect for the building. ASHRAE Standard 62- non-smoker from
the non-smoker from environmental 1989 recommends that smoking areas be
tobacco smoke.” In the same year, the environmental to-
supplied with 60 cubic feet per minute (60
National Research Council of the National cfm) per occupant of outdoor air; the bacco smoke.”
Academy of Sciences issued a report, standard also recognized that using transfer
Environmental Tobacco Smoke: Measur- air, which is pulled in from other parts of
ing Exposures and Assessing Health the building, to meet the standard is
Effects, which also concluded that passive common practice.
smoking increases the risk of lung cancer Both EPA and NIOSH advise that
in adults. building owners or facility managers
In June 1991, NIOSH issued a Current considering the introduction of smoking
Intelligence Bulletin (#54) on ETS in the restrictions should implement smoking
workplace that dealt with lung cancer and cessation programs. In addition, employ-
other health effects. In its Bulletin, ees and labor unions should be involved in
NIOSH concluded that the weight of the development of non-smoking policies
evidence is sufficient to conclude that ETS in the workplace.
can cause lung cancer in non-smokers (i.e., (Refer to Appendix G for citations on all
those who inhale ETS). It recommended the publications mentioned in this section.
that the preferable method to protect non- See especially NIOSH Current Intelligence
smokers is the elimination of smoking Bulletin (#54), Environmental Tobacco
indoors and that the alternative method is Smoke in the Workplace: Lung Cancer
to require that smoking be permitted only and Other Health Effects. Additional
in separately ventilated smoking areas. resources on ETS, including an assessment
The NIOSH Bulletin emphasized that of respiratory disorders in children and
provision of such isolated areas should be lung cancer risks in adults, and a guide to
viewed as an interim measure until ETS developing effective smoking policies, will
can be completely eliminated indoors. be available from EPA early in 1992.)

Sample Form
Management Checklist
Date Begun Location
or Completed Responsible Person ("NA" if the item is not
Item (as applicable) (name, telephone) applicable to this building)
IAQ PROFILE
Collect and Review

Existing Records
HVAC design data, operating instructions

and manuals
HVAC maintenance and calibration

records, testing and balancing reports
Inventory of locations where

occupancy, equipment, or building
use has changed
Inventory of complaint locations
Conduct a Walkthrough
List of responsible staff and/or

contractors, evidence of training,
and job descriptions
Identification of areas where positive or

negative pressure should be maintained
The IAQ Management Checklist shown

SEE in part here and included in full within Tab
COMPLETE V can be used to help confirm that you
have accounted for the major factors that
FORM
could cause IAQ problems in your
PAGE 171 building.
42 Section 5
GUIDELINES OF The following associations have developed guidelines of care that may have a direct or
CARE DEVELOPED indirect impact on indoor air quality. These standards are described below so that
building management may become aware of them. Neither EPA nor NIOSH endorse
BY TRADE these standards.
ASSOCIATIONS
Air Conditioning Technical Reference Bulletin Series. Indoor air quality is one of the topics covered
Contractors of in this series of technical bulletins on heating, ventilation and air conditioning
America (HVAC). Bulletins can be filed in the ACCA Technical Reference Notebook. The Air
(ACCA) Side Design tab of the notebook includes bulletins devoted to indoor air quality
control.
Air Conditioning and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment General Maintenance Guidelines for
Refrigeration Insti- Improving the Indoor Environment (1991). General maintenance requirements for
tute (ARI) heating ventilation, air conditioning,and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment.
Specific equipment/component maintenance is given for the following: air cleaning
systems; ducts; registers/diffusers and air terminals; dampers/economizers; drain pans;
air handlers; humidifiers; package terminal units; and evaporator, condenser, hydronic
and economizer coils. The guidelines do not supersede any maintenance instructions
that are provided by the manufacturer. In addition, the Institute has issued an Indoor Air
Quality Briefing Paper that addresses the interactions between HVACR equipment and
the quality of indoor air.
Associated Air National Standards for Testing and Balancing Heating,Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Balance Council Systems (1989). Establishes a minimum set of field testing and balancing standards and
(AABC) provides comprehensive and current data on testing and balancing HVAC systems.
Chapters receiving special attention include Cooling Tower Performance Tests, Sound
Measurements, Vibration Measurements, Fume Hoods, and AABC General Specifica-
tions. The book contains a complete index to the technical data provided.
National Procedural Standards for Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing of Environmental Systems
Environmental (1991). A “how-to” set of procedural standards that provide systematic methods for
Balancing Bureau testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of HVAC systems. Includes sections on TAB
(NEBB) instruments and calibration, report forms, sample specifications, and engineering tables
and charts. A valuable innovation is the “Systems Ready to Balance” start-up checklist
to help organize jobs systematically. Other features include: additional engineering data,
condensed duct design tables/charts, hydronic design tables/charts, and pertinent HVAC
equations in U.S. and metric units.
National Pest Control Good Practice Statements. Periodically updated, officially approved and adopted by the
Association Association’s Board of Directors, these “Good Practice Statements” are designed as
(NPCA) guidelines for performing various services rather than standards of operation. In
addition, the Association produces a self-study series for technicians that covers five
areas of pest control, management manuals, an encyclopedia of structural pest control,
a number of specific subject matter technical reference manuals, and a pamphlet series.
Sheet Metal and HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible (1985). Primarily for commer-
Air Conditioning cial and institutional work, this set of construction standards is a collection of material
Contractors’ National from earlier editions of SMACNA’s low-pressure, high-pressure, flexible duct, and duct
Association liner standards. In addition, SMACNA has published a manual entitled Indoor Air Quality
(SMACNA) that contains basic information on many aspects of indoor air quality and guidance on
conducting building evaluations and indoor air quality audits. Other related SMACNA
publications include HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Guide, HVAC Systems—Testing,
Adjusting and Balancing, and HVAC
Air Duct Leakage Test Manual.

Resolving
IAQ Problems
RESOLVING IAQ
PROBLEMS
Diagnosing IAQ Problems
The goal of the diagnostic building

investigation is to identify and solve the
indoor air quality complaint in a way that
prevents it from recurring and that does not
create other problems. This section
describes a method for discovering the
Start (reason for concern)
Initial walkthrough
■ preparation
■ visual inspection
▼
■ talk with occupants and staff

6
cause of the complaint and presents a ▼
“toolbox” of diagnostic activities to assist
Do you have Yes
you in collecting information. an explanation
Just as a carpenter uses only the tools for the complaint ?
that are needed for any given job, an IAQ
▼ No
investigator should use only the investiga-
Collect additional
tive techniques that are needed. Many information about
indoor air quality complaints can be ■ building occupants
■ the HVAC system
resolved without using all of the diagnostic ■ pollutant pathways
tools described in this chapter. For ■ pollutant sources
example, it may be easy to identify the (sample contaminants if needed)

source of cooking odors that are annoying ▼
nearby office workers and solve the Develop one or more hypotheses
problem by controlling pressure relation- to explain the problem. Test by
ships (e.g., installing exhaust fans) in the manipulating building conditions
or exposure, or by performing
food preparation area. Similarly, most appropriate tests.
mechanical or carpentry problems prob-
ably require only a few of the many tools ▼
▼
you have available and are easily accom-
No Do results Attempt Follow-up
plished with in-house expertise. Yes
support your a control validation
The use of in-house personnel builds hypothesis ? strategy
skills that will be helpful in minimizing
▼
and resolving future problems. On the
other hand, some jobs may be best handled Is the
by contractors who have specialized No problem Yes
knowledge and experience. In the same solved ?
way, diagnosing some indoor air quality

problems may require equipment and skills ▼
that are complex and unfamiliar. Your FIGURE 6-1: Make necessary
knowledge of your organization and Conducting an IAQ Investigation changes so that
the problem will
building operations will help in selecting Note: Outside assistance may be needed at any not recur.
point in the investigation, depending upon the
the right tools and deciding whether in- complexity of the problem, the skills available in- ▼
house personnel or outside professionals house, time pressures, or other factors.
Finish
should be used in responding to the
specific IAQ problem.
Diagnosing IAQ Problems 45

OVERVIEW: CONDUCTING AN tions of the IAQ complaint. Building
IAQ INVESTIGATION occupants and operating staff are often a
good source of ideas about the causes of
An IAQ investigation begins with one or
the problem. For example, they can
more reasons for concern, such as occu-
describe changes in the building that may
pant complaints. Some complaints can be
have occurred shortly before the IAQ
resolved very simply (e.g., by asking a few
problem was noticed (e.g., relocated
The IAQ investigation common sense questions of occupants and
partitions, new furniture or equipment).
is often a repetitive facility staff during the walkthrough). At
Hypothesis development is a process
the other extreme, some problems could
cycle of information- of identifying and narrowing down
require detailed testing by an experienced
gathering, hypothesis possibilities by comparing them with your
IAQ professional. In this section “the
formation, and investigator” refers to in-house staff
observations. Whenever a hypothesis
hypothesis testing. suggests itself, it is reasonable to pause
responsible for conducting the IAQ
and consider it. Is the hypothesis
investigation.
consistent with the facts collected so far?
The flowchart on page 45 shows that
You may be able to test your hypothesis
the IAQ investigation is a cycle of infor-
by modifying the HVAC system or
mation-gathering, hypothesis formation,
attempting to control the potential source
and hypothesis testing. The goal of the
or pollutant pathway to see whether you
investigation is to understand the IAQ
can relieve the symptoms or other condi-
problem well enough so that you can solve
tions in the building. If your hypothesis
it. Many IAQ problems have more than
successfully predicts the results of your
one cause and may respond to (or require)
manipulations, then you may be ready to
several corrective actions.
take corrective action. Sometimes it is
difficult or impossible to manipulate the
Initial Walkthrough
factors you think are causing the IAQ
An initial walkthrough of the problem area problem; in that case, you may be able to
provides information about all four of the test the hypothesis by trying to predict how
basic factors influencing indoor air quality building conditions will change over time
(occupants, HVAC system, pollutant (e.g., in response to extreme outdoor
pathways, and contaminant sources). The temperatures).
initial walkthrough may provide enough
information to resolve the problem. At the Collecting Additional
least, it will direct further investigation. Information
For example, if the complaint concerns an
If your hypothesis does not seem to be a
odor from an easily-identified source (e.g.,
good predictor of what is happening in the
cooking odors from a kitchen), you may
building, you probably need to collect
want to study pollutant pathways as a next
more information about the occupants,
step, rather than interviewing occupants
HVAC system, pollutant pathways, or
about their patterns of discomfort.
contaminant sources. Under some
circumstances, detailed or sophisticated
Developing and Testing
measurements of pollutant concentrations
Hypotheses
or ventilation quantities may be required.
As you develop an understanding of how Outside assistance may be needed if
the building functions, where pollutant repeated efforts fail to produce a successful
sources are located, and how pollutants hypothesis or if the information required
move within the building, you may think calls for instruments and procedures that
of many “hypotheses,” potential explana- are not available in-house.
46 Section 6
Results of the Investigation serious IAQ problem. You are best able to
make the judgment of when to bring in an
Analysis of the information collected
outside consultant. See Section 8 for a
during your IAQ investigation could
discussion of hiring professional assistance
produce any of the following results:
to solve an IAQ problem.
The apparent cause(s) of the complaint(s)
are identified. INITIAL WALKTHROUGH
Remedial action and follow-up evaluation An investigation may require one or many
will confirm whether the hypothesis is visits to the complaint area. The amount
correct. of preparatory work needed before the
Other IAQ problems are identified that initial walkthrough varies with the nature
are not related to the original complaints. and scope of the complaint and the
expertise of the investigator, among other
These problems (e.g., HVAC malfunc-
factors. For example, an in-house investi-
tions, strong pollutant sources) should be
gator who is already familiar with the
corrected when appropriate.
layout and mechanical system in the
A better understanding of potential IAQ building may begin responding to a
problems is needed in order to develop a complaint about discomfort by going
plan for corrective action. directly to the complaint area to check the
It may be necessary to collect more thermostat setting and see whether air is
detailed information and/or to expand the flowing from the supply outlets.
scope of the investigation to include If the investigator is not familiar with
building areas that were previously the building or is responding to complaints
overlooked. Outside assistance may be that suggest a serious health problem, more
needed. preparation may be needed before the
initial walkthrough. The activities listed
The cause of the original complaint
below can be directed at a localized
cannot be identified.
“problem area” or extended to include the
A thorough investigation has found no entire building:
deficiencies in HVAC design or operation
or in the control of pollutant sources, and Collect easily-available information about
there have been no further complaints. In the history of the building and of the
the absence of new complaints, the original complaints.
complaint may have been due to a single, Identify known HVAC zones and com-
unrepeated event or to causes not directly plaint areas.
related to IAQ. Begin to identify potential sources and
pollutants (e.g., special use areas near the
Using Outside Assistance complaint location). Having a copy of
Some indoor air quality problems may be mechanical and floor plans can be helpful
difficult or impossible for in-house at this stage, especially if they are
investigators to resolve. Special skills or reasonably up-to-date.
instruments may be needed. Other factors Notify the building occupants of the
can also be important, such as the benefit upcoming investigation.
of having an impartial outside opinion or
Tell them what it means and what to
the need to reduce potential liability from a
expect.

Identify key individuals needed for access to describe the operating schedule of
and information. equipment. Obvious problems (e.g.,
A person familiar with the HVAC systems blocked diffusers, malfunctioning air
in the building should be available to assist handlers) can be corrected to see if the
the investigator at any time during the complaints disappear. The walkthrough
onsite phase. Individuals who have can solve many routine IAQ problems and
complained or who are in charge of will suggest directions for a more complex
potential sources (e.g., housekeeping, non- investigation, should one be necessary.
HVAC equipment) should be aware that Some investigators avoid taking any
their information is important and should measurements during the initial walk-
be contacted for appointments or telephone through so that they are not distracted from
interviews if they will not be available “getting the big picture.” Others find that
during the onsite visit. using smoke sticks, digital thermometers,
This improvised catch basin The initial walkthrough provides an and direct reading CO2 meters or detector
is intended to collect water tubes to take occasional measurements
seeping into the building from opportunity to question complainants about
below grade. Although the the nature and timing of their symptoms helps them develop a feel for the building.
catch basin “solves” the prob- and to briefly examine the immediate area It may help to keep the following
lem of uncontrolled water questions in mind during the initial
leakage, it also provides an
of the complaint. The investigator
indoor location that could attempts to identify pollutant sources and walkthrough:
support the growth of types and observes the condition and Are there obvious pollutant sources? Do
microbiologicals and create layout of the HVAC system serving the
IAQ problems. they appear to be adequately controlled?
complaint area. Facility staff can be asked
■ Are pollutant indicators present, such as
odors, excessive dust, or staining?
■ Are there sanitation problems (e.g.,
debris near outdoor air intake, visible
mold growth, major water damage) that
could be introducing air contaminants?
■ Are there any conditions or activities
occurring in or near the building that
could be related in timing, location and
health effects to the complaints?
Are there any deficiencies in the HVAC
system that serves the complaint area?
■ Does equipment serving the area (e.g.,
thermostats, diffusers, fans, dampers,
filters) appear to be operating, clean, and
in good condition?
■ Do operating procedures exist, and does
the staff follow them?
■ Do records indicate that the system was
commissioned (set, tested, and balanced)
after construction?
■ Do records indicate that system compo-
nents are regularly inspected, calibrated,
and adjusted?
48 Section 6
Are there pathways and pressure differ- Forms and checklists such as the
ences which could be moving contami- samples provided in this document (modi-
nants into the complaint area from the fied if needed) can help investigators to
outdoors or from other parts of the record information in an organized way.
building? Small copies of basic floor plans, such as
fire evacuation plans, are convenient for
COLLECTING ADDITIONAL noting locations of observations.
INFORMATION Any instruments that will be used
should be inspected to make sure they are
Additional information will be needed if
in working order and calibrated. IAQ
the initial walkthrough does not identify
investigations generally include the use of,
the cause of the problem. The following
at a minimum: heatless chemical smoke
pages present techniques for collecting
devices and instruments for measuring
information about the occupant com-
temperature and humidity.
plaints, HVAC system, pollutant pathways,
Carbon dioxide measuring devices
and pollutant sources and using that
(detector tubes with a hand pump or a
information to develop a hypothesis that
direct reading meter) are helpful for most
could explain the problem. Common sense
investigations. Other instruments may be
will suggest the appropriate sequence of
needed as the investigation progresses.
steps during this part of the investigation.
See Appendix A for additional guidance on
For example, if the complaint is limited to
common IAQ measurements.
a single room, it makes sense to evaluate
pollutant pathways into that room before
Tools for Collecting Information
attempting to inventory sources in loca-
tions outside of, but connected to, the The following pages present strategies,
complaint area. On the other hand, if the tools, and forms for the investigator to use
complaint involves a recognizable odor during an in-depth investigation. The
(e.g., exhaust fumes), it may be more Incident Log shown below (and in Tab V) SEE
practical to begin by locating the potential can be used to track the course of an inves- COMPLETE
source(s) of the odor before trying to tigation from the receipt of the original FORM
identify pollutant pathways. complaint. PAGE 183
Sample Form
Incident Log
File Date Problem Location Outcome / Log Entry By
Number Comments (initials)

buildings. They are intended to present a
COLLECTING OCCUPANT INFORMATION
problem-solving approach that can help
facility staff to understand and resolve
Strategies Tools many common indoor air quality prob-
Review existing ■ Existing Records lems. If you decide to hire outside
information about ■ IAQ Complaint Form professionals to resolve your IAQ com-
complaints ■ Incident Log
plaint, this discussion of strategies and
Collect additional ■ Occupant Interview tools should help you to understand and
information from ■ Occupant Diary oversee their investigative work.
occupants
COLLECTING INFORMATION
ABOUT OCCUPANT
COMPLAINTS
Occupant data falls into two categories:
complaints of discomfort or other symp-
toms (e.g., teary eyes, chills) and percep-
tions of building conditions (e.g., odors,
draftiness). Investigators can gather
valuable information about potential
indoor air problems from listening to
occupants, and use that information for:
■ defining the complaint area within the
building
■ suggesting directions for further investi-
gation, either by identifying other events
that seem to happen at the same time as
the incidents of symptoms or discomfort,
or by identifying possible causes for the
types of symptoms or discomfort that are
occurring
■ indicating potential measures to reduce
or eliminate the problem
An initial walkthrough may The discussion that follows has been
uncover problems such as divided into categories of occupant data,
this unsanitary condition in
Review Existing Records of
HVAC system data, pollutant pathway Complaints
the HVAC system. Bird
droppings have collected in data, and source data. However, the
an air supply plenum near an suggestions for collecting and using If there is a record of occupant complaints,
outdoor air intake that was information reflect the interdependence of a review of that record can help to define
not protected by a birdscreen. the location of the IAQ problem and
these factors. For example, the operation
of the air distribution system affects identify people who should be interviewed
pollutant pathways, and the air distribution as part of the investigation. Information
system can also be a source of pollutants. about the history of complaints could also
Indoor air quality-related complaints stimulate theories about potential causes of
may develop from a variety of causes. the problem.
Neither the discussion of strategies for
collecting information nor the suggestions Interview Occupants
for interpreting data can present the full The most obvious way to collect informa-
range of possible situations encountered in tion from building occupants is to talk to
50 Section 6
them in person. If it is not possible to
interview everyone who has complained Sample Form
about building conditions, the investigator Occupant Interview
should attempt to interview a group of
individuals that reflect the concerns of the SYMPTOM PATTERNS
affected areas. What kind of symptoms or discomfort are you experiencing?
The investigation may also include
occupant interviews with building occu- Are you aware of other people with similar symptoms or concerns?
pants who do not have complaints. Then Yes____ No____
conditions in the complaint area can be
If so, what are their names and locations?
compared to conditions in similar building
locations where there are no complaints.
A sample Occupant Interview form is Do you have any health conditions that may make you particularly
susceptible to environmental problems?
shown here (there is another copy in
Tab V). It can also be presented in a
written form in order to get information TIMING PATTERNS
from more people than can be interviewed. When did your symptoms start?
The following key points will help
interviews to be productive:
hypotheses (or your own) about what
■ Read the discussion of evaluating
may be causing the problem. Always be
occupant data before you conduct SEE
open to answers that may not fit your COMPLETE
interviews, to be certain that you
understand what sort of information is
hypotheses. FORM
■ You may sometimes need to clarify a PAGE 185
needed.
question by giving examples of the sort
■ Make a copy of the interview form for
of information you are interested in. Try
each person you speak with, and use the
to provide more than one example so that
form to record the answers to your
you don’t seem to be telling the person
questions.
the answer you want. Be particularly
■ Choose a location in which the person
cautious about mentioning specific
you are interviewing feels comfortable to
health effects.
speak freely.
■ Explain that the interview is intended to The Occupant Interview includes
help discover and correct the cause of the many basic points that are found in
complaints. Encourage the person you questionnaires used by professional IAQ
are interviewing to join in this coopera- investigators. It is important to note,
tive problem-solving effort. however, that this form is not called a
■ Give the person you are interviewing “questionnaire.” Formal questionnaires
enough time to think about your ques- may be useful for quantitative epidemiol-
tions. ogy, IAQ research, complex IAQ investi-
■ If complainants are reluctant to answer gations, or when litigation is a possibility.
questions about health symptoms, In these cases, questionnaires must be
respect their desire for privacy. Planning carefully designed and executed by people
for how to maintain this privacy is with an understanding of representative
warranted, and in some cases may be sampling and expertise in public health,
mandated. industrial hygiene, or medicine. Use of
■ Feel free to expand the interview by questionnaires for such purposes is beyond
adding questions that help to improve the scope or expertise of most in-house
your understanding or explore their investigations; if such questionnaire data is

needed, building owners and managers
should use professionals.
Sample Form
Occupant Diary Ask Occupants and Facility
Staff to Keep More Detailed
On the form below, please record each occasion when you experience Records
a symptom of ill-health or discomfort that you think may be related to
an environmental condition in the building. Many events occur simultaneously in and
around a complex building, and it can be
Time/Date Location Symptom Severity/Duration Comments very difficult to judge which of those
events might be related to the IAQ
complaints. In trying to resolve stubborn
problems, professional investigators
sometimes ask occupants and facility staff
to keep day-by-day records. Occupants are
asked to record the date and time of
symptoms, where they are when the
symptoms appear, and any other informa-
tion that might be useful. Such informa-
tion could include observations about the
severity and duration of symptoms and
Sample Form comments on weather conditions, events,
Log of Activities and System Operations and activities that are happening at the
same time. Facility staff are asked to
On the form below, please record your observations of HVAC system record the date and time of events such as
operation, maintenance activities, and any other information that you maintenance work, equipment cycles, or
think may be helpful in identifying the cause of IAQ complaints in this deliveries. If symptoms seem to occur at
building. Please report any other observations (e.g., weather, other particular times of day, staff can focus
associated events) that you think may be important as well.
their attentions on recording events that
occur before and during those periods.
Equipment and activities of particular interest: Such records are likely to produce more
Air Handler(s): accurate and detailed information than can
Exhaust Fan(s): be obtained by relying on memory. (Use
Other Equipment or Activities: the Occupant Diary and the Log of
Activities and System Operations shown
Date/Time Day of Week Equipment Item/Activity Comments here and included in Tab V.)
SEE
COMPLETE
FORMS
PAGES 187
AND 189
52 Section 6
USING THE OCCUPANT DATA
The pattern of complaints within the
building helps to define the complaint area.
The timing of symptoms and the types of
symptoms reported may provide clues
about the cause of the problem.
Strategies for Using Occupant Data
■ Define the complaint area
■ Look for timing patterns
■ Look for symptom patterns
Exhaust fumes are drawn into

this building’s outdoor air
intake when trucks are idling
at the nearby loading dock.
Tools such as the Occupant
Diary and Log of Activities
and System Operation can
help to identify intermittent
pollutant sources such as this
one.

Define the Complaint Area
SPATIAL PATTERNS SUGGESTIONS Use the spatial pattern (locations) of
Widespread, no apparent spatial ■ Check ventilation and tem- complaints to define the complaint area.
pattern perature control for entire Building locations where symptoms or
building. discomfort occur define the rooms or zones
■ Check outdoor air quality. that should be given particular attention
■ Review sources that are spread during the initial investigation. However,
throughout building (e.g.,
cleaning materials). the complaint area may need to be revised
■ Consider explanation other than as the investigation progresses. Pollutant
air contaminants. pathways can cause occupant complaints
in parts of the building that are far
Localized (e.g., affecting indi- ■ Check ventilation and tempera- removed from the source of the problems.
vidual rooms, zones, or ture control within the complaint
air handling systems) area.
■ Review pollutant sources
affecting the complaint area.
■ Check local HVAC system
components that may be acting
as sources or distributors of
pollutants.
Individual(s) ■ Check for drafts, radiant heat

(gain or loss), and other
localized temperature control or
ventilation problems near the
affected individual(s).
■ Review local pollutant source(s)
near the affected individual(s).
■ Consider that common back-
ground sources may affect only
susceptible individuals.
■ Consider the possibility that
individual complaints may have
different causes that are not
necessarily related to the
building (particularly if symp-
toms differ among the individu-
als).
54 Section 6
Look for Timing Patterns
Look for patterns in the timing of com- TIMING PATTERNS SUGGESTIONS
plaints. The timing of symptoms and Symptoms begin and/or ■ Review HVAC operating cycles.
complaints can indicate potential causes are worst at the start of Emissions from building
for the complaints and provide directions the occupied period materials, or from the HVAC
system itself, may build up
for further investigation. Review the data during unoccupied periods.
for cyclic patterns of symptoms (e.g.,
worst during periods of minimum ventila- Symptoms worsen over ■ Consider that ventilation may
course of occupied period not be adequate to handle
tion or when specific sources are most routine activities or equipment
active) that may be related to HVAC operation within the building.
system operation or to other activities in
and around the building. Intermittent symptoms ■ Look for daily, weekly, or
seasonal cycles or weather-
related patterns, and check
linkage to other events in and
around the building.
Single event of symptoms ■ Consider spills, other

unrepeated events as sources.
Recent onset of symptoms ■ Ask staff and occupants to

describe recent changes or
events (e.g., remodeling,
renovation, redecorating, HVAC
system adjustments, leaks, or
spills).
Symptoms relieved on leaving the ■ Consider that the problem is

building, either immediately, likely to be building-related,
overnight, or (in some cases) after though not necessarily due to air
extended periods away from the quality. Other stressors (e.g.,
building lighting, noise) may be involved.
Symptoms never relieved, ■ Consider that the problem may

even after extended absence from not be building-related.
building (e.g., vacations)

Look for Symptom Patterns which toxicology has found specific
effects. Therefore, it may be more useful
Look for patterns in the types of symptoms
to look for patterns of symptoms than
or discomfort. IAQ investigations often
The following chart lists some for specific pollutant and health effect
fail to prove that any particular pollutant
common symptom groups relationships.
or group of pollutants are the cause of the
that can be related to indoor Investigators who are not medically
air quality, along with possible problem. Such causal relationships are
trained cannot make a diagnosis and should
sources or causes of those extremely difficult to establish. There is
symptoms. Building not attempt to interpret medical records.
little information available about the health
managers are cautioned that Also, confidentiality of medical informa-
this is only a partial listing. effects of many chemicals. Typical indoor
tion is protected by law in some jurisdic-
levels are much lower than the levels at
tions and is a prudent practice everywhere.
SYMPTOM PATTERNS SUGGESTIONS
THERMAL DISCOMFORT ■ Check HVAC condition and operation.

■ Measure indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity (see Figure 6-2 on
page 57). See if extreme conditions exceed design capacity of HVAC equip-
ment.
■ Check for drafts and stagnant areas.
■ Check for excessive radiant heat gain or loss.
COMMON SYMPTOM GROUPS

Headache, lethargy, nausea, If onset was acute, arrange for medical evaluation, as the problem may be carbon
drowsiness, dizziness monoxide poisoning.
■ Check combustion sources for uncontrolled emissions or spillage. Check
outdoor air intakes for nearby sources of combustion fumes.
■ Consider evacuation/medical evaluation if problem isn’t corrected quickly.
■ Consider other pollutant sources.
■ Check overall ventilation; see if areas of poor ventilation coincide with com-
plaints.
Congestion; swelling, itching or May be allergic, if only small number affected; more likely to be irritational
irritation of eyes, nose, or response if large number are affected.
throat; dry throat; may be ■ Urge medical attention for allergies.
accompanied by non-specific ■ Check for dust or gross microbial contamination due to sanitation problems,
symptoms (e.g. headache, water damage, contaminated ventilation system.
fatigue, nausea)
■ Check outdoor allergen levels (e.g., pollen counts).
■ Check closely for sources of irritating chemicals such as formaldehyde or those

found in some solvents.
Cough; shortness of breath; May be hypersensitivity pneumonitis or humidifier fever. A medical evaluation
fever, chills and/or fatigue after can help identify possible causes.
return to the building ■ Check for gross microbial contamination due to sanitation problems, water
damage, or contaminated HVAC system.
Diagnosed infection May be Legionnaire’s disease or histoplasmosis, related to bacteria or fungi found
in the environment.
■ Contact your local or State Health Department for guidance.
Suspected cluster of rare or ■ Contact your local or State Health Department for guidance.
serious health problems such
as cancer, miscarriages
OTHER STRESSORS
Discomfort and/or health ■ Check for problems with environmental, ergonomic, and job-related
complaints that cannot be psychosocial stressors.
readily ascribed to air contami-
nants or thermal conditions
56 Section 6
Figure 6-2 shows the range of tempera-
tures and relative humidities that fall FIGURE 6-2: Acceptable Ranges of Temperature and Relative
within the comfort zone for most individu- Humidity During Summer and Winter 1
als dressed in “typical” clothing and
Relative Humidity Winter Temperature Summer Temperature
involved in light, mostly sedentary
activity. Recent research suggests that 30% 68.5°F - 76.0°F 74.0°F - 80.0°F
indoor air quality is judged to be worse as 40% 68.5°F - 75.5°F 73.5°F - 79.5°F
temperatures rise above 76°F, regardless of 50% 2
68.5°F - 74.5°F 73.0°F - 79.0°F
the actual air quality.
60% 68.0°F - 74.0°F 72.5°F - 78.0°F
There is considerable debate among
researchers, IAQ professionals, and health 1
Applies for persons clothed in typical summer and winter clothing, at light,
professionals concerning recommended mainly sedentary activity.
2
levels of relative humidity. In general, the See left for discussion of relative humidities.
range of humidity levels recommended by SOURCE: Adapted from ASHRAE Standard 55-1981, Thermal Environmental
different organizations seems to be 30% to Conditions for Human Occupancy
60%. Relative humidities below this
level may produce discomfort from
dryness. On the other hand, maintaining enough to answer the following questions:
relative humidities at the lowest possible
■ Are the components that serve the WHAT DO YOU
level helps to restrict the growth of mold
immediate complaint area functioning KNOW SO FAR?
and mildew. The concerns (comfort for
properly? ■ Use the Hypothesis
the most part) associated with dry air must Form on page 223 to
■ Is the HVAC system adequate for the
be balanced against the risks (enhanced make brief notes after
current use of the building? reviewing the occupant
microbiological growth) associated with
■ Are there ventilation (or thermal com- data.
humidification. If temperatures are
fort) deficiencies? ■ Decide whether you
maintained at the lower end of the comfort
■ Should the definition of the complaint have a hypothesis that
range (68 - 70°F) during heating periods, might explain the
area be expanded based upon the HVAC
relative humidity in most climates will not complaints. If so, test it.
layout and operating characteristics? (See page 78 for a
fall much below 30% (also within the
discussion of
comfort range) in occupied buildings. An evaluation of the HVAC system hypothesis testing.
may include limited measurements of
■ Decide what else you
COLLECTING INFORMATION temperature, humidity, air flow, and CO2, need to know.
ABOUT THE HVAC SYSTEM as well as smoke tube observations. Consider whether
Complex investigations may require more in-house expertise is
IAQ complaints often arise because the sufficient or outside
extensive or sophisticated measurements of
quantity or distribution of outdoor air is assistance is needed
the same variables (e.g., repeated CO2 (See Section 8 for
inadequate to serve the ventilation needs of
measurements taken at the same location guidance on hiring
building occupants. Problems may also be outside assistance.)
under different operating conditions,
traced to air distribution systems that are
continuous temperature and relative
introducing outdoor contaminants or
humidity measurements recorded with a
transporting pollutants within the building.
data logger). A detailed engineering study
The investigation should begin with the
may be needed if the investigation discov-
components of the HVAC system(s) that
ers problems such as the following:
serve the complaint area and surrounding
rooms, but may need to expand if connec- ■ airflows are low
tions to other areas are discovered. Your ■ HVAC controls are not working or are
goal is to understand the design and working according to inappropriate
operation of the HVAC system well strategies
■ building operators do not understand (or
are unfamiliar with) the HVAC system

Review Documentation on
HVAC Design, Installation, and
COLLECTING HVAC SYSTEM INFORMATION Operation
Strategies Tools
A review of existing documentation (e.g.,
Review existing documen- Collect: plans, specifications, testing and balancing
tation on HVAC design, ■ design documents, testing and
installation, and operation reports) should provide information about
balancing reports
the original design and later modifications,
■ operating instructions, control
manufacturer’s installation data particularly:
■ the type of HVAC system (e.g., constant
Talk to facilities staff Ask facilities staff to record their observa- volume, VAV)
tions of equipment cycles, weather
■ locations and capacities of HVAC
conditions, and other events using
Log of Activities and System Operations equipment serving the complaint area
■ the planned use of each building area
■ supply, return, and exhaust air quantities

Inspect system layout, Use:
condition, and operation ■ location of the outdoor air intake and of
■ Zone/Room Record
■ HVAC Checklist - Short Form and/or

the supply, return, and exhaust registers,
■ HVAC Checklist - Long Form
diffusers, and grilles that serve the
■ thermometer and sling psychrometer complaint area
(or electronic equivalent) to measure
temperature and humidity The most useful way to record this
■ micromanometer (or equivalent) to information is to make a floor plan of the
measure pressure differentials complaint area and surrounding rooms.
● 0-2" and 0-10" water gauge (w.g.) You may be able to copy an existing floor
to measure at fans and intakes plan from architectural or mechanical
● 0-.25" w.g. with pitot tube to check drawings, fire evacuation plans, or some
airflow in ducts
other source.
■ chemical smoke for observing airflow
patterns If there is no documentation on the
■ a device to assess airflow from mechanical system design, much more on-
diffusers site inspection will be required to under-
● rough quantitative: anemometer; stand the HVAC system. The HVAC
velometer
system may have been installed or
● accurate quantitative: flow hood
modified without being commissioned,
■ carbon dioxide measurement devices
● detector tubes with a hand pump
so that it may never have performed
● direct reading meter
according to design. In such cases, good
observations of airflow and pressure
differentials are essential. In addition, load
Use additional instruments Instruments often used by professional
IAQ consultants include: analyses may be required.
as appropriate
■ a hygrothermograph to log temperature
and humidity Talk to Facility Staff
■ tracer gas and measurement equip-
ment Facility staff can provide important current
■ a device to measure airborne particu-
information about equipment operating and
lates maintenance schedules and breakdowns or
■ measurement devices for carbon other incidents. There may be inspection
monoxide and other contaminants reports or other written records available
of interest
for review. Staff members who are
familiar with building systems in general
and with the specific features of the
58 Section 6
building under investigation can be very
helpful in identifying conditions that may
explain the indoor air quality complaints.
Some facility operators have extensive
preventive maintenance programs. On the
other hand, discussion could reveal that
facility staff are not operating the building
according to its design, because:
■ they do not understand the design logic
of the HVAC system

■ they have been asked to run the HVAC
system at the lowest possible energy cost

■ they do not have the manpower to
operate the building properly

■ the HVAC system has not been modified
to accommodate changes in the use of

space or increases in the occupant
population
Staff may have noticed occupant
activities that are indicators of inadequate
ventilation or poorly-controlled tempera-
tures, such as:
■ desktop fans, heaters, or humidifiers
■ supply diffusers blocked off with tape or
cardboard
■ popped-up ceiling tiles
■ interference with thermostat settings
IAQ complaints are often intermittent.

Discussions with staff may reveal patterns
that relate the timing of complaints to the
cycles of equipment operation or to other
events in the building such as painting,
installation of new carpeting, or pest
control. These patterns are not necessarily
obvious. Keeping a day-to-day record may
help to clarify subtle relationships between Above: An investigation of this building
occupant symptoms, equipment operation, revealed no problems with the HVAC sys-
tem, although the amount of outdoor air was
and activities in and around the building. very low. In a more thorough inspection of
(See Occupant Diary and Log of Activi- the HVAC system, investigators found that
ties and System Operations on page 52 the wiring to this outdoor air damper motor
had never been connected. No outdoor air
and in Tab V.) Staff members may have
was entering the building through the intake
theories about the cause of controlled by this damper. Below: These
the problem. investigators are examining a perimeter fan-
coil unit. Self-contained heating or cooling
units such as this one are often overlooked
Inspect System Layout, during routine maintenance. There may be
Condition, and Operation many such units in a single building, some-
times in remote or inaccessible locations.
If the building is new or if there is a pre-
ventive maintenance program with recent

Check for indicators of inadequate
ventilation.
■ Check supply diffusers to see if air is
moving (using chemical smoke). If it is
not, confirm that the fan system is operat-
ing, and then look for closed dampers,
clogged filters, or signs of leaks.
■ Compare design air quantities (if avail-
able) to building codes for the current
occupancy or ventilation guidelines (e.g.,
ASHRAE 62-1989, see Appendix B). If
the HVAC system, performing as de-
signed, would not provide enough venti-
lation air for current needs, then there is
good reason to believe that actual ventila-
tion rates are inadequate.
■ Measure carbon dioxide (CO2) in the
complaint area to see whether it indicates
ventilation problems. (See Appendix A
for a discussion of techniques for measur-
ing and interpreting CO2 concentrations.)
■ Measure air quantities supplied to and
exhausted from the complaint area, in-
cluding calculation of outdoor air quanti-
ties (see Appendix A for further guid-
The design specifications for test and balance reports, it is possible (but ance). Be aware of damper settings and
this building called for a mini- not necessarily likely) that the HVAC equipment cycles when you are measur-
mum 20% setting on the
outdoor air damper control. system is functioning according to its ing (e.g., are you evaluating minimum
Facility staff lowered the original design. Otherwise it is probable outdoor air, “normal” conditions, or
minimum outdoor air setting that one or more features of building usage maximum airflow?). Note that evalua-
to 10% in order to save en-
ergy and reduce operating
or system operation have changed in ways tion of variable air volume (VAV) sys-
costs. As a result, the build- that could affect indoor air quality. tems requires considerable expertise.
ing was underventilated Elements of the on-site investigation Compare the measured air quantities to
whenever outdoor tempera- can include (but are not limited to) the
tures were either very hot or
your mechanical system design specifica-
very cold. following: tions and applicable building codes. Also
compare ventilation rates to ASHRAE
Check temperature and/or humidity to see
62-1989. Some of the ventilation recom-
whether the complaint area is in the com-
mendations of ASHRAE 62-1989 are
fort range.
reproduced in Appendix B.
Take more than one measurement to ac-
count for variability over time and from Check that equipment serving the com-
place to place. Compare to Figure 6-2 on plaint area (e.g., grilles, diffusers, fans) is
page 57 (see also Appendix B ). operating properly.
■ Confirm the accuracy of reported operat-
■ Check thermostat operation.
ing schedules and controls sequences; for
■ Check whether the supply air tempera-
example, power outages may have dis-
ture corresponds to the design criteria.
rupted time clocks, fans reported as
■ Use a hygrothermograph (if available) to
“always running” may have been acci-
log temperature and humidity changes in
dentally switched off, and controls can be
the complaint area.
in need of calibration.
60 Section 6
■ Check to see that equipment is properly
installed. For example, look for shipping
screws that were never removed or fans
that were reversed during installation, so
that they move air in the wrong direc-
tion.
Compare the current system to the
original design.
■ Check to see that all equipment called
for in the original design was actually
installed.
■ See whether original equipment may
have been replaced by a different model
(i.e., a model with less capacity or differ-
ent operating characteristics).
See whether the layout of air supplies,
returns, and exhausts promotes efficient
air distribution to all occupants and iso- sive dust in ductwork, debris or damaged The dark streaks at the
lates or dilutes contaminants. building materials in ceiling plenums). outlet of this supply diffuser
could indicate a filtration prob-
(See Appendix A for guidance on using ■ If the mechanical room serves as a mix- lem. Poorly maintained or im-
chemical smoke to study airflow and mixing plenum (i.e., return and outdoor air properly sized filters
ing patterns and CO2 to help determine the are drawn through the room into the air can allow dirt to be distrib-uted
through the building.
adequacy of ventilation.) handler), check very carefully for poten-
tial contaminants such as stored solvents
■ If supplies and returns are close together,
and deteriorated insulation.
heatless chemical smoke can be used to
check for short-circuiting (supply air that Use the forms provided in this document
does not mix properly with air in the to inspect the HVAC system.
breathing zone, but moves directly to the ■ Use the Zone/Room Record to describe
return grille). CO2 can also be used to the ventilation system serving the com-
evaluate air mixing. plaint area and surrounding rooms or
■ Use heatless chemical smoke to observe zones. The Zone/Room Record is
airflow patterns within the complaint reproduced on page 62 and in Tab V.
area and between the complaint area and ■ Use the HVAC Checklist (short and/or
surrounding spaces, including outdoors. long form) to evaluate the condition of
Compare airflow directions under vari- HVAC system components that affect air
ous operating conditions. distribution and IAQ in the complaint
■ If the system layout includes ceiling area. A portion of the HVAC Checklist-
plenums, look above the ceiling for inter- Short Form is reproduced on page 62.
ruptions such as walls or full-height The HVAC Checklist - Long Form is
partitions. useful for more detailed examination of
Consider whether the HVAC system itself the system. Complete copies of both
may be a source of contaminants. forms can be found in Tab V.
■ Check for deterioration or unsanitary
conditions (e.g., corrosion, water damage
or standing water, mold growth or exces-

Sample Form
Zone/Room Record
This form is to be used differently depending on whether the goal is to prevent or diagnose IAQ problems.
During development of a profile, this form should be used to record more general information about the entire
building; during an investigation, the form should be used to record more detailed information about the
complaint area and areas surrounding the complaint area or connected to it by pathways.
Building Area Use** Source of Mechanical Comments Peak Number of Total Air Outdoor Air
(Zone/Room) Outdoor Air* Exhaust? Occupants or Supplied Supplied
(Write “No” Sq. Ft. Floor Area* (in cfm)** per Person or
or estimate per 150 sq.
cfm airflow) Ft. Area****
USING THE HVAC SYSTEM

Sample Form DATA
HVAC Checklist — Short Form As you review the HVAC data, consider
Sections 2, 4 and 6 and Appendix B discuss the relationships between the whether the system is adequate to serve
HVAC system and indoor air quality. the use of the building and whether the
timing, location, and impact of apparent
MECHANICAL ROOM
deficiencies appear related to the IAQ
■ Clean and dry? Stored refuse or chemicals? complaint. Deficiencies in HVAC
design, operation, or maintenance may
■ Describe items in need of attention exist without producing the complaint
under investigation; some defects may
not cause any apparent IAQ problems.
MAJOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Strategies for Using the HVAC
■ Preventive maintenance (PM) plan in use? System Data
Control System ■ Compare the original design to the
current system.
Type ■ Compare the original uses of space to
System operation current uses.
■ Consider the condition of the HVAC
system.
SEE
COMPLETE
FORMS
PAGES 177
AND 191
62 Section 6
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR
IAQ INVESTIGATORS
Normal safety precautions observed during routine operation of the building must be
followed closely during IAQ inspections. When the IAQ investigator is not familiar with
the mechanical equipment in that particular facility, an operator or engineer should be
present at all times in equipment areas. Potential safety hazards include:
■ electrocution
■ injury from contacting fans, belts, dampers or slamming doors
■ burns from steam or hot water lines When the IAQ investi-
■ falls in ventilation shafts or from ladders or roofs
gator is not familiar
Investigators evaluating building IAQ generally do not encounter situations in which with the mechanical
specific personal protection measures (e.g., protective garments and respirators) are
required. However, safety shoes and eyeglasses are generally recommended for equipment in that
working around mechanical equipment. When severe contamination is present (e.g., particular facility, an
microbiological, chemical, or asbestos), IAQ investigators may need additional
operator or engineer
protection in the vicinity of certain building areas or equipment. Such decisions are
site specific and should be made in consultation with an experienced industrial should be present at
hygienist. General considerations include the following: all times in equip-
ment areas.
Microbiological: Care must be taken when serious building related illness (e.g.,
Legionnaire’s disease) is under investigation or when extensive microbiological growth
has occurred. Investigators with allergy problems should be especially cautious. The
array of potential contaminants makes it difficult to know what sort of personal protec-
tion will be effective. At a minimum, investigators should minimize their exposure to air
in the interior of ducts or other HVAC equipment unless respiratory protection is used.
If there is reason to suspect biological contamination (e.g., visible mold growth), expert
advice should be obtained about the kind of respiratory protection to use and how to
use it. Possible protective measures against severe microbiological contamination
include disposable coveralls and properly fitted respirators.
Chemical: Where severe chemical contamination is suspected, specific precautions

must be followed if OSHA action levels are approached. Such instances rarely occur
in IAQ investigations. One possible exception might be a pesticide spill in a confined
space. In this case, an appropriate respirator and disposable coveralls may be
needed.
Asbestos: An IAQ investigation often includes inspection above accessible ceilings,

inside shafts, and around mechanical equipment. Where material suspected of
containing asbestos is not only present, but also has deposited loose debris, the
investigator should take appropriate precautions. This might include disposable
coveralls and a properly fitted respirator.
Note: The requirements for proper fit, physical condition of the wearer, and other considerations
involved in selection of the proper respirator must be evaluated by an occupational safety and
health specialist. There is a NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic for proper respirator selection, and
OSHA has regulations for an appropriate respirator protection program.

Compare the Original Design to
the Current HVAC System
ALL SYSTEMS SUGGESTIONS
Consider the original HVAC design and
Ventilation and ■ Revise definition of complaint area (if compare it to the current equipment,
temperature needed) to add spaces linked to the
control zones original complaint area by ductwork or layout, and controls. A variety of HVAC
controls. system designs have been used in public
and commercial buildings. The type of
■ Check to see that thermostats
are properly located and function system used in your building affects the
properly. control of ventilation air quantities and
distribution, as well as thermal comfort.
Changes in ■ Note equipment changes that See Appendix B for a discussion of HVAC
equipment could be affecting the system’s
performance (e.g., removal or addition system types.
of equipment, replacement by a differ-
ent model).
Operating ■ Review operating procedures for oc-

cycles cupied and unoccupied periods.
■ Compare timing of occupied/
unoccupied periods to equipment
cycles and occupant complaints.
Confirm that time clocks are reading
the actual time. See ASHRAE 62-
1989 for suggested lead times to allow
proper flushing before occupants ar-
rive. In some cases (e.g., warm, hu-
mid climates), fans may need to oper-
ate during unoccupied periods to pre-
vent mold growth or other problems.
64 Section 6
Use HVAC Data to Evaluate
Mitigation Measures
SYSTEM TYPES SUGGESTIONS
As you use the HVAC data to evaluate
potential mitigation measures, review the No mechanical ■ Identify the source(s) of ventilation air
ventilation or (e.g., operable windows, doors
suggestions made in both the box on the exhaust only propped open).
facing page for all HVAC systems and in
■ Check whether the location of open
the box on this page for the type of HVAC windows, doors, or other openings
system in your building. promotes the introduction of odors or
contaminants.
Room units ■ Check whether outdoor air intakes are

(e.g., unit obstructed. Does their location pro-
ventilators) mote the introduction of odors or con-
taminants?
■ Note design airflows in the complaint
area (outdoor air, supply, return, and
exhaust) and surrounding spaces;
compare to ASHRAE
62-1989 and to actual measured
airflows.
Constant ■ Note design airflows in the complaint

volume area (outdoor air, supply, return, and
exhaust) and surrounding spaces;
compare to applicable building codes,
ASHRAE 62-1989, and to actual mea-
sured airflows.
■ Check whether outdoor air intakes are
obstructed. Does their location pro-
mote the introduction of odors or con-
taminants? Check for unsanitary con-
ditions.
■ Check outdoor air damper controls.
Variable In addition to all suggestions made for

air volume constant volume systems:
(VAV)
■ Confirm whether the system design al-
lows regulation of outdoor air quanti-
ties. Do VAV boxes have stops to en-
sure that minimum amounts of out-
door air are delivered at all times dur-
ing occupied periods? Are the system
controls providing a constant ventila-
tion rate per person regardless of total
system airflows?
■ Observe changes (if any) in airflow
patterns within and around the com-
plaint area as the VAV system
throttles from maximum to
minimum flow.

Compare the Original Uses of
ROOM USE CHANGES SUGGESTIONS Space to Current Uses
Increased occupant ■ Compare temperature and humidity to Compare the original uses of the complaint
density comfort zone in ASHRAE 55-1981 area and surrounding rooms to current
guidelines. uses of those areas. Indoor air quality
■ Compare minimum outdoor air problems often arise when the usage of
quantities to the original design,
applicable building codes, and rooms changes without corresponding
ASHRAE 62-1989 guidelines. adjustments to the HVAC system. For
example, if ventilation appears to be a
Change in type of occu- For example introduction of a more problem despite a properly-functioning
pant population physically active group of occupants can
change thermal comfort requirements. HVAC system, the existing system may
be inadequate to meet current needs.
■ Compare temperature and humidity to
comfort zone in ASHRAE 55-1981
guidelines.
■ Compare minimum outdoor air
quantities to the original design,
applicable building codes, and
ASHRAE 62-1989 guidelines.
■ Check for low-level contaminant
sources.
Additional non-HVAC ■ Compare temperature and humidity to

equipment comfort zone in ASHRAE 55-1981
guidelines.
■ Consider the need for local exhaust at
point sources of contaminants.
Conversion to or addition Example: Modifications that convert or

of special uses add such special uses as smoking
lounges, print shops, or kitchen facilities
may also require changes in the
operation of the HVAC system.
■ Check pressure relationships between

special use areas and surrounding
spaces.
■ Consider the need for local exhaust at
point sources of contaminants.
Rearrangement of work ■ Check that thermostats are properly

stations (e.g., relocation of located. Compare temperature and
partitions) humidity to comfort zone in ASHRAE
55-1981 guidelines.
■ Check layout of supplies, returns, and
exhausts.
■ Check to make sure that partitions do
not block proper air circulation.
66 Section 6
Consider the Condition of the
HVAC System SYSTEM CONDITIONS SUGGESTIONS
Consider whether the HVAC system is
Unsanitary conditions ■ Correct sanitary problems and
reasonably clean and functioning properly. ■ Moisture or standing water adopt necessary measures to
Review the results of the onsite inspection. ■ Debris
prevent recurrence of problems.
If you identified sanitary or operating ■ Dust and/or mold growth
problems in the HVAC system serving the
HVAC malfunctions ■ Evaluate whether the HVAC
complaint area, you may want to correct defect could have caused the
■ Equipment breakdown
those problems and see whether the IAQ complaint.
■ Obstructed diffusers or grilles
complaints are resolved before continuing ■ Correct the malfunction(s), and
■ Air distribution or mixing problems: see whether complaints are
with the investigation. (e.g., equipment is resolved.
out of balance, requires ■ Review maintenance program
calibration, or needs other adjust- and revise as needed to prevent
ment) future problems.
■ Air bypasses filters (due to
loose filter tracks, incorrect filter
size, or filter overloaded with dirt)
■ Air distribution system leaks (e.g.,
leaky ductwork; unin-tended
openings in pressurized ceilings or
in return air plenums)
HVAC functions properly. ■ Consider what adjustments

However, there is evidence of could be made to increase the
underventilation. supply of outdoor air (or
decrease the ventilation
demand) in the complaint area.
WHAT DO YOU
KNOW SO FAR?
■ Use the Hypothesis
Form on page 223 to
make brief notes.
■ Decide whether you
have a hypothesis
that might explain the
complaints. If so, test
it. (See page 78 for a
discussion of hypoth-
esis testing.)
need to know.
Consider whether in-
house expertise is
sufficient or outside
assistance is needed
(See Section 8 for
guidance on hiring
outside assistance.)

COLLECTING INFORMATION evaluation of pathways could be a very
ABOUT POLLUTANT PATHWAYS time-consuming process, and it may be
AND DRIVING FORCES more practical to look for major contami-
nant sources before trying to discover how
Unless the IAQ problem is caused by an
the contaminants move within the building.
obvious contaminant located in the
complainant’s immediate workspace, you Identify Pollutant Pathways
will need to understand the patterns of
Architectural and mechanical pathways
airflow into and within the complaint area.
allow pollutants to enter the complaint area
Correction of IAQ problems often involves
from surrounding spaces, including the
controlling pollutant movement through
outdoors. An examination of architectural
sealing of pollutant pathways or manipula-
and mechanical plans can help in develop-
tion of the pressure relationships.
ing a list of connections to surrounding
If the complaints being investigated are
areas. These include:
limited to a few areas of the building, pollut-
ant pathways can be evaluated so that the ■ doors
complaint area is properly defined before ■ operable windows
conducting the source inventory. If com- ■ stairways
plaints are spread throughout the building, ■ elevator shafts
■ utility chases
■ ductwork and plenums
■ areas served by common HVAC controls
COLLECTING PATHWAY INFORMATION
(e.g., shared thermostats)
Strategies Tools
Onsite inspection is needed to confirm
Identify pollutant ■ Architectural and mechanical the existence of these connections and to
pathways drawings
■ Pollutant Pathway Form for Investigations identify other openings (e.g., accidental
■ Sketch plan of complaint area openings such as cracks and holes). Fire
codes usually require that chases and hid-
Observe direction ■ Testing and balancing reports den openings be firestopped. Check for the
of air movement ■ Chemical smoke tests
■ Micromanometer or equivalent existence and condition of firestops in
chases, especially those that connect both
vertically and horizontally.
Chemical smoke is being

used to detect the direction
and amount of airflow through
this closed doorway. A
building investigator must
know how the ventilation in
the building is designed to
operate in order to decide
whether the observed flow of
smoke is appropriate.
68 Section 6
The Pollutant Pathway Form for
Investigations shown to the right can be
Sample Form
used along with a sketch plan of the
complaint area (similar to the example on Pollutant Pathway for Investigations Form
page 70) to record pathways and directions
Building Name File Number
of pollutant movement. A blank copy of
the form is included in Tab V. Address:
Completed By (name):
Observe Air Movement
Direction
Rooms or Zones Pressure Relative to Comments
The airflow quantities shown in mechani- Connected to the Use Complaint Area (e.g., potential
Complaint Area by polluntant
cal plans or in testing and balancing +/- date/time
Pathways sources)
reports can be used to determine the
direction of air movement intended by the
designer. Onsite examination is necessary
to determine the actual direction of airflow
at each available pathway.
Chemical smoke tubes can be used to
determine airflow directions between the
complaint area and surrounding spaces
(including the outdoors), and to reveal air “toothpaste” smell. If this technique is
SEE
circulation patterns within the complaint used, it is important that the assistant have COMPLETE
area. A micromanometer (or equivalent) an acute sense of smell. If the building is FORM
can measure the magnitude of pressure in use during the investigation, occupants PAGE 211
differences between these areas. The may also notice the odor and could find it
sketch plan and the Pollutant Pathway distracting. Some investigators prefer to
Form for Investigations can be used to use methods that release an odor during
record the results. unoccupied periods. Investigators should
It may be necessary to make observa- note two common causes of false negative
tions under different conditions, as airflow results (falsely concluding that no pathway
direction can change depending upon exists):
weather conditions, windspeed and ■ The nose quickly becomes tolerant of
direction, equipment operation within the strong odors, so that the assistant may
building, traffic through doors, and other need to take a long rest (breathing fresh
factors (e.g., as VAV systems throttle air) between tests.
back). Switching air handlers or exhaust ■ If there is substantial airflow through the
fans on and off, opening and closing doors, pathway, the peppermint oil odor could
and simulating the range of operating be diluted so that it is imperceptible.
conditions in other ways can help to show
the different ways that airborne contami- Tracer gases such as sulfur hexafluo-
nants move within the building. Dust ride (SF6) can provide qualitative and
tracking patterns around door frames can quantitative information on pollutant path-
reveal the dominant direction of air and ways and ventilation rates. Use of tracer
pollutant movement. gases to obtain quantitative results re-
Some investigators study air movement quires considerable technical expertise. If
by releasing a small amount of peppermint it appears that a sophisticated study of
oil at the opening to a suspected pathway pathways (or ventilation rates) is required,
and asking an assistant to sniff for the you need to use trained investigators.

Evaluate Airflow Patterns
Evaluate airflow patterns into and
within the complaint area. Because of AIRFLOW PATTERNS SUGGESTIONS
the complexity and variability of air- ■ Onsite observations ■ Look for temporal patterns
flow patterns, investigators cannot be linking changes in airflow
expected to understand how air moves direction to incidents of
within the building under all potential complaints.
operating conditions. However, data ■ Look for spatial patterns
on pathways and driving forces can linking potential sources to
help to locate potential pollutant the locations of complaints.
sources and to understand how con-
taminants are transported to building
occupants.
Confirm or Revise Bound-

aries of the Complaint Area
The discovery of unexpected pollutant COMPLAINT AREA SUGGESTIONS
pathways can show a need to study ■ Complaint area connected ■ Check whether pressure relationships
areas of the building that may be by architectural features to between complaint area and sur-
distant from the original complaint other areas rounding locations follows intent of
area. ■ Complaint area connected ventilation design.
by mechanical system to ■ Check whether air from other
other areas locations flows into the complaint
■ Unintentional pathways area under some conditions. If so,
(e.g., cracks, holes) consider expanding the investigation
to inventory pollutant sources (and
perhaps collect HVAC or occupant
data) in those locations.
WHAT DO YOU
KNOW SO FAR?
Form on page 223 to
make brief notes after
reviewing the pollutant
pathway data.
have a hypothesis that
might explain the
complaints. If so, test it.
(See page 78 for a
discussion of hypothesis
testing.)
need to know. Consider
whether in-house
expertise is sufficient or
outside assistance is
needed. (See Section 8
for guidance on hiring
outside assistance.)

COLLECTING INFORMATION
COLLECTING SOURCE INFORMATION ON POLLUTANT SOURCES
Strategies Tools Throughout the investigation, the building

investigator will try to identify pollutant
Conduct onsite ■ Pollutant and Source Inventory sources that may be causing the occupant
inspection ■ Chemical Inventory
complaints. Any public or commercial
building is likely to contain a number of
Talk with building ■ Pollutant and Source Inventory
occupants, facilities sources that produce odors, contaminants,
■ Chemical Inventory
staff, and contractors or both. The investigator’s task is to
identify the source(s) that may be respon-
sible for the complaint(s).
The area included in the pollutant source
Sample Form inventory should be defined by the invest-
Pollutant and Source Inventory Form igator’s understanding of the building’s
architectural and mechanical layout and
Using the list of potential source categories below, record any pollutant pathways. Common sense will
indications of contamination or suspected pollutants that may require help to differentiate unusual sources (e.g.,
further investigation or treatment.
spills, strong odors from new furnishings
or equipment) from those that are normally
Source Category Checked Needs Attention Location Comments found within or near the building.
SOURCES OUTSIDE THE BUILDING Remember that very few sources of
indoor air contaminants are both continu-
Contaminated Ambient Air
ous and constant in volume over time.
Pollen, dust
Pollutant concentrations often vary in
Industrial
contaminants strength over time, and may not be evident
General vehicular at the time of the site visit. Some sources
contaminants are subtle and might only be noticed by a
trained investigator. As the investigation
progresses, the inventory of pollutant
sources may need to be revised by expand-
Sample Form
ing the definition of the complaint area or
Chemical Inventory examining specific locations more closely
(e.g., under various operating conditions).
The inventory should include chemicals stored or used in the building
for cleaning, maintenance, operations, and pest control. Onsite Inspection
Depending upon the nature of the com-
Date Chemical/ Use Storage MSDS plaint, the investigator may find some of
Brand Name Location(s) on File? the following activities to be useful. This
list is not intended to be complete.
Inventory outdoor sources
■ Examine the area around the outdoor air
intake for unsanitary conditions, standing

water, or nearby pollutant sources such
SEE as exhaust vents or motor vehicles.
COMPLETE ■ Observe patterns of traffic, construction
FORMS activity, and other potential sources in
PAGES 213 the neighborhood of the building.
AND 221
72 Section 6
■ Inquire about outdoor ambient air on these materials whenever possible.
problems in the area. (This information (See Section 4 for further discussion of
may be available from your local Health MSDSs.) Portions of both forms are
Department.) shown on the poopsite page; the complete
■ Observe soil gas entry points. form is included in Tab V.
Inventory equipment sources
Talk With Building Occupants
■ Review non-HVAC equipment, particu-
and Facility Staff
larly large office equipment such as
engineering drawing reproduction Building occupants and facility staff can
machines and wet-process copiers. provide valuable information about the
Learn about usage patterns and identify location and timing of activities that
items that are not equipped with local produce odors or contaminants (e.g.,
exhaust. smoking, cooking, housekeeping, mainte-
■ Review biocides, water treatment used
nance). They may also suggest explana-
on HVAC equipment. tions for the IAQ problem that can help in
the development of hypotheses. Facility
Review building components and staff and outside contractors (e.g., persons
furnishings involved in housekeeping, pest control, or
■ Check drain traps to make sure they are
remodeling) should be interviewed or
not dry. asked to provide a current list of materials,
■ Identify areas of excessive dust and/or
procedures, and schedules used for
deteriorated furnishings. cleaning and pest control.
■ Identify areas of soil or water damage.
It may be useful to discuss the following
■ Identify locations of new furnishings.
items with building occupants:
Inventory other potential sources Inventory activities
■ Identify special use areas such as
■ Review smoking policy (and actual
smoking lounges, laboratories, print practice; cleaning staff may know where
shops. smoking occurs in violation of policy,
■ Identify areas where remodeling, repair,
especially in private offices).
or redecorating activities are in progress ■ Identify areas of overcrowding.
or recently completed. Check proce- ■ Review products used for housekeeping,
dures being used to isolate demolition maintenance, and pest control and the
dust, paint fumes, and other contami- schedules of their use.
nants related to the process. ■ Inquire about housekeeping schedules
■ Inventory cleaning materials used in the
and procedures.
building. ■ Identify supply storage areas and check
(See Section 4 for another discussion of for well-sealed containers and proper
problem indicators and common problems ventilation.
that may become obvious during a
Discuss incidents that could be sources
walkthrough of the building.)
■ Inquire about prior and neighboring uses
of land (e.g., landfills, underground fuel

The Pollutant and Source Inventory
tanks).
can be used to record your observations.
■ Inquire about events such as spills, fires,
The Chemical Inventory form is intended
or leaks.
to serve as a record of materials such as
■ If such events have occurred, learn what
solvents, biocides, pesticides, and cleaning
remedial actions were taken to clean up
compounds that may require special care in
after the incidents and to prevent their
storage and handling. Material Safety
recurrence.
Data Sheets (MSDSs) should be collected

identify potential contaminant sources that
PATTERNS SUGGESTIONS are unrelated to the present IAQ complaint
(i.e., either the location of the source, the
Location(s) ■ Compare locations of sources to locations of
of sources timing of emissions, or both fit poorly with
complaint(s).
■ Identify pathways linking potential sources to the the pattern of complaints). These should
complaint area. be prioritized for remedial work according
■ Revise definition of complaint area if necessary. to their potential for causing health
Timing ■ Note whether the sources emit on a continuous problems or complaints in the future.
of emissions or intermittent basis. A detailed study of pollutants and
■ Compare the timing of emissions to the timing sources may involve an engineering
of complaints.
■ Identify occasions when the source is likely to be evaluation of equipment that is releasing
strongest. IAQ contaminants, diagnostic sampling to
■ Determine whether pathways between the assess sources in operation, or other
source(s) and the complaint location could
measurements. These may require skills or
account for the occasions of complaints.
instruments that are not available in-house.
SAMPLING AIR FOR

USING POLLUTANT SOURCE CONTAMINANTS AND
WHAT DO YOU DATA INDICATORS
KNOW SO FAR?
If a strong pollutant source is identified in Although air sampling might seem to be
Form on page 223 to the immediate vicinity of the complaint, a the logical response to an air quality
make brief notes after simple test (e.g., sealing, covering, or problem, such an approach may not be
reviewing the pollutant removing the source) can sometimes reveal required to solve the problem and can even
source data. whether or not it is the cause of the IAQ be misleading. Air sampling should not be
have a hypothesis problem. If a number of potential sources undertaken until some or all of the other
that might explain the have been found in and around the investigative activities mentioned previ-
complaints. If so, test complaint area, other data (e.g., the pattern ously have been used to collect consider-
it. (See page 78 for a of symptoms, the HVAC system design able information. Before beginning to take
discussion of hypoth-
esis testing.) and operation, and pollutant pathways) air samples, investigators should develop a
■ Decide what else you may be needed in order to determine which sampling strategy that is based on a
need to know. source(s), if any, may be related to the comprehensive understanding of how the
Consider whether in- complaint. building operates, the nature of the
house expertise is
sufficient or outside Strategies for Using Source complaints, and a plan for interpreting the
assistance is needed. results.
(See Section 8 for Information
guidance on hiring It may be desirable to take certain
■ Identify patterns linking emissions to
outside assistance.) routine air quality measurements during an
complaints
investigation to obtain a “snapshot” of
■ Evaluate unrelated sources
current conditions. These tests should be
limited to those that are indicative of very
Identify Patterns Linking
common IAQ concerns such as tempera-
Emissions to Complaints
ture, relative humidity, air movement, or
Look for patterns linking emissions from carbon dioxide (CO2). Unusual readings
potential sources to the IAQ complaints. may or may not indicate a problem, and
should always be interpreted in perspec-
Evaluate Unrelated Sources tive, based upon site-specific conditions.
Evaluate sources that appear unrelated to Measurement of specific chemical or
the complaints. It is not unusual to biological contaminants can be very
expensive. Before expending time and
74 Section 6
money to obtain measurements of indoor
air pollutants, you must decide:
■ how the results will be used
(e.g., comparison to standards or
guidelines, comparison to levels in
complaint-free areas)
■ what substances(s) should be measured
■ where to take samples
■ when to take samples
■ what sampling and analysis method to
use so that the results provide useful
information
It is often worthwhile for building staff

to develop skills in making temperature,
humidity, airflow, and CO2 measurements
and assessing patterns of air movement ■ expected “background” range for Occupants in this one-story
typical buildings without perceived office building were complain-
(e.g., using chemical smoke). Appendix A
ing of intermittent gasoline
provides a brief introduction to ventilation IAQ problems odors. Exhausts from under-
and thermal measurement strategies and to Test a hypothesis about the source of the ground gasoline storage tank
methods of sampling for specific air vent pipes (visible in the
problem, such as lower right portion of this
contaminants. ■ checking emissions from a piece of photograph) were being
equipment drawn into the office building
How Will the Results Be Used? through outdoor air intakes on
2. Testing for “indicator” compounds this roof. The gasoline stor-
Although air sampling will generate associated with particular types of age tanks belonged to an
adjacent service station.
numbers, it will not necessarily help building conditions:
resolve the IAQ problem. Many IAQ Peak carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentra-
complaints are resolved without sampling tions over 1000 ppm (parts per million)
or with inconclusive sampling results. are an indicator of underventilation
The design of an air sampling strategy
Carbon monoxide (CO) over several
should fit the intended use of the measure-
ppm indicates inappropriate presence
ments. Potential uses of indoor air
of combustion by-products (which may
measurements include:
also account for high CO2 readings)
1. Comparing different areas of the building
3. Comparing measured concentrations
or comparing indoor to outdoor condi-
to guidelines or standards
tions in order to:
Occupational exposure standards and
Confirm that a control approach has
guidelines, such as
the desired effect of reducing pollutant
■ OSHA PELs (Occupational Safety and
concentrations or improving ventilation
Health Administration’s Permissible
Establish baseline conditions so that Exposure Limits)
they can be compared to concentrations ■ NIOSH RELs (National Institute for
at other times or locations, such as Occupational Safety and Health’s
■ concentrations in outdoor air Recommended Exposure Limits)
■ concentrations in areas where no ■ ACGIH TLVs (American Conference
symptoms are reported of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’
Threshold Limit Values)

Public health guidelines for specific
Air sampling for specific pollutants
pollutants
works best as an investigative tool when it
■ EPA National Ambient Air Quality
is combined with other types of informa-
Standards
tion-gathering. It is prudent to begin a
■ World Health Organization Air Quality
program of chemical sampling only if
Guidelines
symptoms or observations strongly suggest
■ Canadian Exposure Guidelines for
that a specific pollutant or a specific source
Residential Air Quality
may be the cause of the complaint and if
sampling results are important in determin-
There are no widely accepted procedures
It is prudent to begin ing an appropriate corrective action.
to define whether IAQ test results are ac-
a program of chemi- ceptable. Extreme caution must be used in
Where Should Air Samples Be
cal sampling only if comparing contaminant concentrations to
Taken?
symptoms or obser- existing occupational standards and guide-
vations strongly lines. Although a contaminant concentra- The identified problem area is an obvious
tion above those guidelines is a clear prob- site for air sampling. Measurements taken
suggest that a spe-
lem indicator, occupants may still experi- outdoors and in a control location (e.g., a
cific pollutant or a
ence health and comfort problems at con- complaint-free area of the building) are
specific source may centrations well within those guidelines. It helpful in interpreting results from the
be the cause of the is extremely rare for occupational stan- complaint area.
complaint and if dards to be exceeded — or even ap- The conditions experienced by building
sampling results are proached — in public and commercial occupants are best simulated by sampling
buildings, including those experiencing air from the “breathing zone” away from
important in deter-
indoor air quality problems. the influence of any particular individual.
mining an appropriate
Where specific exposure problems are However, if an individual sits at a desk all
corrective action. day (except for brief periods), samplers
suspected, more detailed diagnostic testing
may be needed to locate or understand placed on the desk when the individual is
major sources, confirm the exposure, and elsewhere can provide a good estimate of
to develop appropriate remedial actions. that person’s exposure.
For example, the control of microbial or There are several ways to locate sam-
pesticide contamination may involve sur- pling sites for an IAQ investigation. One
face or bulk sampling. (Surface sampling approach first divides the building into
involves wiping a measured surface area homogeneous areas based on key factors
and analyzing the swab to see what organ- identified in the building inspection and
isms are present, while bulk sampling interviews. Examples of how a building
involves analyzing a sample of suspect might be divided include:
material.) Specialized skills, experience, ■ control zones (e.g., individual rooms)
and equipment may be needed to obtain, ■ types of HVAC zones (e.g., interior vs.
analyze, and interpret such measurements. perimeter)
■ complaint vs. non-complaint areas
What Substance(s) Should Be ■ relationship to major sources
Measured? (e.g., spaces directly, indirectly, or not
Measurement of “indicator” compounds impacted by smoking areas)
such as CO2 or CO can be a cost-effective ■ complaint types
strategy. Such measurements can help the Test sites can then be selected to repre-
investigator understand the nature of the sent complaints, controls, and potential
problem and define the complaint area. sources with a reasonable number of
samples.
76 Section 6
When Should Indoor Air What Sampling and Analysis
Samples Be Taken? Method Should Be Used?
Samples may be designed to obtain “worst- Take care to select appropriate measure-
case” conditions, such as measurements ment techniques and to provide interpreta-
during periods of maximum equipment tions so that the results provide useful
emissions, minimum ventilation, or distur- information. Appendix A provides
bance of contaminated surfaces. Worst- guidance on measurement techniques that
case sample results can be very helpful in are commonly used in IAQ investigations.
characterizing maximum concentrations to
which occupants are exposed and identify- COMPLAINTS DUE TO Investigators should
ing sources for corrective measures. CONDITIONS OTHER THAN bear in mind that
It is also helpful to obtain samples during POOR AIR QUALITY complaints produced
average or typical conditions as a basis of by these stressors
Complaints that initially seem to be linked
comparison. It may, however, be difficult
to thermal discomfort, underventilation, or are sometimes mis-
to know what conditions are typical. Re-
search shows that exposure to some pollut-
indoor air pollutants may actually be takenly blamed on
caused or complicated by factors such as: contaminated air. To
ants may vary dramatically as building
conditions change. Devices that allow ■ environmental stressors (e.g., lighting, complicate matters,
continuous measurements of key variables noise, vibration) such stressors also
can be helpful. ■ ergonomic stressors can produce a height-
Symptoms or odors that only occur occa- ■ job-related psychosocial (human rela-
ened sensitivity to
sionally will not generally be seen during tions) stressors
poor indoor air qual-
the IAQ investigation. Air samples should The following briefly discusses each of
not be taken if an incident is not occurring, ity.
these three kinds of stressors. Investiga-
unless the purpose of the sample is to es- tors should bear in mind that complaints
tablish a baseline for future comparisons. produced by these stressors are sometimes
One approach to intermittent IAQ prob- mistakenly blamed on contaminated air.
lems is for the IAQ investigator to ask To complicate matters, such stressors also
appropriate building staff or other occu- can produce a heightened sensitivity to
pants to document changes over time using poor indoor air quality. Thus, even when
day-to-day records such as the Occupant specific stressors are obvious, the investi-
Diary and Log of Activities and System gator should not assume that they are the
Operation. When an odor episode does only reason for the complaints.
occur, the building engineer could inspect
the air handler and intake area while an- Lighting
other staff member documents the status of
several potential sources. Stresses from inadequate or poorly
Another strategy is to manipulate designed lighting (e.g., glare, flicker, poor
building conditions to create worst-case illumination of work surfaces) can produce
conditions during the building investiga- symptoms such as eyestrain and head-
tion (e.g., arrange for the trash truck to idle aches. Lack of natural sunlight can also be
at the loading dock or close outdoor air a source of stress. These complaints are
dampers to minimum settings). Chemical sometimes mistakenly interpreted as signs
smoke and tracer gases can be used to of poor indoor air quality. Lighting
assess where emissions may travel under problems may be evident in large areas or
various building conditions. (Such localized in particular workspaces.
strategies should be carried out in ways
that minimize occupant exposure.)

Ergonomic Stressors
Fatigue, circulatory problems, and other
physical problems can be produced by
furniture that is mismatched to the task,
such as chairs that are the wrong height for
computer terminals. If IAQ investigators
inquire about whether new furniture has
recently been installed in the problem area
(to determine if the furniture could be
contributing to increased contaminant
levels), they should also ask about
whether the occupant finds the furniture
comfortable.
Job-related Psychosocial
Stressors
It is well documented that various job-
related psychosocial conditions can
produce symptoms in workers. Excessive
workload and work pressure are easily
The glare from the windows Noise recognized job stressors. Lack of clarity
was causing a variety of
occupant complaints in this Noisy surroundings can reduce the ability about what is expected of the worker (role
building and was disrupting to concentrate and produce stress-related ambiguity) and the presence of conflicting
the workers’ ability to use the expectations (role conflict) are also
video display terminals.
symptoms such as headaches. Noise can
also contribute to job dissatisfaction, commonly encountered stressors in
Complaints such as
headaches are sometimes particularly if the problem is caused by modern organizations. Poor interpersonal
incorrectly blamed on poor overcrowding or other factors likely to relations, management styles that allow
indoor air quality. little participation in decision-making, and
produce a sense of substandard work
conditions. factors related to career development are
The ear gets used to sounds quickly, so it also thought to be potentially stressful.
is possible for a complainant to be unaware
of a constant or regular sound. Investiga- FORMING AND TESTING
tors should recognize that noise can be a HYPOTHESES
source of stress, even if it is not reported as As the building investigation progresses,
a problem and is within current industrial you should be developing one or more
exposure criteria (which are designed hypotheses that could explain the occupant
primarily to prevent hearing loss). complaints. The investigation can then be
shaped to collect information that will
Vibration either support or refute your hypotheses.
Low-frequency vibration is another source The Hypothesis Form on the opposite
of stress that may go unreported by page is designed to pull together the
building occupants or become confused separate pieces of information that have
with pollutant problems. Vibration can be been collected by summarizing the results
caused by nearby machinery or movement of the investigation. More pages can be
of the building as a whole; motion sickness added if desired, but the form is designed
has been reported in some high rise for brief notes that can be scanned easily.
buildings that sway in the wind. As you review the information, write down
78 Section 6
any explanation(s) for the IAQ problem that The changes that are made during
make sense, and think about how the hypothesis testing may offer a practical
pieces of the puzzle fit together when solution to the IAQ problem, or may be
building conditions are compared to only temporary measures. The mitigation
SEE
occupant complaints. chapter presents a variety of approaches
COMPLETE
Is all (or most) of your information that have been used in correcting some FORM
consistent with your hypothesis? If not, is selected categories of IAQ problems and PAGE 223
there a reasonable explanation for the discusses how to evaluate those strategies.
inconsistencies? A different hypothesis
might provide a better fit with your
information.
Sample Form
You may find that there are several IAQ
Hypothesis Form
problems (e.g., underventilation in one
zone, a strong contaminant source in
Complaint Area (may be revised as the investigation progresses):
another room). If you have discovered
potential IAQ problems that do not appear _______________________________________________________________
related to the original complaint, they can
be prioritized and corrected as time and _______________________________________________________________
funding permit.
Think of ways to test your hypotheses. Complaints (e.g., summarize patterns of timing, location, people
affected):
You may want to change ventilation rates,
change the pressure relationship between _______________________________________________________________
spaces, cover or remove suspected sources,
seal pathways, or temporarily relocate _______________________________________________________________
affected individuals. If your manipulations
HVAC: Does the ventilation system appear to provide adequate air,
can reduce occupant complaints, you have
efficiently distributed to meet occupant needs in the complaint area? If
found a reasonable hypothesis. Sometimes not, what problems do you see?
it is not possible (or not practical) to
manipulate important factors. You can also _______________________________________________________________
test your hypothesis by seeing how accu-
rately you can predict changes in building _______________________________________________________________
conditions (e.g., as outdoor temperature Pathways: What pathways and driving forces connect the complaint
changes). area to locations of potential sources?
If you are having difficulty developing
hypotheses, review the information you _______________________________________________________________
have collected and the suggestions about
_______________________________________________________________
how to use that information. For sugges-
tions on using occupant complaint data, see
pages 53-57; on using HVAC system
information, see pages 62-67; on using
pollutant pathway information, see pages
70-71; on using pollutant/source inventory
data, see page 74; on using air sampling
information, see pages 75-76.

Mitigating IAQ Problems
Over the years many types of mitigation

(correction) strategies have been imple-
mented to solve indoor air quality prob-
lems. The purpose of this section is to
provide an understanding of basic ap-
proaches to mitigation and the various
indoor air contaminants change the
relationships between these factors. There
are many ways that people can intervene in
these relationships to prevent or control
indoor air contaminant problems. Control
strategies can be categorized as:
7
solutions that can be effective in treating ■ source control
commonly-encountered IAQ problems. It ■ ventilation
is not intended to provide detailed instruc- ■ air cleaning
tions for using each type of mitigation ■ exposure control
approach but rather to give guidance in
selecting a mitigation strategy and in Successful mitigation often involves a
judging proposals from in-house staff or combination of these strategies. Possible
outside consultants. remedies for the other environmental
Mitigation of indoor air quality prob- stressors discussed in Section 6 are
lems may require the involvement of discussed briefly below.
building management and staff represent-
ing such areas of responsibility as: Source Control
■ facility operation and maintenance All efforts to prevent or correct IAQ

■ housekeeping problems should include an effort to
■ shipping and receiving identify and control pollutant sources.
■ purchasing Source control is generally the most cost
■ policymaking effective approach to mitigating IAQ
■ staff training problems in which point sources of
contaminants can be identified. In the case
Successful mitigation of IAQ problems
of a strong source, source control may be
also requires the cooperation of other
the only solution that will work.
building occupants, including the employ-
The following are categories and
ees of building tenants. Occupants must be
examples of source control:
educated about the cause(s) of the IAQ
problems and about actions that must be Remove or reduce the source
taken or avoided to prevent a recurrence of ■ prohibit smoking indoors or limit
the problems. smoking to areas from which air is

exhausted, not recirculated (NIOSH
BACKGROUND: CONTROLLING regards smoking areas as an interim
INDOOR AIR PROBLEMS solution)
■ relocate contaminant-producing equip-
Section 2 introduced the idea that indoor
ment to an unoccupied, better ventilated,
air quality problems result from interac-
or exhaust-only ventilated space
tions between contaminant source,
■ select products which produce fewer or
building site, building structure, activities
less potent contaminants while maintain-
within the building, mechanical equipment,
ing adequate safety and efficacy
climate, and occupants. Efforts to control
Mitigating IAQ Problems 81

■ modify other occupant activities cannot be identified. Ventilation can be
used to control indoor air contaminants by:
Seal or cover the source
■ improve storage of materials that Diluting contaminants with outdoor air
produce contaminants ■ increase the total quantity of supply air
■ seal surfaces of building materials that (including outdoor air)

emit VOCs such as formaldehyde ■ increase the proportion of outdoor air to
total air
Modify the environment
■ improve air distribution
■ after cleaning and disinfecting an area
that is contaminated by fungal or Isolating or removing contaminants by

bacterial growth, control humidity to controlling air pressure relationships
make conditions inhospitable for ■ install effective local exhaust at the
regrowth location of the source

■ avoid recirculation of air that contains
Source removal or reduction can
contaminants
sometimes be accomplished by a one-time
■ locate occupants near supply diffusers
effort such as thorough cleaning of a spill.
and sources near exhaust registers
In other cases, it requires an ongoing
■ use air-tightening techniques to maintain
process, such as establishing and enforcing
pressure differentials and eliminate
a non-smoking policy.
pollutant pathways
Sealing or covering the source can be a
■ make sure that doors are closed where
solution in some cases; application of a
necessary to separate zones
barrier over formaldehyde-emitting
building materials is an example. Sealing Diluting contaminants by increasing
may also involve educating staff or the flow of outdoor air can be accom-
building occupants about the contaminant- plished by increasing the total supply
producing features of materials and airflow in the complaint area (e.g., opening
supplies and inspecting storage areas to supply diffusers, adjusting dampers) or at
ensure that containers are properly the air handling unit, (e.g., cleaning the
covered. filter on the supply fan). An alternative is
In some cases, modification of the to increase the proportion of outdoor air
environment is necessary for effective (e.g., adjusting the outdoor air intake
mitigation. If the indoor air problem damper, installing minimum stops on
arises from microbiological contaminants, variable air volume (VAV) boxes so that
for example, disinfection of the affected they satisfy the outdoor air requirements of
area may not eliminate the problem. ASHRAE 62-1989).
Regrowth of microbiologicals could Studies have shown that increasing
occur unless humidity control or other ventilation rates to meet ASHRAE
steps, such as adding insulation to prevent Standard 62-1989 (e.g., from 5 to 15 or 20
surface condensation, are taken to make cfm/person) does not necessarily signifi-
the environment inhospitable to micro- cantly increase the total annual energy
biologicals. consumption. The increase appears to be
less than 5% in typical commercial
Ventilation buildings. The cost of ventilation is
generally overshadowed by other operating
Ventilation modification is often used to
costs, such as lighting. Further, improved
correct or prevent indoor air quality
maintenance can produce energy savings
problems. This approach can be effective
to balance the costs that might otherwise
either where buildings are underventilated
result from increased ventilation.
or where a specific contaminant source
82 Section 7
The cost of modifying an existing Ventilation equipment can be used to
HVAC system to condition additional isolate or contain contaminants by
outdoor air can vary widely depending controlling pressure relationships. If the
upon the specific situation. In some contaminant source has been identified,
buildings, HVAC equipment may not have this strategy can be more effective than
sufficient capacity to allow successful dilution. Techniques for controlling air
mitigation using this approach. Original pressure relationships range from adjust-
equipment is often oversized so that it can ment of dampers to installation of local
be adjusted to handle the increased load, exhaust.
but in some cases additional capacity is Using local exhaust confines the spread
required. of contaminants by capturing them near the
Most ventilation deficiencies appear to source and exhausting them to the out-
be linked to inadequate quantities of doors. It also dilutes the contaminant by
outdoor air. However, inadequate distribu- drawing cleaner air from surrounding areas
tion of ventilation air can also produce into the exhaust airstream. If there are
IAQ problems. Diffusers should be return grilles in a room equipped with local
properly selected, located, installed, and exhaust, the local exhaust should exert
maintained so that supply air is evenly enough suction to prevent recirculation of
distributed and blends thoroughly with contaminants. Properly designed and
room air in the breathing zone. Short- installed local exhaust results in far lower
circuiting occurs when clean supply air is contaminant levels in the building than
drawn into the return air plenum before it could be accomplished by a general
has mixed with the dirtier room air and increase in dilution ventilation, with the
therefore fails to dilute contaminants. added benefit of costing less.
Mixing problems can be aggravated by Note that replacement air must be able
temperature stratification. Stratification to flow freely into the area from which the
can occur, for example, in a space with exhaust air is being drawn. It may be
high ceilings in which ceiling-mounted necessary to add door or wall louvers in
supply diffusers distribute heated air. order to provide a path for the make-up air.
Note the side effects of increased (Make sure that this action does not violate
ventilation: fire codes.)
■ mitigation by increasing the circulation Correct identification of the pollutant
of outdoor air requires good outdoor air source and installation of the local exhaust
quality is critically important. For example, an
■ increased supply air at the problem improperly designed local exhaust can
location might mean less supply air in draw other contaminants through the
other areas occupied space and make the problem
■ increased total air in the system and worse.
increased outdoor air will both tend to The physical layout of grilles and
increase energy consumption and may diffusers relative to room occupants and
require increased equipment capacity pollutant sources can be important. If
■ any approach which affects airflow in supply diffusers are all at one end of a
the building can change pressure room and returns are all at the other end,
differences between rooms (or zones) the people located near the supplies may
and between indoors and outdoors, and be provided with relatively clean air while
might lead to increased infiltration of those located near the returns breathe air
unconditioned outdoor air that has already picked up contaminants
■ increasing air in a VAV system may from all the sources in the room that are
overcool an area to the extent that not served by local exhaust.
terminal reheat units are needed

Elimination of pollutant pathways by air The first three approaches are designed
sealing (e.g., caulking cracks, closing to remove particulates, while the fourth is
holes) is an approach that can increase the designed to remove gases.
effectiveness of other control techniques. Particulate filtration removes sus-
It can be a difficult technique to implement pended liquid or solid materials whose
because of hidden pathways (e.g., above size, shape and mass allow them to remain
drop ceilings, under raised flooring airborne for the air velocity conditions
against brick or block walls). However, it present. Filters are available in a range of
can have other benefits such as energy efficiencies, with higher efficiency indicat-
savings and more effective pest control (by ing removal of a greater proportion of
eliminating paths used by vermin). particles and of smaller particles. Moving
to medium efficiency pleated filters is
Air Cleaning advisable to improve IAQ and increase
The third IAQ control strategy is to clean protection for equipment. However, the
the air. Air cleaning is usually most effec- higher the efficiency of the filter, the more
tive when used in conjunction with either it will increase the pressure drop within the
source control or ventilation; however, it air distribution system and reduce total
may be the only approach when the source airflow (unless other adjustments are made
of pollution is outside of the building. to compensate). It is important to select an
Most air cleaning in large buildings is appropriate filter for the specific
aimed primarily at preventing contaminant application and to make sure that the
buildup in HVAC equipment and enhanc- HVAC system will continue to perform as
ing equipment efficiency. designed. Filters are rated by different
Air cleaning equipment intended to standards (e.g., arrestance and dust spot)
provide better indoor air quality for occu- which measure different aspects of
pants must be properly selected and de- performance.
signed for the particular pollutants of inter- Electrostatic precipitation is another
est (for example, gaseous contaminants can type of particulate control. It uses the
be removed only by gas sorption). Once attraction of charged particles to oppo-
installed, the equipment requires regular sitely charged surfaces to collect airborne
maintenance in order to ensure good per- par-ticulates. In this process, the particles
formance; otherwise it may become a are charged by ionizing the air with an
major pollutant source in itself. This main- electric field. The charged particles are
tenance requirement should be borne in then col-lected by a strong electric field
mind if an air cleaning system involving a generated between oppositely-charged
large number of units is under consider- electrodes. This provides relatively high
ation for a large building. If room units are efficiency filtration of small respirable
used, the installation should be designed particles at low air pressure losses.
for proper air recirculation. Electrostatic precipitators may be in-
There are four technologies that remove stalled in air distribution equipment or in
contaminants from the air: specific usage areas. As with other filters,
■ particulate filtration they must be serviced regularly. Note,
■ electrostatic precipitation however, that electrostatic precipitators
■ negative ion generation produce some ozone. Because ozone is
■ gas sorption harmful at elevated levels, EPA has set
standards for ozone concentrations in out-
door air, and NIOSH and OSHA have
84 Section 7
established guidelines and standards, re- Scheduling contaminant-producing acti-
spectively, for ozone in indoor air. The vities to avoid complaints
amount of ozone emitted from electrostatic ■ schedule contaminant-producing activi-
precipitators varies from model to model. ties to occur during unoccupied periods
■ notify susceptible individuals about up-
Negative ion generators use static
charges to remove particles from the indoor coming events (e.g., roofing, pesticide
air. When the particles become charged, application) so that they can avoid contact
they are attracted to surfaces such as walls, with the contaminants
floors, table tops, draperies, and occupants. Scheduling contaminant-producing ac-
Some designs include collectors to attract tivities for unoccupied periods whenever
the charged particles back to the unit. possible is simple common sense. It may
Negative ion generators are not available be the best way to limit complaints about
for installation in ductwork, but are sold as activities (such as roofing or demolition)
portable or ceiling-mounted units. As with which unavoidably produce odors or dust.
electrostatic precipitators, negative ion
generators may produce ozone, either Relocating susceptible individuals
■ move susceptible individuals away from
inten-tionally or as a by-product of use.
the area where they experience symptoms
Gas sorption is used to control com-
pounds that behave as gases rather than as Controlling exposure by relocating sus-
particles (e.g., gaseous contaminants such ceptible individuals may be the only practi-
as formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and cal approach in a limited number of cases,
oxides of nitrogen). Gas sorption involves but it is probably the least desirable option
one or more of the following processes and should be used only when all other
with the sorption material (e.g., activated strategies are ineffective in resolving com-
carbon, chemically treated active clays): a plaints.
chemical reaction between the pollutant
and the sorbent, a binding of the pollutant Remedies for Complaints Not
and the sorbent, or diffusion of the con- Attributed to Poor Air Quality
taminant from areas of higher concentration Specific lighting deficiencies or localized
to areas of lower concentration. Gas sorp- sources of noise or vibration can sometimes
tion units are installed as part of the air be readily identified, and remedial action
distribution system. Each type of sorption may be fairly straightforward (more or
material performs differently with different fewer lights on, adjustments for glare; relo-
gases. Gas sorption is not effective for cating, replacing or acoustically insulating a
removing carbon monoxide. There are no noise or vibration source). Similarly, fla-
standards for rating the performance of grant ergonomic stress or blatant psycho-
gaseous air cleaners, making the design and social stress may be apparent even to
evaluation of such systems problematic. an untrained observer.
Operating expenses of these units can be In other cases, however, problems may
quite high, and the units may not be effec- be more subtle or solutions more complex.
tive if there is a strong source nearby. Since specialized knowledge, skills, and
instrumentation are usually needed to
Exposure Control evaluate lighting, noise, vibration, ergo-
Exposure control is an administrative ap- nomic stress, or psychosocial stress, such
proach to mitigation that uses behavioral evaluations are generally best done by a
methods, such as: qualified professional in that particular
field.

Remedial actions for lighting, noise, that each solution listed would be an
and vibration problems might range from effective treatment for all of the problems
modifications of equipment or furnishings in its category.
to renovation of the building. Ergonomic The example problems and solutions are
deficiencies may require furniture or presented in the following sequence:
equipment changes or different work
Problem #1: Outdoor air ventilation rate
practices. The solution to psychosocial
is too low
problems may involve new management
Problem #2: Overall ventilation rate is
practices, job redesign, or resolution of
high enough, but poorly
underlying labor-management problems.
distributed and not sufficient
in some areas
SAMPLE PROBLEMS AND
SOLUTIONS Problem #3: Contaminant enters building
In the investigation section you were from outdoors
introduced to a variety of problems that are Problem #4: Occupant activities contrib-
often found in buildings. This section ute to air contaminants or to
presents fifteen categories of IAQ prob- comfort problems
lems. Specific problem “examples” are Problem #5: HVAC system is a source of
given, followed by solutions” that have biological contaminants
been used for that category of problem. Problem #6: HVAC system distributes
Most of the problems presented here are contaminants
common and do not have serious, life- Problem #7: Non-HVAC equipment is a
threatening consequences. At the end of source or distribution mecha-
the section is a brief description of nism for contaminants
problems that can have severe health
Problem #8: Surface contamination due to
impacts. The basic correction principles
poor sanitation or accidents
that apply to these serious problems are
similar to those used in less critical Problem #9: Mold and mildew growth
situations. due to moisture from con-
Reading these examples may help you densation
to think about the best way to solve your Problem #10: Building materials and
indoor air quality problems. Remember furnishings produce
that these are brief sketches, and apparent contaminants
parallels to your building could be mis- Problem #11: Housekeeping or mainte-
leading. It is better to carry out a building nance activities contribute to
investigation and learn the specific facts in problems
your own case, rather than adopt a mitiga- Problem #12: Specialized use areas as
tion approach that might not be appropri- sources of contaminants
ate. Attempting to correct IAQ problems Problem #13: Remodeling or repair activi-
without understanding the cause of those ties produce problems
problems can be both ineffective and
Problem #14: Combustion gases
expensive.
Problem #15: Serious building-related
You will note that some solutions are
illness
simple and low-cost, while others are
complex and expensive. Do not assume
86 Section 7
Problem #1:
Outdoor Air Ventilation
Rate is Too Low
Examples
Routine odors from occupants and
normal office activities result in problems
(e.g., drowsiness, headaches, discomfort)
Measured outdoor air ventilation rates do
not meet guidelines for outdoor air supply
(e.g., design specifications, applicable
codes, or ASHRAE 62-1989)
Peak CO2 concentrations above 1000
ppm indicate inadequate ventilation
Corrosion of fan casing causes air
bypassing and reduces airflow in system
Solutions
Open, adjust or repair air distribution
system
■ outdoor air intakes
■ mixing and relief dampers
■ supply diffusers
■ fan casings
Malfunctioning controls such as this broken
Increase outdoor air within the design damper linkage can virtually eliminate
capacity of intake of outdoor air. Such problems may
go undetected for years without a careful
■ air handler investigation of the HVAC system
■ heating and air conditioning equipment components.
■ distribution system
Modify components of the HVAC system
as needed to allow increased outdoor air
(e.g., increase capacity of heating and
cooling coils)
Design and install an updated ventilation
system
Reduce the pollutant and/or thermal load
on the HVAC system
■ reduce the occupant density: relocate
some occupants to other spaces to
redistribute the load on the ventilation
system
■ relocate or reduce usage of heat-
generating equipment

Problem #2: Examples
Overall Ventilation Rate Is Measured outdoor air meets guidelines at
High Enough, But Poorly building air inlet, but there are zones
Distributed and Not where heat, routine odors from occu-
Sufficient in Some Areas pants, and normal office activities result
in complaints
(e.g., drowsiness, headaches, comfort
complaints)
Solutions
Open, adjust, or repair air distribution
system
■ supply diffusers
■ return registers
Ensure proper air distribution
■ balance the air handling system
■ make sure that there is an air gap at tops
and bottoms of partitions to prevent dead
air space
■ relocate supply and/or return diffusers to
improve air distribution
Seal leaky ductwork
Remove obstructions from return air
plenum
Control pressure relationships
■ install local exhaust in problem areas
Complaining of discomfort, building and adjust HVAC system to provide
occupants blocked air supply diffusers in adequate make-up air
their work areas. The HVAC system in this
building was in poor condition and was not ■ move occupants so that they are closer to
balanced. supply diffusers
■ relocate identified contaminant sources
closer to exhaust intakes
Reduce source by limiting activities or
equipment use that produce heat, odors,
or contaminants
Design and install an appropriate
ventilation system
88 Section 7
Problem #3:
Contaminant Entering
Building From Outdoors
Examples
Soil gases
(e.g., radon, gasoline from tanks, methane
from landfills)
Contaminants from nearby activities
(e.g., roofing, dumpster, construction)
Outdoor air intake near source
(e.g., parking, loading dock, building
exhaust)
Outdoor air contains pollutants or excess
moisture
(e.g., cooling tower mist entrained in
outdoor air intake)
Solutions
Remove the source, if it can be moved
easily
■ remove debris around outdoor air intake
■ relocate dumpster
Reduce source (for example, shift time of
activity to avoid occupied periods) Change air pressure relationships to For cosmetic reasons, air
■ painting, roofing, demolition control pollutant pathways intakes are frequently located
on rooftops or near the
■ housekeeping, pest control ■ install subslab depressurization to ground. This air intake could
prevent entry of soil gas contaminants become a means of drawing
Relocate elements of the ventilation lawn cuttings, vehicle
system that contribute to entry of outdoor (radon, gases from landfills and under- exhaust, and pesticides into
air contaminants ground tanks) the building.
■ pressurize the building interior relative to
■ separate outdoor air intakes from sources
outdoors (this will not prevent contami-
of odors, contaminants
nant entry at outdoor air intakes)
■ separate exhaust fan outlets from
■ close pollutant pathways (e.g., seal
operable windows, doors, air intakes
cracks and holes)
■ make rooftop exhaust outlets taller than
intakes Add special equipment to HVAC system
■ filtration equipment to remove pollutants
(select to fit the situation)

Occupant Activities Smoking
Contribute to Air
Contaminants or to Special activities such as print shops,
Comfort Problems laboratories, kitchens
Interference with HVAC system
operation:
■ blockage of supply diffusers to eliminate
drafts
■ turning off exhaust fans to eliminate
noise
■ use of space heaters, desktop humidifiers
to remedy local discomfort
(Note: While such interference can cause
IAQ problems, it is often initiated in
response to unresolved ventilation or
temperature control problems.)
Solutions
Remove the source by eliminating the
activity
(Note: This may require a combination of
policy-setting and educational outreach.)
■ smoking
■ use of desktop humidifiers and other
personal HVAC equipment
■ unsupervised manipulation of HVAC
system
Reduce the source
■ select materials and processes which
Personal equipment such as humidifiers minimize release of contaminants while

brought in by building occupants can maintaining adequate safety and efficacy
become a source of contaminants if not
properly maintained. An effective (e.g., solvents, art materials)
communication strategy can help
occupants to understand their role in Install new or improved local exhaust to
causing indoor air quality problems and in accommodate the activity, adjust HVAC
correcting those problems. system to ensure adequate make-up air,
and verify effectiveness
■ smoking lounge, storage areas which
contain contaminant sources
■ laboratory hoods, kitchen range hoods
(venting to outdoors, not recirculating)
90 Section 7
Problem #5:
HVAC System is a Source of
Biological Contaminants
The HVAC system can act as a source of
contaminants by providing a hospitable
environment for the growth of microorgan-
isms and by then distributing biologically-
contaminated air within the building.
Examples
Surface contamination by molds (fungi),
bacteria
■ drain pans
■ interior of ductwork
■ air filters and filter media (collected
debris).
Solutions
Remove source by improving mainte-
nance procedures
■ inspect equipment for signs of corrosion,
high humidity
■ replace corroded parts
■ clean drip pans, outdoor air intakes,
other affected locations This blackish deposit was scraped from a

■ use biocides, disinfectants, and sanitizers
poorly-maintained air handling unit drain
pan. The pan contained nutrients caused
with extreme caution and ensure that by poor upstream filtration and stagnant
occupant exposure is minimized water that fostered the growth of
(Note: See discussion of duct cleaning in microbiological contaminants.
Appendix B.)
Provide access to all the items that
must be cleaned, drained, or replaced
periodically

HVAC System Distributes Unfiltered air bypasses filters due to
Contaminants problems
■ filter tracks are loose
■ poorly-maintained filters sag when they
become overloaded with dirt
■ filters are the wrong size
Recirculation of air that contains dust or
other contaminants
■ system recirculates air from rooms
containing pollutant sources
■ return air plenum draws air from rooms
that should be exhausted (e.g. janitor’s
closets)
■ return air plenums draw soil gases from
interiors of block corridor walls that
terminate above ceilings
Solutions
Modify air distribution system to
minimize recirculation of contaminants
■ provide local exhaust at point sources of
contaminants, adjust HVAC system to
provide adequate make-up air, and test to
verify performance
■ increase proportion of outdoor air
■ seal unplanned openings into return air
plenums and provide alternative local
ventilation (adjust HVAC system to
Standing water on a roof can cause water
damage and potential mold growth sites provide adequate make-up air and test to
inside the building as well as providing a verify performance)
breeding area for insects and
microbiologicals such as Legionella. The Improve housekeeping, pest control,
outside air intake (near the far left of this occupant activities, and equipment use to
photograph) is located close to the
standing water and could be drawing in
minimize release of contaminants from
insects and microbiological contaminants. all sources
Install improved filtration equipment to
remove contaminants
Check filter tracks for any gaps
92 Section 7
Problem #7:
Non-HVAC Equipment is
a Source or Distribution
Mechanism for Contaminants
This discussion pertains to medium- to

large-scale pieces of equipment.
Examples
Non-HVAC equipment can produce
contaminants, as in the case of:
■ wet process copiers
■ large dry process copiers
■ engineering drawing reproduction
machines
It can also distribute contaminants, as in
the case of:
■ elevators, which can act as pistons and
draw contaminants from one floor to
another
Solutions
Install local exhaust near machines
(Note: Adjust HVAC system to provide
adequate make-up air, and test to verify
performance.) Sometimes there are unusual sources of
indoor air quality problems. An inspection
Reschedule use to occur during periods of of the HVAC system revealed air filters
low occupancy covered with a graphite dust deposit from a
broken elevator motor generator. The
Remove source motor generator was repaired and
corrections were made to prevent the
■ relocate occupants out of rooms crossover of ventilation air from the motor
that contain contaminant-generating generator into the HVAC mechanical room.
equipment
■ relocate equipment into special use
areas equipped with effective exhaust
ventilation (test to verify control of air
pressure relationships)
Change air pressure relationships to
prevent contaminants from entering
elevator shaft

Surface Contamination Biological contaminants result in aller-
Due to Poor Sanitation or gies or other diseases
Accidents ■ fungal, viral, bacterial (whole organisms
or spores)
■ bird, insect, or rodent parts or droppings,
hair, dander (in HVAC, crawlspace,
building shell, or near outdoor air
intakes)
Accidents
■ spills of water, beverages, cleansers,
paints, varnishes, mastics or specialized
products (printing, chemical art supplies)
■ fire damage: soot, odors, chemicals
Solutions
Clean
■ HVAC system components
■ some materials and furnishings (others
may have to be discarded)
(Note: Use biocides, disinfectants, and
sanitizers with caution and ensure that
occupant exposure is minimized.)
Remove sources of microbiological
contamination
■ water-damaged carpet, furnishings, or
building materials
Modify environment to prevent recur-
The carpet on this floor was flooded
and an outbreak of humidifier fever rence of microbiological growth
occurred. To eliminate microbiologicals, ■ improve HVAC system maintenance
the contaminated carpet was removed and
new carpet was installed. ■ control humidity or surface temperatures
to prevent condensation
Provide access to all items that require
periodic maintenance
Use local exhaust where corrosive
materials are stored
Adjust HVAC system to provide adequate
make-up air, and test to verify perfor-
mance
94 Section 7
Problem #9:
Mold and Mildew Growth
Due to Moisture from
Condensation
Examples
Interior surfaces of walls near thermal
bridges
(e.g., uninsulated locations around struc-
tural members)
Carpeting on cold floors
Locations where high surface humidity
promotes condensation
Solutions
Clean and disinfect to remove mold and
mildew.
(Note: Follow up by taking actions to
prevent recurrence of microbiological
contamination. Use biocides, disinfec-
tants, and sanitizers with caution and
ensure that occupant exposure is mini-
mized.)
Increase surface temperatures to treat This is a school crawlspace in which
locations that are subject to condensation moisture should be controlled. The fungus
is Fusarium, some species of which are
■ insulate thermal bridges toxigenic and should not be inside. The
■ improve air distribution spores were distributed by the air handler
because the return plenum was open to the
crawlspace.
Reduce moisture levels in locations that
are subject to condensation
■ repair leaks
■ increase ventilation (in cases where
outdoor air is cold and dry)
■ dehumidify (in cases where outdoor air
is warm and humid)
Dry carpet or other textiles promptly after
steam cleaning
(Note: Increase ventilation to accelerate
drying.)
Discard contaminated materials

Building Materials and Odors from newly installed carpets,

Furnishings Produce furniture, wall coverings
Contaminants Newly drycleaned drapes or other textiles
Solutions
Remove source with appropriate cleaning
methods
■ steam clean carpeting and upholstery,
then dry quickly, ventilating to acceler-
ate the drying process
■ accept only fully dried, odorless
drycleaned products
Encapsulate source
■ seal surfaces of building materials that
emit formaldehyde
Reduce source
■ schedule installation of carpet, furniture,
and wall coverings to occur during
periods when the building is unoccupied
■ have supplier store new furnishings in a
clean, dry, well-ventilated area until
VOC outgassing has diminished
Increase outdoor air ventilation
■ total air supplied
■ proportion of fresh air
Remove the materials that are producing
the emissions and replace with lower
Low levels of contaminants are emitted
from many of the building materials emission alternatives
and furnishings in an office. Dust can (Note: Only limited information on
accumulate on stacks of papers and emissions from materials is available at
open shelves. Depending on how
they are cared for, plants potentially this time. Purchasers can request that
add moisture, soil microbiologicals, suppliers provide emissions test data, but
and pesticides. should use caution in interpreting the test
results.)
96 Section 7
Problem #11:
Housekeeping or Maintenance
Activities Contribute to
Problems
Examples
Cleaning products emit chemicals, odors
Particulates become airborne during
cleaning (e.g., sweeping, vacuuming)
Contaminants are released from painting,
caulking, lubricating
Frequency of maintenance is insufficient
to eliminate contaminants
Solutions
Remove source by modifying standard
procedures or frequency of maintenance
(Note: Changing procedures may require a
combination of policy-setting and training
in IAQ impacts of staff activities.)
■ improve storage practices
■ shift time of painting, cleaning, pest
control, other contaminant-producing
activities to avoid occupied periods Indoor air quality problems can be caused
by lack of adequate house-keeping
■ make maintenance easier by improving practices. On the other hand, deodorizers,
access to filters, coils, and other compo- cleansers and other products can also
nents produce odors and contaminants.
Reduce source
■ select materials to minimize emissions of
contaminants while maintaining ad-
equate safety and efficacy
■ use portable HEPA (high efficiency
particulate arrestance”) vacuums vs. low-
efficiency paper-bag collectors
Use local exhaust
■ on a temporary basis to remove contami-
nants from work areas
■ as a permanent installation where
contaminants are stored

Specialized Use Areas as Food preparation
Sources of Contaminants Art or print rooms
Laboratories
Solutions
Change pollutant pathway relationships
■ run specialized use area under negative
pressure relative to surrounding areas
■ install local exhaust, adjust HVAC
system to provide make-up air, and test
to verify performance
Remove source by ceasing, relocating, or
rescheduling incompatible activities
Reduce source by selecting materials to
minimize emissions of contaminants
while maintaining adequate safety and
efficacy
Reduce source by using proper sealing
and storage for materials that emit
contaminants
This chemical storage room should be

maintained under negative pressure.
Properly designed and maintained local
exhaust will achieve the proper air pressure
relationship with surrounding areas.
Otherwise, such storage areas can be a
source of occupant exposure to many
airborne contaminants.
98 Section 7
Problem #13:
Remodeling or Repair
Activities Produce Problems
Examples
Temporary activities produce odors and
contaminants
■ installation of new particleboard,
partitions, carpet, or furnishings
■ painting
■ reroofing
■ demolition
Existing HVAC system does not provide
adequate ventilation for new occupancy
or arrangement of space
Solutions
Modify ventilation to prevent recircula-
tion of contaminants
■ install temporary local exhaust in
work area, adjust HVAC system to
provide make-up air, and test to
verify performance
■ seal off returns in work area
■ close outdoor air damper during
re-roofing Modify HVAC or wall partition layout if Remodeling may involve
necessary many activities that can
Reduce source by scheduling work for cause IAQ problems.
unoccupied periods and keeping ventila- ■ partitions should not interrupt airflow Ventilation modifications can
tion system in operation to remove odors ■ relocate supply and return diffusers be used to isolate the work
area and prevent pollutant
and contaminants ■ adjust supply and return air quantities build-up in occupied spaces.
■ adjust total air and/or outdoor air supply Proper storage practices can
Reduce source by careful materials minimize the release of
to serve new occupancy
selection and installation contaminants.
■ select materials to minimize emissions
of contaminants while maintaining
adequate safety and efficacy
■ have supplier store new furnishings in a
clean, dry, well-ventilated area until
VOC outgassing has diminished
■ request installation procedures (e.g.,
adhesives) that limit emissions of
contaminants

Combustion Gases Vehicle exhaust
■ offices above (or connected to) an
Combustion odors can indicate the
underground parking garage
existence of a serious problem. One
■ rooms near (or connected by pathways
combustion product, carbon monoxide, is
to) a loading dock or service garage
an odorless gas. Carbon monoxide
poisoning can be life-threatening. Combustion gases from equipment
(e.g., spillage from inadequately vented
appliances, cracked heat exchanger, re-
entrainment because local chimney is too
low)
■ areas near a mechanical room
■ distributed throughout zone or entire
building
Solutions
Seal to remove pollutant pathway
■ close openings between the contaminant
source and the occupied space
■ install well-sealed doors with automatic
closers between the contaminant source
and the occupied space
Remove source
■ improve maintenance of combustion
equipment
■ modify venting or HVAC system to
prevent backdrafting
■ relocate holding area for vehicles at
loading dock, parking area
■ turn off engines of vehicles that are
waiting to be unloaded
Modify ventilation system
■ install local exhaust in underground
parking garage (adjust HVAC system to
Air intakes are frequently located near the provide make-up air and test to verify
loading dock for aesthetic reasons. performance)
Unfortunately, this air intake placement can
draw car and truck exhaust into the ■ relocate fresh air intake (move away
building, causing a variety of indoor air from source of contaminants
quality complaints.
Modify pressure relationships
■ pressurize spaces around area containing
source of combustion gases
100 Section 7
Problem #15:
Serious Building-Related
Illness
Some building-related illnesses can be life-

threatening. Even a single confirmed
diagnosis (which involves results from
specific medical tests) should provoke an
immediate and vigorous response.
Examples
Legionnaire’s disease
(Note: If you suspect Legionnaire’s
disease, call the local public health
department, check for obvious problem
sites, and take corrective action. There is
no way to be certain that a single case of
this disease is associated with building
occupancy; therefore, public health
agencies usually do not investigate single
cases. Watch for new cases.)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis ■ install drip pans that drain properly This air intake is located
■ provide access to all the items that must between the cooling towers.
(Note: Affected occupant(s) should be If the water in the cooling
removed and may not be able to return be cleaned, drained, or replaced periodi- towers becomes
unless the causative agent is removed from cally contaminated with Legionella,
■ modify schedule and procedures for there is potential for
the affected person’s environment.) Legionnaire’s disease in the
improved maintenance building.
Solutions
Discontinue processes that deposit
Work with public health authorities potentially contaminated moisture in air
■ evacuation may be recommended or distribution system
required ■ air washing
Remove source ■ humidification
■ cease nighttime shutdown of air handlers
■ drain, clean, and decontaminate drip
pans, cooling towers, room unit air
conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers,
and other habitats of Legionella, fungi,
and other organisms using appropriate
protective equipment

JUDGING PROPOSED situation worse (unless the outdoor air is
MITIGATION DESIGNS cleaned).
AND THEIR SUCESS
Degree to Which the Strategy
Mitigation efforts should be evaluated at
Fits the Job
the planning stage by considering the
following criteria: It is important to make sure that you
■ permanence understand the IAQ problem well enough
■ operating principle to select a correction strategy whose size
The most economical ■ degree to which the strategy fits the job and scope fit the job. If odors from a
and successful ■ ability to institutionalize the solution special use area such as a kitchen are
causing complaints in a nearby office,
solutions to IAQ ■ durability
installation and operating costs increasing the ventilation rate in the office
problems are those
■
■ conformity with codes may not be a successful approach. The

in which the operat- mitigation strategy should address the
ing principle of the Permanence entire area affected.
correction strategy If mechanical equipment is needed to
Mitigation efforts that create permanent
makes sense and is correct the IAQ problem, it must be
solutions to indoor air problems are clearly powerful enough to accomplish the task.
suited to the prob- superior to those that provide temporary For example, a local exhaust system
lem. solutions (unless the problems are also should be strong enough and close enough
temporary). Opening windows or running to the source so that none of the contami-
air handlers on full outdoor air may be nant is drawn into nearby returns and
suitable mitigation strategies for a tempo- recirculated.
rary problem such as outgassing of volatile
compounds from new furnishings, but Ability to Institutionalize
would not be good ways to deal with the Solution
emissions from a print shop. A permanent
solution to microbiological contamination A mitigation strategy will be most success-
involves not only cleaning and disinfec- ful when it is institutionalized as part of
tion, but also modification of the environ- normal building operations. Solutions that
ment to prevent regrowth. do not require exotic equipment are more
likely to be successful in the long run than
Operating Principle approaches that involve unfamiliar
concepts or delicately maintained systems.
The most economical and successful If maintenance or housekeeping proce-
solutions to IAQ problems are those in dures or supplies must change as part of
which the operating principle of the the mitigation, it may be necessary to plan
correction strategy makes sense and is for additional staff training, new inspection
suited to the problem. If a specific point checklists, or modified purchasing prac-
source of contaminants has been identified, tices. Operating schedules for HVAC
treatment at the source (e.g., by removal, equipment may also require modification.
sealing, or local exhaust) is almost always
a more appropriate correction strategy than Durability
dilution of the contaminant by increased
general ventilation. If the IAQ problem is IAQ mitigation strategies that are durable
caused by the introduction of outdoor air and low-maintenance are more attractive to
that contains contaminants, increased owners and building staff than approaches
general ventilation will only make the that require frequent adjustment or
102 Section 7
specialized maintenance skills. New items
of equipment should be quiet, energy-
efficient, and durable, so that the operators MANAGING MITIGATION PROJECTS
are encouraged to keep them running. INVOLVING SEVERE CONTAMINATION
Elements Cautions
Installation and Operating
Costs Locating the original source of a chemi-
Identify the extent of contami-
The approach with the lowest initial cost nation cal release or microbiological growth
may only be the tip of the iceberg.
may not be the least expensive over the
Pollutants often tend to migrate through
long run. Other economic considerations a building and collect in “sinks”, from
include: energy costs for equipment opera- which they can be resuspended into the
tion, increased staff time for maintenance; air. For example, particles accumulate
differential cost of alternative materials on horizontal surfaces that are not
subject to regular housekeeping; odors
and supplies; and higher hourly rates if
may adsorb (stick) to porous materials.
odor-producing activities (e.g., cleaning) Detailed surface and/or bulk sampling
must be scheduled for unoccupied periods. may be needed to locate such “second-
Although these costs will almost certainly ary” sources in order to solve an air
be less than the cost of letting the problem quality problem.
continue, they are more readily identifi-
able, so an appropriate presentation to
Develop a precise scope of Depending on the problem, a detailed
management may be required. knowledge of chemistry, microbiology,
work specifying exactly how
remediation will be performed building science, and health and safety
Conformity with Codes may be required.
Any modification to building components Include air sampling along with regular
Monitor remediation to ensure
or mechanical systems should be designed work practices are followed inspections if needed. Decontamination
and installed in keeping with applicable of areas within an occupied building is
fire, electrical, and other building codes. especially critical.
Conduct clearance In the event of severe contamination,

Judging the Success of a representative air samples should be
sampling
Mitigation Effort collected to ensure that key indicators
have returned to background levels and
Two kinds of criteria can be used to judge that the space can be safely reoccupied.
the success of an effort to correct an indoor
air problem:
■ reduced complaints
■ measurement of properties of the indoor Many routine IAQ problems can be
air (often only of limited usefulness) corrected by a common sense approach
not requiring special expertise. However,
when complex exposure or contamination
Reduction or elimination of complaints issues are involved, more detailed techni-
appears to be a clear indication of success, cal assistance may be needed for success-
but that is not necessarily the case. ful remediation. Efforts such as those
Occupants who see that their concerns are outlined above are sometimes needed to
being heard may temporarily stop report- deal with severe contamination.
ing discomfort or health symptoms, even if
the actual cause of their complaints has not
been addressed. Lingering complaints may
also continue after successful mitigation if
people have become upset over the

handling of the problem. Ongoing (but hypothesis testing. Deeper and more
reduced) complaints could also indicate detailed investigation is needed to suggest
that there were multiple IAQ problems and new hypotheses after any unsuccessful or
that one or more problems are still unre- partially-successful control attempt.
solved. Even the best-planned investigations
If you have made However, it can be very difficult to use and mitigation actions may not produce a
several unsuccessful measurements of contaminant levels as a resolution to the problem. You may have
efforts to control a means of determining whether air quality made a careful investigation, found one or
has improved. Concentrations of indoor more apparent causes for the problem, and
problem, then it may
air pollutants typically vary greatly over implemented a control system. Nonethe-
be advisable to seek time; further, the specific contaminant less, your correction strategy may not have
outside assistance. measured may not be causing the problem. caused a noticeable reduction in the
If air samples are taken, readings taken concentration of the contaminant or
before and after mitigation should be improvement in ventilation rates or
interpreted cautiously. It is important to efficiency. Worse, the complaints may
keep the “before” and “after” conditions as persist even though you have been
identical as possible, except for the successful at improving ventilation and
operation of the control strategy. For controlling all of the contaminants you
example, the same HVAC operation, could identify. When you have pursued
building occupancy and climatic condi- source control options and have increased
tions should apply during both measure- ventilation rates and efficiency to the limits
ment periods. “Worst-case” conditions of your expertise, you must decide how
identified during the investigation should important it is to pursue the problem
be used. further.
Measurements of airflows, ventilation If you have made several unsuccessful
rates, and air distribution patterns are the efforts to control a problem, then it may be
more reliable methods of assessing the advisable to seek outside assistance. The
results of control efforts. Airflow mea- problem is probably fairly complex, and it
surements taken during the building may occur only intermittently or cross the
investigation can identify areas with poor borders that divide traditional fields of
ventilation; later they can be used to knowledge. It is even possible that poor
evaluate attempts to improve the ventila- indoor air quality is not the actual cause of
tion rate, distribution, or direction of flow. the complaints. Bringing in a new
Studying air distribution patterns will show perspective at this point can be very
whether a mitigation strategy has success- effective.
fully prevented a contaminant from being The next section provides guidance on
transported by airflow. hiring professional indoor air quality
assistance. An interdisciplinary team (such
Persistent Problems as people with engineering and medical or
health backgrounds) may be needed to
Solving an indoor air quality problem is a
solve particularly difficult problems.
cyclical process of data collection and
104 Section 7
Hiring Professional Assistance to
Solve an IAQ Problem
Many IAQ problems are simple to

resolve when facility staff have been
educated about the investigation process.
In other cases, however, a time comes
when outside assistance is needed. Profes-
sional help might be necessary or desirable
to assist in solving your IAQ problem, they
may be able to direct you to firms in your
area with experience in indoor air quality
work. Note that even certified profession-
als from disciplines closely related to IAQ
issues (such as industrial hygienists,
8
in the following situations, among others: ventilation engineers, and toxicologists)
■ Mistakes or delays could have serious may not have the specific expertise needed
consequences (e.g., health hazards, li- to investigate and resolve indoor air
ability exposure, regulatory sanctions). problems. Individuals or groups that offer
■ Building management feels that an inde- services in this evolving field should be
pendent investigation would be better questioned closely about their related As you prepare to
received or more effectively documented experience and their proposed approach to hire professional
than an in-house investigation. your problem. services in the area
As with any hiring process, the better
■ Investigation and mitigation efforts by of indoor air quality,
facility staff have not relieved the you know your own needs, the easier it
be aware that it is a
IAQ problem. will be to select a firm or individual to
service those needs. Firms and individuals developing area of
■ Preliminary findings by staff suggest the
need for measurements that require working in IAQ may come from a variety knowledge.
specialized equipment and training of disciplines. Typically, the skills of
beyond in-house capabilities. HVAC engineers and industrial hygienists
are useful for this type of investigation,
You may be able to find help by although input from other disciplines such
looking in the yellow pages of your as chemistry, chemical engineering, archi-
telephone book (e.g., under “Engineers,” tecture, microbiology, or medicine may
“Environmental Services,” “Laboratories - also be important. If problems other than
Testing,” or “Industrial Hygienists”). indoor air quality are involved, experts in
Local or State health or air pollution lighting, acoustic design, interior design,
agencies may have lists of firm offering psychology, or other fields may be helpful
IAQ services in your area. It may also be in resolving occupant complaints about the
useful to seek out referrals from other indoor environment.
building management firms.
Local, State, or Federal government MAKE SURE THAT THEIR
agencies may be able to provide expert APPROACH FITS YOUR NEEDS
assistance or direction in solving IAQ
problems. It is particularly important to As you prepare to hire professional ser-
contact your local or State Health vices in the area of indoor air quality, be
Department if you suspect that you have a aware it is a developing area of knowledge.
serious building-related illness potentially Most consultants working in the field re-
linked to biological contamination in your ceived their primary training in other areas.
building. A variety of investigative methods may be
If available government agencies do not employed, many of which are ineffective
have personnel with the appropriate skills for resolving any but the most obvious
Hiring Professional Assistance to Solve an IAQ Problem 105

situations. Inappropriately designed studies Experience
may lead to conclusions that are either
An EPA survey of firms providing IAQ
false negative (e.g., falsely concludes that
services found that almost half had been
there is no problem associated with the
providing IAQ diagnostic or mitigation
building) or false positive (e.g., incorrectly
services in non-industrial settings for ten or
attributes the cause to building conditions).
fewer years.
Diagnostic outcomes to avoid include:
■ Ask how much IAQ work and what type
Diagnostic outcomes ■ an evaluation that overemphasizes
of IAQ work the firm has done.
to avoid include an measuring concentrations of pollutants
■ Have the firm identify the personnel who
evaluation that over- and comparing those concentrations to
would be responsible for your case, their
emphasizes measur- numerical standards, and
specific experience, and related qualifi-
■ a report that lists a series of major and
ing concentrations of cations. Contract only for the services of
minor building deficiencies and links all
pollutants and a those individuals, or require approval for
the deficiencies to the problem without
report that links all considering their actual association with
substitutions.
the deficiencies in the complaints.
Quality of Interview and
the building to the
Considerable care should be exercised Proposal
problem without when interviewing potential consultants to
considering their Several guidelines may be of assistance in
avoid those subscribing to these strategies.
hiring IAQ professionals.
actual association A qualified IAQ investigator should have
with the complaints. appropriate experience, demonstrate a 1. Competent professionals will ask
broad understanding of indoor air quality questions about your situation to see
problems and the conditions which can whether they feel they can offer services
lead to them, and use a phased diagnostic that will assist you.
approach. The causes and potential remedies for
indoor air quality problems vary greatly.
SELECTION CRITERIA A firm needs at least a preliminary
Most of the criteria used in selecting a understanding of the facts about what is
professional to provide indoor air quality going on in your building to evaluate if it
services are similar to those used for other has access to the professional skills
professionals: necessary to address your concerns and to
■ company experience in solving similar make effective use of its personnel from
problems, including training and experi- the outset. Often a multi-disciplinary team
ence of the individuals who would be of professionals is needed.
responsible for the work 2. The proposal for the investigation
■ quality of interview and proposal
should emphasize observations rather
■ company reputation
than measurements.
■ knowledge of local codes and regional
Section 6 describes the four types of
climate conditions
information that may need to be gathered
■ cost
in an investigation in order to resolve an
indoor air quality problem: the occupant
complaints, the HVAC system, pollutant
pathways, and pollutant sources. There is
also a discussion of the role of monitoring
106 Section 8
within an investigation. Non-routine to be collected by the client.
measurements (such as relatively expen- ■ Identify additional tasks (and costs)
sive sampling for VOCs) should not be which are part of solving the IAQ
provided without site-specific justification. problem but are outside the scope of the
contract. Examples might include
3. The staff responsible for building in-
medical examination of complainants,
vestigation should have a good under-
laboratory fees, and contractor’s fees for
standing of the relationship between IAQ
mitigation work. The goal of the
and the building structure, mechanical
■ Describe the schedule, cost, and work investigative process
systems, and human activities.
product(s), such as a written report, is to reach a success-
For example, lack of adequate ventila- specifications, and plans for mitigation ful resolution of the
tion is at least a contributing factor in work; supervision of mitigation work; complaints, not
many indoor air quality problem situations. and training program for building staff.
Evaluating the performance of the ventila- simply to generate
■ Discuss communication between the
tion system depends on understanding the data.
IAQ professional and the client: How
interaction between the mechanical system often will the contractor discuss the
and the human activity within the building. progress of the work with the client?
In some cases building investigators Who will be notified of test results and
may have accumulated a breadth of other data? Will communications be in
knowledge. For example, a mechanical writing, by telephone, or face-to-face?
engineer and an industrial hygienist see Will the consultant meet with building
buildings differently. However, a me- occupants to collect information? Will
chanical engineer with several years of the consultant meet with occupants to
experience in IAQ problem investigations discuss findings if requested to do so?
may have seen enough health-related
problems to cross the gap; likewise, an Reputation
industrial hygienist with years of experi-
ence studying problems in an office setting There are no Federal regulations covering
may have considerable expertise in HVAC professional services in the general field of
and other building mechanical systems. indoor air quality, although some disci-
Either in the proposal or in discussion, plines (e.g., engineers, industrial hygien-
the consultant should: ists) whose practitioners work with IAQ
■ Describe the goal(s), methodology, and
problems have licensing and certification
sequence of the investigation, the requirements.
information to be obtained, and the Building owners and managers who
process of hypothesis development and suspect that they may have a problem with
testing, including criteria for decision- a specific pollutant (such as radon, asbes-
making about further data-gathering. tos, or lead) may be able to obtain assis-
The proposal should include an explana- tance from local and State Health Depart-
tion of the need for any proposed ments. Government agencies and affected
measurements. The goal is to reach a industries have developed training pro-
successful resolution of the complaints, grams for contractors who diagnose or
not simply to generate data. mitigate problems with these particular
■ Identify any elements of the work that
contaminants.
will require a time commitment from the Firms should be asked to provide refer-
client’s own staff, including information ences from clients who have received
comparable services. In exploring refer-
Hiring Professional Assistance to Solve an IAQ Problem 107

ences, it is useful to ask about long-term Cost
follow-up. After the contract was com-
It is impossible for this document to give
pleted, did the contractor remain in contact
specific guidance on the cost of profes-
with the client to ensure that problems did
sional services. If projected costs jump
not recur?
suddenly during the investigation process,
the consultants should be able to justify
Knowledge of Local Codes and
that added cost.
Regional Climate Conditions
The budget will be influenced by a
Familiarity with State and local regulations number of factors, including:
and codes helps to avoid problems during ■ complexity of the problem
mitigation. For example, in making ■ size and complexity of the building and
changes to the HVAC system, it is impor- its HVAC system(s)

tant to conform to local building codes. ■ quality and extent of recordkeeping by
Heating, cooling, and humidity control building staff and management

needs are different in different geographic ■ type of report or other product required
regions, and can affect the selection of an ■ number of meetings required (formal
appropriate mitigation presentations can be quite expensive)

approach. Getting assurances that all firms ■ air sampling (e.g., use of instruments,
under consideration have this knowledge laboratory analysis) if required

becomes particularly important if it
becomes necessary to seek expertise
from outside the local area.
108 Section 8
Appendices
APPENDICIES
Appendix A:
Common IAQ Measurements - A General Guide
T he following is a brief introduction to

making measurements that might be SELECTING MEASUREMENT DEVICES
needed in the course of developing an IAQ
profile or investigating an IAQ complaint. The growing interest in indoor air quality is stimulating the development of
instruments for IAQ research and building investigations. As you evaluate
Emphasis has been placed on the param- the available measurement devices, it may be helpful to consider the
eters most commonly of interest in non- following criteria:
research studies, highlighting the more Ease of use
practical methods and noting some ■ portability
inappropriate tests to avoid. Most of the ■ direct-reading vs. analysis required
instruments discussed in this section are ■ ruggedness
relatively inexpensive and readily available ■ time required for each measurement
from many local safety supply companies. Quality assurance

Consult the guidance in Section 6 on pages ■ availability of service and customer support
72-73 before determining whether to ■ maintenance and calibration requirements
proceed with air sampling. Output

■ time-averaged vs. instantaneous readings
OVERVIEW OF SAMPLING DEVICES ■ sensitivity
■ compatibility with computer or data logging accessories

Air contaminants of concern in IAQ can be
measured by one or more of the following Cost
■ single use only vs. reusable
methods:
■ purchase vs. rental
Vacuum Pump:
A vacuum pump with a known airflow rate
draws air through collection devices, such during manufacturing? Second: is it
as a filter (catches airborne particles), a necessary to increase the air volume
sorbent tube (which attracts certain sampled? Such an increase may be needed
chemical vapors to a powder such as to detect the presence of contaminants at
carbon), or an impinger (bubbles the the low concentrations usually found in
contaminants through solution in a test non-industrial settings. For example, an
tube). Tests originated for industrial investigator might have to increase
environments typically need to be adjusted sampling time from 30 minutes to 5 hours
to a lower detection limit for IAQ work. in order to detect a substance at the low
Labs can be asked to report when trace concentrations found during IAQ investi-
levels of an identifiable contaminant are gations. In cases where standard sampling
present below the limit of quantification methods are changed, qualified industrial
and detection. hygienists and chemists should be con-
In adapting an industrial hygiene sulted to ensure that accuracy and preci-
sorbent tube sampling method for IAQ, the sion remain acceptable.
investigator must consider at least two Direct-reading Meter:
important questions. First: are the Direct-reading meters estimate air concen-
emissions to be measured from a product’s trations through one of several detection
end use the same as those of concern principles. These may report specific
Common IAQ Measurements — A General Guide 109

chemicals (e.g., CO2 by infrared light),
chemical groups (e.g., certain volatile or-
ganics by photoionization potential) or
broad pollutant categories (e.g., all respi-
rable particles by scattered light). Detec-
tion limits and averaging time developed
for industrial use may or may not be appro-
priate for IAQ.
Detector tube kit:
Detector tube kits generally include a hand
pump that draws a known volume of air
through a chemically treated tube intended
to react with certain contaminants. The
length of color stain resulting in the tube
correlates to chemical concentration.
Personal monitoring devices:
Personal monitoring devices (sometimes
referred to as “dosimeters”) are carried or
worn by individuals and are used to mea-
sure that individual’s exposure to particular
chemical(s). Devices that include a pump
are called “active” monitors; devices that
do not include a pump are called “passive”
monitors. Such devices are currently used
for research purposes. It is possible that
sometime in the future they may also be
helpful in IAQ investigations in public and
commercial buildings.
SIMPLE VENTILATION/COMFORT
INDICATIONS
Thermal Comfort: Temperature and
Relative Humidity
The sense of thermal comfort (or discom-
fort) results from an interaction between
temperature, relative humidity, air move-
ment, clothing, activity level, and indi-
vidual physiology. Temperature and
relative humidity measurements are
indicators of thermal comfort.
Above: A smoke tube, which is one type of
chemical smoke device. Used to observe
patterns of air movement and the direction Methodology
(negative or positive) of pressure differ-
ences. Below: A microman-ometer. Used Measurements can be made with a simple
for measuring pressure differentials to learn thermometer and sling psychrometer or
about airflow. Provides quantitative data,
as compared to the qualitative information with electronic sensors (e.g., a thermo-
provided by chemical smoke. hygrometer). Accuracy of within + or - 1°F
is recommended for temperature measure-
110 Appendix A
ments. For each measurement, time should
be allowed for the reading to stabilize to
room conditions. Refer to the specifica-
tions for the measuring device; some take
several minutes to stabilize. Electronic
relative humidity (RH) meters must be
calibrated frequently.
Indoor relative humidity is influenced
by outdoor conditions. A single indoor
measurement may not be a good indication
of long-term relative humidity in the build-
ing. Programmable recording sensors can
be used to gain an understanding of tem-
perature or humidity conditions as they
change over time.
Using the Results

Temperature and humidity directly affect Tracking Air Movement with
thermal comfort. They may also provide Chemical Smoke A psychrometer. Used to
indirect indications of HVAC condition measure dry bulb and wet
and the potential for airborne contamina- Chemical smoke can be helpful in evaluat- bulb temperatures and to
tion from biological or organic coming HVAC systems, tracking potential determine relative humidity
contaminant movement, and identifying based upon a psychometric
pounds. There is considerable debate chart. The NIOSH protocol
among researchers, IAQ professionals, and pressure differentials. Chemical smoke for indoor air investigations
health professionals concerning recom- moves from areas of higher pressure to always includes measurement
areas of lower pressure if there is an of indoor and outdoor relative
mended levels of relative humidity; how- humidity. There are two
ever, the humidity levels recommended by opening between them (e.g., door, utility types of psychrometers: aspi-
different organizations generally range penetration). Because it is heatless, rated (with a fan) or sling
chemical smoke is extremely sensitive to (without a fan).
between 30% and 60% RH.
Comparison of indoor and outdoor air currents. Investigators can learn about
temperature and humidity readings taken airflow patterns by observing the direction
during complaint periods can indicate and speed of smoke movement. Puffs of
whether thermal discomfort might be due smoke released at the shell of the building
to extreme conditions beyond the design (by doors, windows, or gaps) will indicate
capacity of HVAC equipment or the build- whether the HVAC systems are maintain-
ing envelope. ing interior spaces under positive pressure
Measure next to thermostats to confirm relative to the outdoors.
calibration. Measure at the location of
complaints to evaluate whether or not Methodology
temperature and humidity at that location Chemical smoke is available with various
are within the comfort zone (see Figure 6-2 dispensing mechanisms, including smoke
on page 57). “bottles,” “guns,” “pencils,” or “tubes.”
Readings that show large variations The dispensers allow smoke to be released
within the space may indicate a room air in controlled quantities and directed at
distribution or mixing problem. Readings specific locations. It is often more
that are highly variable over time may informative to use a number of small puffs
indicate control or balance problems with of smoke as you move along an air
the HVAC systems. pathway rather than releasing a large

amount in a single puff. (Note: Avoid Comparison of peak CO2 readings between
direct inhalation of chemical smoke, rooms, between air handler zones, and at
because it can be irritating. Do not release varying heights above the floor, may help
smoke directly on smoke detectors.) to identify and diagnose various building
ventilation deficiencies.
Using the Results
Methodology
Smoke released mid-room: Observation
of a few puffs of smoke released in mid- CO2 can be measured with either a direct-
room or mid-cubicle can help to visualize reading meter or a detector tube kit. The
air circulation within the space. Dispersal relative occupancy, air damper settings,
of smoke in several seconds suggests good and weather should be noted for each
air circulation, while smoke that stays period of CO2 testing.
essentially still for several seconds CO2 measurements for ventilation
suggests poor circulation. Poor air should be collected away from any source
circulation may contribute to sick building that could directly influence the reading
syndrome complaints or may contribute to (e.g., hold the sampling device away from
comfort complaints even if there is exhaled breath). Individual measurements
sufficient overall air exchange. should be short-term. As with many other
Smoke released near diffusers, grilles: measurements of indoor air conditions, it is
Puffs of smoke released by HVAC vents advisable to take one or more readings in
give a general idea of airflow. (Is it in or “control” locations to serve as baselines for
out? Vigorous? Sluggish? No flow?) comparison. Readings from outdoors and
This is helpful in evaluating the supply and from areas in which there are no apparent
return system and determining whether IAQ problems are frequently used as
ventilation air actually reaches the breath- controls. Outdoor samples should be taken
ing zone. (For a variable air volume near the outdoor air intake.
system, be sure to take into account how Measurements taken to evaluate the
the system is designed to modulate. It adequacy of ventilation should be made
could be on during the test, but off for when concentrations are expected to peak.
much of the rest of the day.) “Short- It may be helpful to compare measure-
circuiting” occurs when air moves ments taken at different times of day. If
relatively directly from supply diffusers to the occupant population is fairly stable
return grilles, instead of mixing with room during normal business hours, CO2 levels
air in the breathing zone. When a substan- will typically rise during the morning, fall
tial amount of air short-circuits, occupants during the lunch period, then rise again,
may not receive adequate supplies of reaching a peak in mid-afternoon. In this
outdoor air and source emissions may not case, sampling in the mid- to late-after-
be diluted sufficiently. noon is recommended. Other sampling
times may be necessary for different
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as an occupancy schedules.
Indicator of Ventilation
Using the Results
CO2 is a normal constituent of the atmo-
sphere. Exhaled breath from building Peak CO2 concentrations above 1000 ppm
occupants is an important indoor CO2 in the breathing zone indicate ventilation
source. Indoor CO2 concentrations can, problems. Carbon dioxide concentrations
under some test conditions, provide a good below 1000 ppm generally indicate that
indication of the adequacy of ventilation. ventilation is adequate to deal with the
routine products of human occupancy.
112 Appendix A
However, there are several reasons not to
conclude too quickly that a low CO2
reading means no IAQ problem exists.
Problems can occur in buildings in which
measured CO2 concentrations are below
1000 ppm. Although CO2 readings
indicate good ventilation, for example, if
strong contaminant sources are present,
some sort of source control may be needed
to prevent IAQ problems. Errors in
measurement and varying CO2 concentra-
tions over time can also cause low readings
that may be misleading.
Elevated CO2 may be due to various
causes alone or in combination, such as:
increased occupant population, air ex-
change rates below ASHRAE guidelines,
poor air distribution, and poor air mixing.
A higher average CO2 concentration in the
general breathing zone (at least two feet
from exhaled breath) than in the air
entering return grilles is an indication of
poor air mixing. Smoke tubes and
temperature profiles will help to clarify air
circulation patterns.
If CO2 measurements taken before the
occupied period begins are higher than
outdoor readings taken at the same time,
there may be an operating problem with
the HVAC system. Potential problems
include the following:
■ ventilation terminated too early the
evening before (as compared with the
occupancy load on the space)
Measurements of airflow allow investiga- A flow hood. Used to
■ combustion by-products from a nearby measure the total air flow
tors to estimate the amount of outdoor air
roadway or parking garage are drawn (outdoor plus recirculated air)
that is entering the building and to evaluate from a diffuser.
into the building
HVAC system operation. The most
■ a gas-fired heating appliance in the
appropriate measurement technique
building has a cracked heat exchanger
depends on the characteristics of the
Outdoor CO2 concentrations above 400 measurement location.
ppm may indicate an outdoor contamina-
tion problem from traffic or other combus- Methodology
tion sources. Note, however, that detector
Airflow quantities can be calculated by
tubes cannot provide accurate measure-
measuring the velocity and cross-sectional
ments of CO2 in hot or cold weather.
area of the airstream. For example, if air is
moving at 100 feet per minute in a 24” x
Measuring Airflow

identify potential problem locations.
Building investigations often include
measurements of outdoor air quantities,
exhaust air quantities, and airflows at
supply diffusers and return grilles.
Estimating Outdoor Air Quantities

Outdoor air quantities can be evaluated by
measuring airflow directly. Investigators
often estimate the proportion of outdoor air
quantities using techniques such as thermal
mass balance (temperature) or CO2
measurements. Estimation of outdoor air
quantity using temperature measurements
is referred to as “thermal balance” or
sometimes “thermal mass balance.”
A vacuum pump with 12” duct, the airflow is:
attachments for sampling Thermal Balance: Methodology
with a filter, a sorbent tube, 100 feet/minute x 2 square feet duct area
and an impinger. Use in a = 200 cubic feet/minute Use of this test requires the following
non-industrial setting may conditions:
require a larger volume of air.
Air velocity can be measured with a pitot
Consult with qualified tube or anemometer. Air velocity within 1. Airstreams representing return air,
industrial hygienists and an airstream is likely to vary considerably. outdoor air, and mixed air (supply air
chemists if adapting sampling For example, it is extremely difficult to before it has been heated or cooled) are
methods.
measure air velocity at supply diffusers accessible for separate measurement.
because of turbulence around the mixing Some systems are already equipped with
vanes. The best estimates of air velocity an averaging thermometer that is strung
can be achieved by averaging the results of diagonally across the mixed air chamber;
a number of measurements. ASTM the temperature is read out continuously on
Standard Practice D 3154 provides an instrument panel. Some panels read out
guidance on making such measurements. supply, return, outdoor, and/or mixed air
This method is available from ASTM. temperature.
(See Appendix G for ASTM’s address and 2. There is at least a several degree
phone number.) The cross-sectional area temperature difference between the
of the airstream is sometimes easy to building interior and the outdoor air.
calculate (e.g., in a straight run of rectan-
3. Total air flow in the air handling system
gular ductwork), but can be very compli-
can be estimated either by using recent
cated at other locations such as mixing
balancing reports or pitot tube measure-
boxes or diffusers.
ments in ductwork. As an alternative, the
Flow hoods can be used for direct
supply air at each diffuser can be estimated
measurement of airflows at locations such
(e.g., using a flow measuring hood), and
as grilles, diffusers, and exhaust outlets.
the results can be summed to calculate
They are not designed for use in ductwork.
total system air flow.
Using the Results Temperature measurements can be made

with a simple thermometer or an electronic
Airflow measurements can be used to
sensor. Several measurements should be
determine whether the HVAC system is
taken across each airstream and averaged.
operating according to design and to
114 Appendix A
It is generally easy to obtain a good tem-
perature reading in the outdoor air and
ESTIMATING OUTDOOR AIR QUANTITIES
return airstreams. To obtain a good aver-
age temperature reading of the mixed air- Using Thermal Mass Balance
stream, a large number of measurements
T T
must be taken upstream of the point at return air - mixed air
Outdoor air (percent) = x100
which the airstream is heated or cooled. T T
return air - outdoor air
This may be difficult or impossible in
some systems. Where: T = temperature (degrees Farenheit)
The percentage or quantity of outdoor air
is calculated using thermal measurements Using Carbon Dioxide Measurements
as shown to the right.
CS-CR
Outdoor air (%) = x 100
CO-CR
Methodology: Carbon Dioxide
Measurements Where: CS = ppm CO2 in the supply air (if measured in a room), or
CS = ppm of CO2 in the mixed air (if measured at an air
CO2 readings can be taken at supply outlets handler)
or air handlers to estimate the percentage CR = ppm of CO2 in the return air
of outdoor air in the supply airstream. The CO = ppm of CO2 in the outdoor air
percentage or quantity of outdoor air is cal-
(All these concentrations must be measured, not assumed.)
culated using CO2 measurements as shown
to the right.
Converting Percent To CFM
Using the Results Outdoor air (percent)

Outdoor air (in cfm) = x total airflow (cfm)
100
The results of this calculation can be
Where: cfm = cubic feet per minute
compared to the building design specifica-
tions, applicable building codes, or The number used for total airflow may be the air quantity supplied to a
ventilation recommendations such as room or zone, the capacity of an air handler, or the total airflow of the
HVAC system. Note: The actual amount of airflow in an air handler is
ASHRAE 62-1989 (see page 136 in
often different from the quantity in design documents.
Appendix B) to see whether under-
ventilation appears to be a problem.
available that provide a low sensitivity
AIR CONTAMINANT “total” reading for different types of
CONCENTRATIONS organics. Such estimates are usually
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) presented in parts per million and are
calculated with the assumption that all
Hundreds of organic (carbon-containing) chemicals detected are the same as the one
chemicals are found in indoor air at trace used to calibrate the instrument. A
levels. VOCs may present an IAQ photoionization detector is an example of a
problem when individual organics or direct-reading instrument used as a
mixtures exceed normal background screening tool for measuring TVOCs.
concentrations. A laboratory analysis of a sorbent tube
can provide an estimate of total solvents in
Methodology: Total Volatile Organic the air. Although methods in this category
Compounds (TVOCs) report “total volatile organic compounds”
Several direct-reading instruments are (TVOCs) or “total hydrocarbons” (THC),

analytical techniques differ in their recently become available to measure
sensitivity to the different types of organ- “trace organics” — VOCs in the air (i.e.
ics. (For discussion of measurement measurements in parts per billion.)
devices and their sensitivity, see Overview Sampling may involve Tenax and multiple
of Sampling Devices on page 109.) sorbent tubes, charcoal tubes, evacuated
canisters, and other technology. Analysis
Using the Results involves gas chromatography followed by
mass spectroscopy.
Different measurement methods are useful
for different purposes, but their results
Using the Results
should generally not be compared to each
other. Direct-reading instruments do not Guidelines for public health exposure (as
provide sufficient sensitivity to differenti- opposed to occupational exposure) for a
ate normal from problematic mixtures of few VOCs are available in the World
organics. However, instantaneous readouts Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality
may help to identify “hot spots,” sources, Guidelines for Europe. These guidelines
and pathways. TVOCs or THC deter- address noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic
mined from sorbent tubes provide more effects. Occupational exposure standards
accurate average readings, but are unable exist for many other VOCs. No rule-of-
to distinguish peak exposures. A direct- thumb safety factor for applying these
reading instrument can identify peak occupational limits to general IAQ is
exposures if they happen to occur during currently endorsed by EPA and NIOSH.
the measurement period. Measurement of trace organics may
identify the presence of dozens to hundreds
Methodology: Individual Volatile of trace VOCs whose significance is
Organic Compounds (VOCs) difficult to determine. It may be helpful to
compare levels in complaint areas to levels
High concentrations of individual volatile
in outdoor air or non-complaint areas.
organic compounds (VOCs) may also
cause IAQ problems. Individual VOCs
Formaldehyde
can be measured in indoor air with a
moderate degree of sensitivity (i.e., Formaldehyde is a VOC that has been
measurement in parts per million) through studied extensively. Small amounts of
adaptations of existing industrial air formaldehyde are present in most indoor
monitoring technology. Examples of environments. Itching of the eyes, nose, or
medium sensitivity testing devices include throat may indicate an elevated concentra-
XAD-4 sorbent tubes (for nicotine), tion. Sampling may be helpful when
charcoal tubes (for solvents), and relatively new suspect materials are
chromosorb tubes (for pesticides). After a present.
sufficient volume of air is pumped through
these tubes, they are sent to a lab for Methodology
extraction and analysis by gas
A number of measurement methods are
chromatography. Variations use a passive
available. Sensitivity and sampling time
dosimeter (charcoal badge) to collect the
are very important issues in selecting a
sample or a portable gas chromatograph
method; however, many methods allow
onsite for direct injection of building air.
detection of concentrations well below
These methods may not be sensitive
0.1 ppm (see Using the Results below).
enough to detect many trace level organics
Measurement of short-term peaks (around
present in building air.
a two-hour sample time) is ideal for
High sensitivity techniques have
116 Appendix A
evaluating acute irritation. Dosimeters
may accurately record long-term exposure
but may miss these peaks.
Two commonly used methods that are
generally acceptable for IAQ screening
involve impingers and sorbent tubes.
Other appropriate methods are also
available.
Using the Results

Various guidelines and standards are
available for formaldehyde exposure.
Several organizations have adopted
0.1 ppm as guidance that provides
reasonable protection against irritational
effects in the normal population.
Hypersensitivity reactions may occur at
lower levels of exposure. Worst-case
conditions are created by minimum
ventilation, maximum temperatures, and nation. A viable impactor. Used to
No single technique is effective for sample for biologicals.
high source loadings. Training is required in order
sampling the many biological contami- to analyze the results.
Biological Contaminants nants found in indoor environments. A
variety of specific approaches are used to
Human health can be affected by exposure retrieve, enumerate, and identify each kind
to both living and non-living biological of microorganism from water, surfaces,
contaminants. The term “bioaerosols” and air. Other specific methods are used
describes airborne material that is or was for materials such as feces or insect parts.
living, such as mold and bacteria, parts of The utility of these techniques depends
living organisms (e.g., insect body parts), upon their use by professionals who have a
and animal feces. thorough understanding of the sample site
Testing for biological contaminants and the target organism.
should generally be limited to: Where air sampling is desired, several
■ cases where a walkthrough investigation approaches are available. The most
or human profile study suggests micro- common type of air sampler uses a pump
biological involvement to pull air across a nutrient agar, which is
■ cases in which no other pollutant or then incubated. Any bacterial or fungal
physical condition can account for colonies that subsequently grow can be
symptoms counted and identified by a qualified
microbiologist. Different types of agar and
Methodology incubation temperatures are used to culture
different types of organisms. Only living
Inspection of building sanitary conditions
organisms or spores in the air are counted
is generally preferred over sampling,
by this method. Settling plates, which are
because direct sampling can produce
misleading results. Any sampling should simply opened to room air and then
be accompanied by observations of incubated, are sometimes used to identify
sanitary conditions and a determination as which bioaerosols are present in different
to whether any health problems appear locations. The drawbacks to this technique
likely to be related to biological contami- are that it does not indicate the quantity of
bioaerosols present and that only the

High-flow indoor particulate reactions
sampler. Used to measure
particles 10 microns and
smaller that are readily
Airborne Dust
inhaled. Particles and fibers suspended in the air
generally represent a harmless background
but can become a nuisance or cause serious
health problems under some conditions.
Methodology
A variety of collection and analytical
techniques are available. Dust can be
collected by using a pump to draw air
through a filter. The filter can then be
weighed (gravimetric analysis) or exam-
ined under a microscope. Direct readouts
of airborne dust are also available (such as
using meters such as those equipped with a
“scattered light” detector).
Using the Results

bioaerosols that are heavy enough to fall
out onto the agar will be recorded. IAQ measurements for airborne dust will
be well below occupational and ambient
Using the Results air guidelines except under the most
extreme conditions. Unusual types or
Quantities and types of bioaerosols can elevated amounts of particles or fibers can
vary greatly over time in any given help identify potential exposure problems.
building, making sampling results difficult
to interpret. Comparison of relative Combustion Products
numbers and types between indoors and
Combustion products are released by
outdoors or between complaint areas and
motor vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and
background sites can help to establish
trends; however, no tolerance levels or other sources, and contain airborne dust
(see the previous section) along with
absolute guidelines have been established.
potentially harmful gases such as carbon
Low bioaerosol results by themselves are
monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
not considered proof that a problem does
not exist, for a variety of reasons:
Methodology
■ the sampling and identification tech-
niques used may not be suited to the Direct-reading meters, detector tubes, and
type(s) of bioaerosols that are present passive dosimeters are among the tech-
■ biological growth may have been niques most commonly used to measure
inactive during the sampling period carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
■ the analysis technique used may not
reveal non-living bioaerosols (e.g., feces, Using the Results
animal parts) that can cause health Comparison with occupational standards
118 Appendix A
will reveal only whether an imminent
danger exists. Any readings that are Methodology
elevated above outdoor concentrations or
EPA, NIOSH, and ASTM references
background building levels may indicate a
should be consulted for specific sampling
mixture of potentially irritating combustion
techniques. Detector tubes or impinger
products, especially if susceptible indi-
methods are applicable in some cases.
viduals are exposed.
Using the Results
Other Inorganic Gases
No generalization can be applied to this
Although they are not routinely sampled in
diverse group of substances.
most IAQ studies, a variety of other gases
may be evaluated where conditions
warrant. Examples might include ammo-
nia, ozone, and mercury.

Appendix B:
HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality
T his appendix provides information ■ age of the design

about specific HVAC system designs and ■ climate
components in relation to indoor air ■ building codes in effect at the time of
quality. It also serves as introductory the design
material for building owners and managers ■ budget that was available for the project
who may be unfamiliar with the terminol- ■ planned use of the building
ogy and concepts associated with HVAC ■ owners’ and designers’ individual
(heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) preferences
system design. Further detailed informa- ■ subsequent modifications
tion can be found in ASHRAE manuals
HVAC systems range in complexity
and guides and in some of the guidance
from stand-alone units that serve
developed by other trade and professional
individual rooms to large, centrally
associations. (See Guidelines of Care
controlled systems serving multiple zones
Developed by Trade Associations in
in a building. In large modern office
Section 5.) Additional information can be
buildings with heat gains from lighting,
obtained using Appendix G or through
people, and equipment, interior spaces
discussion with your facility engineer.
often require year-round cooling. Rooms
at the perimeter of the same building (i.e.,
BACKGROUND
rooms with exterior walls, floors, or roof
Working with the electrical
All occupied buildings require a supply of surfaces) may need to be heated and/or
components of an HVAC
outdoor air. Depending on outdoor cooled as hourly or daily outdoor weather system involves the risk of
conditions, the air may need to be heated conditions change. In buildings over one electrocution and fire. A
or cooled before it is distributed into the story in height, perimeter areas at the lower knowledgeable member of
the building staff should
occupied space. As outdoor air is drawn levels also tend to experience the greatest oversee the inspection of the
into the building, indoor air is exhausted or uncontrolled air infiltration. HVAC controls.
allowed to escape (passive relief), thus
removing air contaminants.
The term “HVAC system” is used to
refer to the equipment that can provide
heating, cooling, filtered outdoor air, and
humidity control to maintain comfort
conditions in a building. Not all HVAC
systems are designed to accomplish all
of these functions. Some buildings rely
on only natural ventilation. Others lack
mechanical cooling equipment (AC), and
many function with little or no humidity
control. The features of the HVAC system
in a given building will depend on several
variables, including:
HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality 121

Some buildings use only natural complains that it is too cold or too hot and
ventilation or exhaust fans to remove odors the observed (measured) conditions are
and contaminants. In these buildings, outside of the ASHRAE comfort zone,
thermal discomfort and unacceptable then the HVAC system needs to be
indoor air quality are particularly likely evaluated. Sometimes the problem can be
when occupants keep the windows closed relieved by fine tuning or repairing the
because of extreme hot or cold tempera- HVAC system, but in some cases the
tures. Problems related to underventilation system cannot perform as expected, and a
are also likely when infiltration forces are long-term solution must be investigated.
weakest (i.e., during the “swing seasons”
and summer months). TYPES OF HVAC SYSTEMS
Modern public and commercial build-
Single Zone
ings generally use mechanical ventilation
systems to introduce outdoor air during the A single air handling unit can only serve
occupied mode. Thermal comfort is more than one building area if the areas
commonly maintained by mechanically served have similar heating, cooling, and
distributing conditioned (heated or cooled) ventilation requirements, or if the control
air throughout the building. In some system compensates for differences in
designs, air systems are supplemented by heating, cooling, and ventilation needs
piping systems that carry steam or water to among the spaces served. Areas regulated
the building perimeter zones. As this by a common control (e.g., a single
document is concerned with HVAC thermostat) are referred to as zones.
systems in relation to indoor air quality, Thermal comfort problems can result if the
the remainder of this discussion will focus design does not adequately account for
on systems that distribute conditioned air differences in heating and cooling loads
to maintain occupant comfort. between rooms that are in the same zone.
This can easily occur if:
Roles of the HVAC System Operator ■ The cooling load in some area(s) with-
and Facility Manager in a zone changes due to an increased
The system operator(s) and facility occupant population, increased lighting,
manager(s) (or IAQ manager) are among or the introduction of new heat-produc-
the most significant factors in determining ing equipment (e.g., computers, copiers).
whether IAQ problems will occur in a ■ Areas within a zone have different solar
properly designed, constructed, and exposures. This can produce radiant heat
commissioned HVAC system. HVAC gains and losses that, in turn, create
systems require preventive maintenance and unevenly distributed heating or cooling
prompt repairs if they are to operate needs (e.g., as the sun angle changes
correctly and provide comfortable condi- daily and seasonally).
tions. The operator(s) must have an
adequate understanding of the overall Multiple Zone
system design and its limitations. The Multiple zone systems can provide each
HVAC system capacity and distribution zone with air at a different temperature by
characteristics should be evaluated before heating or cooling the airstream in each
renovations to the building, changes in its zone. Alternative design strategies involve
occupancy, or changes in the use of an area. delivering air at a constant temperature
System operators must be able to while varying the volume of airflow, or
respond appropriately to occupant com- modulating room temperature with a
plaints. For example, if an occupant
122 Appendix B
supplementary system (e.g., perimeter hot
water piping).
TESTING AND BALANCING
Constant Volume Modern HVAC systems typically use sophisticated, automatic controls to
Constant volume systems, as their name supply the proper amounts of air for heating, cooling, and ventilation in
commercial buildings. Problems during installation, operation, mainte-
suggests, generally deliver a constant nance, and servicing the HVAC system could prevent it from operating as
airflow to each space. Changes in space designed. Each system should be tested to ensure its initial and contin-
temperatures are made by heating or ued performance. In addition to providing acceptable thermal conditions
and ventilation air, a properly adjusted and balanced system can also
cooling the air or switching the air han- reduce operating costs and increase equipment life.
dling unit on and off, not by modulating Testing and balancing involves the testing, adjusting, and balancing of
the volume of air supplied. These systems HVAC system components so that the entire system provides airflows that
often operate with a fixed minimum are in accordance with the design specifications. Typical components
and system parameters tested include:
percentage of outdoor air or with an “air
economizer” feature (described in the ■ all supply, return, exhaust, and outdoor airflow rates
■ control settings and operation
Outdoor Air Control discussion that
■ air temperatures
follows).
■ fan speeds and power consumption
Variable Air Volume ■ filter or collector resistance
Variable air volume systems maintain The typical test and balance agency or contractor coordinates with the
thermal comfort by varying the amount of control contractor to accomplish three goals: verify and ensure the most
effective system operation within the design specifications, identify and
heated or cooled air delivered to each correct any problems, and ensure the safety of the system.
space, rather than by changing the air A test and balance report should provide a complete record of the
temperature. (However, many VAV design, preliminary measurements, and final test data. The report should
systems also have provisions for resetting include any discrepancies between the test data and the design specifica-
tions, along with reasons for those discrepancies. To facilitate future
the temperature of the delivery air on a performance checks and adjustments, appropriate records should be kept
seasonal basis, depending on the severity on all damper positions, equipment capacities, control types and loca-
of the weather). Overcooling or tions, control settings and operating logic, airflow rates, static pressures,
fan speeds, and horsepowers.
overheating can occur within a given zone Testing and balancing of existing building systems should be per-
if the system is not adjusted to respond to formed whenever there is reason to believe the system is not functioning
the load. Underventilation frequently as designed or when current records do not accurately reflect the actual
operation of the system. The Associated Air Balance Council recom-
occurs if the system is not arranged to mends the following guidelines in determining whether testing and
introduce at least a minimum quantity (as balancing is required:
opposed to percentage) of outdoor air as ■ When space has been renovated or changed to provide for new occu-
the VAV system throttles back from full pancy.
airflow, or if the system supply air ■ When HVAC equipment has been replaced or modified.
temperature is set too low for the loads ■ When control settings have been readjusted by maintenance or other
present in the zone. personnel.
■ After the air conveyance system has been cleaned.
■ When accurate records are required to conduct an IAQ investigation.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN HVAC
■ When the building owner is unable to obtain design documents or
SYSTEM appropriate air exchange rates for compliance with IAQ standards or
guidelines.
The basic components of an HVAC system
Because of the diversity of system types and the interrelationship of
that delivers conditioned air to maintain system components, effective balancing requires a skilled technician with
thermal comfort and indoor air quality are: the proper experience and instruments. Due to the nature of the work,
which involves the detection and remediation of problems, it is recom-
■ outdoor air intake mended that an independent test and balance contractor be used and
■ mixed-air plenum and outdoor air control that this contractor report directly to the building owner, facility manager,
or IAQ manager.
■ air filter
■ heating and cooling coils
■ humidification and/or de-humidification
equipment

FIGURE B-1: Typical HVAC System Components
Courtesy Terry Brennan ■ supply fan The illustration above shows the
Camroden Associates ■ ducts general relationship between many of
Oriskny, N.Y.
■ terminal device these components; however, many
■ return air system variations are possible.
■ exhaust or relief fans and air outlet
■ self-contained heating or cooling unit Outdoor Air Intake
■ control
Building codes require the introduction of
■ boiler
outdoor air for ventilation in most build-
■ cooling tower
ings. Most non-residential air handlers are
■ water chiller
designed with an outdoor air intake on the
The following discussion of these return side of the ductwork. Outdoor air
components (each of which may occur introduced through the air handler can be
more than once in any total HVAC system) filtered and conditioned (heated or cooled)
emphasizes features that affect indoor air before distribution. Other designs may
quality. It may be helpful to refer to this introduce outdoor air through air-to-air
section when using the HVAC Checklists. heat exchangers and operable windows.
124 Appendix B
Indoor air quality problems can be
produced when contaminants enter a
building with the outdoor air. Rooftop or
wall-mounted air intakes are sometimes
located adjacent to or downwind of
building exhaust outlets or other contami-
nant sources. Problems can also result if
debris (e.g., bird droppings) accumulates at
the intake, obstructing airflow and poten-
tially introducing microbiological contami-
nants.
If more air is exhausted than is
introduced through the outdoor air intake,
then outdoor air will enter the building at
any leakage sites in the shell. Indoor air
quality problems can occur if the leakage
site is a door to a loading dock, parking
garage, or some other area associated with
pollutants.
Mixed-Air Plenum and Outdoor Air

Controls
Outdoor air is mixed with return air (air
that has already circulated through the
HVAC system) in the mixed-air plenum of
an air handling unit. Indoor air quality
problems frequently result if the outdoor
air damper is not operating properly (e.g.,
if the system is not designed or adjusted to
allow the introduction of sufficient outdoor
air for the current use of the building. The
amount of outdoor air introduced in the
occupied mode should be sufficient to
meet needs for ventilation and exhaust
make-up. It may be fixed at a constant
volume or may vary with the outdoor
temperature.
When dampers that regulate the flow of
outdoor air are arranged to modulate, they
are usually designed to bring in a mini- Above: The air intake in the background is
mum amount of outdoor air (in the located too close to the sanitary vents (the
occupied mode) under extreme outdoor straight pipes to the left and in the center
foreground) and the bathroom
temperature conditions and to open as exhaust vent (next to the sanitary vent on
outdoor temperatures approach the desired the right side). Below: The return air
indoor temperature. Systems that use dampers in this mixed-air plenum are open
outdoor air for cooling are called “air (top), but the outdoor air damper (left) is al-
most completely closed. Complaints in the
economizer cooling” systems. Air building indicate that
economizer systems have a mixed air under-ventilation is a problem.

temperature controller and thermostat outdoor air at the intake and the calculation
that are used to blend return air (typically of the percentage of outdoor air by a
at 74°F) with outdoor air to reach a mixed temperature or CO2 balance. Carbon
air temperature of 55° to 65°F. (Mixed air dioxide measured in an occupied space is
temperature settings above 65°F may lead also an indicator of ventilation adequacy.
to the introduction of insufficient quanti- Some investigators use tracer gases to
ties of outdoor air for office space use.) assess ventilation quantities and airflow
The mixed air is then further heated or patterns. There are specific methods for
cooled for delivery to the occupied spaces. each of these assessments. See Appendix A
Air economizer systems have a sensible for more information.
or enthalpy control that signals the outdoor Many HVAC designs protect the coils
air damper to go to the minimum position by closing the outdoor air damper if the
when it is too warm or humid outdoors. airstream temperature falls below the
Note that economizer cycles which do not setpoint of a freezestat. Inadequate
provide dehumidification may produce ventilation can occur if a freezestat trips
discomfort even when the indoor tempera- and is not reset, or if the freezestat is set to
ture is the same as the thermostat setting. trip at an excessively high temperature.
If outdoor air make-up and exhaust are Stratification of the cold outdoor air and
balanced, and the zones served by each air warmer return air in the mixing plenums is
handler are separated and well defined, it is a common situation, causing nuisance
possible to estimate the minimum flow of tripping of the freezestat. Unfortunately,
outdoor air to each space and compare it to the remedy often employed to prevent this
ventilation standards such as ASHRAE 62- problem is to close the outdoor air damper.
1989. Techniques used for this evaluation Obviously, solving the problem in this way
include the direct measurement of the can quickly lead to inadequate outdoor air
in occupied parts of the building.
Air Filters
Filters are primarily used to remove
particles from the air. The type and design
of filter determine the efficiency at
removing particles of a given size and the
amount of energy needed to pull or push
air through the filter. Filters are rated by
different standards and test methods such
as dust spot and arrestance which measure
different aspects of performance. See the
discussion of ASHRAE Standard 52-76 on
page 138 of this appendix.
Low efficiency filters (ASHRAE Dust
Proper air filtration can play an impor-tant
Spot rating of 10% to 20% or less) are
role in protecting the rest of the HVAC often used to keep lint and dust from
system and in maintaining good indoor air clogging the heating and cooling coils of a
quality in occupied spaces. Air filters
system. In order to maintain clean air in
should be selected and main-tained to
provide maximum filtration, while not occupied spaces, filters must also remove
overtaxing the supply fan capability or bacteria, pollens, insects, soot, dust, and
leading to “blow out” situa-tions with no air dirt with an efficiency suited to the use of
filtration. Shown above
are roll filter (top) and bag, panel, and the building. Medium efficiency filters
pleated filters (below). (ASHRAE Dust Spot rating of 30% to
126 Appendix B
60%) can provide much better filtration
than low efficiency filters. To maintain the
proper airflow and minimize the amount of
additional energy required to move air
through these higher efficiency filters,
pleated-type extended surface filters are
recommended. In buildings that are
designed to be exceptionally clean, the
designers may specify the equipment to
utilize both a medium efficiency pre-filter
and a high efficiency extended surface
filter (ASHRAE Dust Spot rating of 85%
to 95%). Some manufacturers recommend
high efficiency extended surface filters
(ASHRAE Dust Spot rating of 85%)
without pre-filters as the most cost
effective approach to minimizing energy
consumption and maximizing air quality in
modern HVAC VAV systems that serve
office environments.
Air filters, whatever their design or
efficiency rating, require regular mainte-
nance (cleaning for some and replacement Choice of an appropriate filter and Pleated medium efficiency
for most). As a filter loads up with proper maintenance are important to filters are often preferred over
low efficiency filters because
particles, it becomes more efficient at keeping the ductwork clean. If dirt they offer added protection
particle removal but increases the pressure accumulates in ductwork and if the relative to both the HVAC equipment
drop through the system, therefore humidity reaches the dewpoint (so that and to indoor air quality, yet
they do not clog as easily as
reducing airflow. Filter manufacturers can condensation occurs), then the nutrients high efficiency filters.
provide information on the pressure drop and moisture may support the growth of Medium efficiency filters do
through their products under different microbiologicals. Attention to air filters is need routine maintenance,
conditions. Low efficiency filters, if particularly important in HVAC systems however, which the filter in
this photo did not receive.
loaded to excess, will become deformed with acoustical duct liner, which is
and even “blow out” of their filter rack. frequently used in air handler fan housings
When filters blow out, bypassing of and supply ducts to reduce sound transmis-
unfiltered air can lead to clogged coils and sion and provide thermal insulation. Areas
dirty ducts. Filtration efficiency can be of duct lining that have become contami-
seriously reduced if the filter cells are not nated with microbiological growth must be
properly sealed to prevent air from replaced. (See later discussion of ducts
bypassing. and duct cleaning .) Sound reduction can
Filters should be selected for their also be accomplished with the use of
ability to protect both the HVAC system special duct-mounted devices such as
components and general indoor air quality. attenuators or with active electronic noise
In many buildings, the best choice is a control.
medium efficiency, pleated filter because Air handlers that are located in difficult-
these filters have a higher removal to-access places (e.g., in places which
efficiency than low efficiency filters, yet require ladders for access, have inconve-
they will last without clogging for longer nient access doors to unbolt, or are located
than high efficiency filters. on roofs with no roof hatch access) will be

Heating and Cooling Coils
Heating and cooling coils are placed in the
airstream to regulate the temperature of the
air delivered to the space. Malfunctions of
the coil controls can result in thermal
discomfort. Condensation on under-
insulated pipes and leakage in piped
systems will often create moist conditions
conducive to the growth of molds, fungus,
and bacteria.
During the cooling mode (air condition-
ing), the cooling coil provides dehumidifi-
cation as water condenses from the air-
stream. Dehumidification can only take
place if the chilled fluid is maintained at a
cold enough temperature (generally below
45°F for water). Condensate collects in the
drain pan under the cooling coil and exits
via a deep seal trap. Standing water will
accumulate if the drain pan system has not
been designed to drain completely under
all operating conditions (sloped toward the
drain and properly trapped). Under these
conditions, molds and bacteria will
proliferate unless the pan is cleaned
frequently.
It is important to verify that condensate
Without proper installation more likely to suffer from poor air filter lines have been properly trapped and are
and maintenance, rust and maintenance and overall poor mainte- charged with liquid. An improperly
corrosion may accumulate in
condensate pans under nance. Quick release and hinged access trapped line can be a source of contamina-
heating and cooling coils. doors for maintenance are more desirable tion, depending on where the line termi-
The rust in the pan indi-cates than bolted access panels. nates. A properly installed trap could also
that it was installed without a
Filters are available to remove gases be a source, if the water in the trap
pitch or was pitched in the
wrong direction, so that water and volatile organic contaminants from evaporates and allows air to flow through
did not drain out properly. ventilation air; however, these systems are the trap into the conditioned air.
not generally used in normal occupancy During the heating mode, problems can
buildings. In specially designed HVAC occur if the hot water temperature in the
systems, permanganate oxidizers and heating coil has been set too low in an
activated charcoal may be used for gaseous attempt to reduce energy consumption. If
removal filters. Some manufacturers offer enough outdoor air to provide sufficient
“partial bypass” carbon filters and carbon ventilation is brought in, that air may not
impregnated filters to reduce volatile be heated sufficiently to maintain thermal
organics in the ventilation air of office comfort or, in order to adequately condi-
environments. Gaseous filters must be tion the outdoor air, the amount of outdoor
regularly maintained (replaced or regener- air may be reduced so that there is insuffi-
ated) in order for the system to continue to cient outdoor air to meet ventilation needs.
operate effectively.
128 Appendix B
Humidification and Dehumidification
Equipment
In some buildings (or zones within
buildings), there are special needs that
warrant the strict control of humidity (e.g.,
operating rooms, computer rooms). This
control is most often accomplished by
adding humidification or dehumidification
equipment and controls. In office facili-
ties, it is generally preferable to keep
relative humidities above 20% or 30%
during the heating season and below 60%
during the cooling season. ASHRAE
Standard 55-1981 provides guidance on
acceptable temperature and humidity
conditions. (See also the discussion of
humidity levels in Section 6.)
The use of a properly designed and
operated air conditioning system will
generally keep relative humidities below
60% RH during the cooling season, in
office facilities with normal densities and
loads. (See the previous discussion of the
cooling coil.)
Office buildings in cool climates that
have high interior heat gains, thermally
efficient envelopes (e.g., insulation), and
economizer cooling may require humidi-
fication to maintain relative humidity
within the comfort zone. When humidi-
fication is needed, it must be added in a
manner that prevents the growth of micro-
biologicals within the ductwork and air
handlers.
Steam humidifiers should utilize clean
steam, rather than treated boiler water, so Above: Occupants of this building
complained of an inter-mittant fish tank odor.
that occupants will not be exposed to An investigation showed that this water spray
chemicals. Systems using media other humidifi-cation system is regularly
than clean steam must be rigorously maintained. The coils are washed roughly
every two weeks using fresh tap water,
maintained in accordance with the eliminating the need for any use of algacides.
manufacturer’s recommended procedures Below: Further investigation identified the
to reduce the likelihood of microbiological fact that the maintenance practice was
causing the odor problem. This picture of
growth. the downstream side of the coils was taken
Mold growth problems are more likely one day after the washing. A high pressure
if the humidistat setpoint located in the stream of water caused algae in the water
occupied space is above 45%. The high to foam and float for several days,
coinciding with the occupant complaints.
limit humidistat, typically located in the
ductwork downstream of the point at

Fan performance is expressed as the
DUCT LEAKAGE ability to move a given quantity of air
(cubic feet per minute or cfm) at a given
Leakage of air from ducts can cause or exacerbate air quality problems, in
addition to wasting energy. In general, sealed duct systems specified with resistance or static pressure (measured in
a leakage rate of less than 3% will have a superior life cycle cost analysis inches of water column). Airflow in
and reduce the likelihood of problems associated with leaky ductwork. ductwork is determined by the size of the
Examples of excessive duct leakage leading to problems include:
duct opening, the resistance of the duct
■ leakage of light troffer-type diffusers at the diffuser/light fixture interface configuration, and the velocity of the air
when they are installed in a return plenum. Such leakage has been
known to cause gross short-circuiting between supply and return, through the duct. The static pressure in a
wasting much of the conditioned air. If the “room” thermostat is system is calculated using factors for duct
located in the return plenum, the room can be very uncomfortable while length, speed of air movement and changes
the temperature in the plenum is operating at the control setpoint.
in the direction of air movement.
■ leakage of supply ductwork due to loose-fitting joints and connections It is common to find some differences
or “blow outs” of improperly fabricated seams
between the original design and the final
■ leakage of return ducts located in crawl spaces or below slabs, allowing
installation, as ductwork must share
soil gases and molds to enter the ductwork
limited space with structural members and
other “hidden” elements of the building
system (e.g., electrical conduit, plumbing
which water vapor is added, is generally pipes). Air distribution problems can
set at 70% to avoid condensation (with a occur, particularly at the end of duct runs,
potential for subsequent mold growth) in if departures from the original design
the ductwork. Adding water vapor to a increase the friction in the system to a
building that was not designed for point that approaches the limit of fan
humidification can have a negative impact performance. Inappropriate use of long
on the building structure and the runs of flexible ducts with sharp bends also
occupants’ health, if condensation occurs causes excessive friction. Poor system
on cold surfaces or in wall or roof cavities. balancing (adjustment) is another common
cause of air distribution problems.
Supply Fans Dampers are used as controls to
restrict airflow. Damper positions may be
After passing through the coil section relatively fixed (e.g., set manually during
where heat is either added or extracted, air system testing and balancing) or may
moves through the supply fan chamber and change in response to signals from the
the distribution system. Air distribution control system. Fire and smoke dampers
systems commonly use ducts that are can be triggered to respond to indicators
constructed to be relatively airtight. such as high temperatures or signals from
Elements of the building construction can smoke detectors. If a damper is designed
also serve as part of the air distribution to modulate, it should be checked during
system (e.g., pressurized supply plenums inspections to see that it is at the proper
or return air plenums located in the cavity setting. ASHRAE and the Associated Air
space above the ceiling tiles and below the Balance Council both provide guidance on
deck of the floor above). Proper coordina- proper intervals for testing and balancing.
tion of fan selection and duct layout during
the building design and construction phase Ducts
and ongoing maintenance of mechanical
components, filters, and controls are all The same HVAC system that distributes
necessary for effective air delivery. conditioned air throughout a building air
can distribute dust and other pollutants,
including biological contaminants. Dirt or
130 Appendix B
dust accumulation on any components of increased levels of pollutants and should
an air handling system — its cooling coils, be carried out by experienced workers.
plenums, ducts, and equipment housing — Correcting theproblems that allowed the
may lead to contamination of the air ductwork to become contaminated in the
supply. first place is important. Otherwise, the
There is widespread agreement that corrective action will only be temporary.
building owners and managers should take The porous surface of fibrous glass duct
great precautions to prevent dirt, high liner presents more surface area (which
humidity, or moisture from entering the can trap dirt and subsequently collect
ductwork; there is less agreement at water) than sheet metal ductwork. It is
present about when measures to clean up therefore particularly important to pay
are appropriate or how effective cleaning attention to the proper design, installation,
techniques are at making long-term filtration, humidity, and maintenance of
improvements to the air supply or at ducts that contain porous materials. In
reducing occupant complaints. addition, techniques developed for
The presence of dust in ductwork does cleaning unlined metal ducts often are not
not necessarily indicate a current microbio- suitable for use with fibrous glass thermal
logical problem. A small amount of dust liner or fiberboard. Such ducts may
on duct surfaces is normal and to be require a special type of cleaning to
expected. Special attention should be maintain the integrity of the duct (i.e., no
given to trying to find out if ducts are heavy brushing tools that might fray the
contaminated only where specific prob- inner lining) while removing dirt and
lems are present, such as: water damage or debris.
biological growth observed in ducts, debris More research on both the efficacy and
in ducts that restricts airflow, or dust the potential for unintended exposures to
discharging from supply diffusers. building occupants from various cleaning
Problems with dust and other contami- techniques is needed before firm guidance
nation in the ductwork are a function of can be provided regarding duct cleaning.
filtration efficiency, regular HVAC system Pay attention to worker safety when
maintenance, the rate of airflow, and good working with air handling systems
housekeeping practices in the occupied including during duct cleaning. Any
space. Problems with biological pollutants worker who may potentially breathe duct
can be prevented by minimizing dust and contaminants or biocides should wear
dirt build-up, promptly repairing leaks and suitable protective breathing apparatus.
water damage, preventing moisture Workers who are doing the duct cleaning
accumulation in the components that are should be encouraged to also look for
supposed to be dry, and cleaning the other types of problems, such as holes or
components such as the drip pans that gaps in the ducts that could allow contami-
collect and drain water. nants to enter the ventilation airstream.
In cases where sheet metal ductwork Building managers can obtain more
has become damaged or water-soaked, information on the issue of HVAC
building owners will need to undertake contamination and cleaning from the
clean-up or repair procedures. For professional standards developed by some
example, in cases where the thermal liner trade associations (See Guidelines of Care
or fiberboard has become water-soaked, Developed by Professional and Trade
building managers will need to replace the Associations in Section 5 and refer to
affected areas. These procedures should Appendix G for a list of organizations
be scheduled and performed in a way that with expertise and materials on these
does not expose building occupants to issues.)

PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS ON DUCT CLEANING
1. Any duct cleaning should be vacuum equipment should only be smell, and are not intended to provide
scheduled during periods when used with extreme care because high real control of microbiological
the building is unoccupied to negative pressure together with limited contaminants.
prevent exposure to chemicals airflow can collapse ducts.
7. Use of sealants to cover
and loosened particles.
4. Duct cleaning performed with interior ductwork surfaces is not
The air handling unit should not be high velocity airflow (i.e., greater recommended.
used during the cleaning or as an air than 6,000 cfm) should include No application techniques have been
movement device for the cleaning gentle, well-controlled brushing of demonstrated to provide a complete
process. The National Air Duct duct surfaces or other methods to or long-term barrier to microbiological
Cleaning Association recommends dislodge dust and other particles. growth, nor have such materials been
that the system should be run to
Duct cleaning that relies only on a high evaluated for their potential health
allow at least eight air changes in the
velocity airflow through the ducts is not effects on occupants. In addition,
occupied space when duct cleaning
likely to achieve satisfactory results using sealants alters the surface
has been completed.
because the flow rate at the duct burning characteristics of the duct
2. Negative air pressure that will surface remains too low to remove material and may void the fire safety
draw pollutants to a vacuum many particles. rating of the ductwork.
collection system should be
5. Only HEPA filtered (high- 8. Careful cleaning and sanitizing
maintained at all times in the
efficiency particle arrestor) vacu- of any parts of coils and drip pans
duct cleaning area to prevent
uming equipment should be used if can reduce microbiological
migration of dust dirt, and
the vacuum collection unit is inside pollutants.
contaminants into occupied
the occupied space. Prior to using sanitizers, deodorizers,
areas.
Conventional vacuuming equipment or any cleansing agents, carefully
Where possible, use vacuum
may discharge extremely fine particu- read the directions on the product
equipment or fans during cleaning
late matter back into the atmosphere, label. Once cleaned, these compo-
and sanitizing to make sure that
rather than collecting it. Duct cleaning nents should be thoroughly rinsed
cleaning vapors are exhausted to the
equipment that draws the dust and dirt and dried to prevent exposure of
outside and do not enter the occu-
into a collection unit outside the building occupants to the cleaning
pied space.
building is also available. People chemicals.
3. If it is determined that the should not be allowed to remain in the
9. Water-damaged or contami-
ductwork should be cleaned, immediate vicinity of these collection
nated porous materials in the
careful attention must be given units.
ductwork or other air handling
to protecting the ductwork.
6. If biocides are to be used, then system components should be
When gaining access to sheet metal select only products registered by removed and replaced.
ducts for cleaning purposes, it is EPA for such use, use the products Even when such materials are
essential to seal the access hole according to the manufacturer’s thoroughly dried, there is no way to
properly in order to maintain the directions, and pay careful atten- guarantee that all microbial growth
integrity of the HVAC system. tion to the method of application. has been eliminated.
Access doors are recommended if
At present, EPA accepts claims and
the system is to be cleaned periodi- 10. After the duct system has
therefore registers antimicrobials for
cally, and all access holes should be been cleaned and restored to
use only as sanitizers, not disinfectants
identified on the building’s mechani- use, a preventive maintenance
or sterilizers in HVAC systems. (See
cal plans. program will prevent the recur-
Appendix F for definitions of antimicro-
Particular attention is warranted rence of problems.
bials.) There is some question about
when cutting fibrous glass ducts, and Such a program should include
whether there are
manufacturers’ recommended particular attention to the use and
any application techniques that
procedures for sealing should be maintenance of adequate filters,
will deposit a sufficient amount of the
followed stringently. Use existing control of moisture in the HVAC
biocide to kill bacteria, germs,
duct system openings where system, and periodic inspection and
or other biologicals that may be
possible because it is difficult to cleaning of HVAC system compo-
present. Materials such as deodorizers
repair the damage caused by cutting nents. (See discussion of Preventive
that temporarily eliminate odors caused
new access entries into the Maintenance on page 36 in Section
by microorganisms provide only a fresh
ductwork. Large, high volume 5.)
132 Appendix B
Terminal Devices
Thermal comfort and effective contami-
nant removal demand that air delivered
into a conditioned space be properly
distributed within that space. Terminal
devices are the supply diffusers, return and
exhaust grilles, and associated dampers
and controls that are designed to distribute
air within a space and collect it from that
space. The number, design, and location
(ceiling, wall, floor) of terminal devices
are very important. They can cause a
HVAC system with adequate capacity to
produce unsatisfactory results, such as
drafts, odor transport, stagnant areas, or
short-circuiting.
Occupants who are uncomfortable
because of distribution deficiencies (drafts,
odor transport, stagnant air, or uneven
temperatures) often try to compensate by Return air is frequently car-
adjusting or blocking the flow of air from particularly important to maintain the ried through non-ducted ple-
supply outlets. Adjusting system flows integrity of the ceiling and adjacent walls nums. It is more difficult to
control leakage of pollutants
without any knowledge of the proper in areas that are designed to be exhausted, into or out of this type of re-
design frequently disrupts the proper such as supply closets, bathrooms, and turn air system than a ducted
supply of air to adjacent areas. Distribu- chemical storage areas. system.
tion problems can also be produced if the After return air enters either a ducted
arrangement of movable partitions, return air grille or a ceiling plenum, it is
shelving, or other furnishings interferes returned to the air handlers. Some systems
with airflow. Such problems often occur if utilize return fans in addition to supply
walls are moved or added without evaluat- fans in order to properly control the
ing the expected impact on airflows. distribution of air. When a supply and
return fan are utilized, especially in a VAV
Return Air Systems system, their operation must be coordi-
nated in order to prevent under- or over-
In many modern buildings the above-
pressurization of the occupied space or
ceiling space is utilized for the unducted
overpressurization of the mixing plenum in
passage of return air. This type of system
the air handler.
approach often reduces initial HVAC
system costs, but requires that the designer,
Exhausts, Exhaust Fans, and
maintenance personnel, and contractors
Pressure Relief
obey strict guidelines related to life and
safety codes (e.g., building codes) that Most buildings are required by law (e.g.,
must be followed for materials and devices building or plumbing codes) to provide for
that are located in the plenum. In addition, exhaust of areas where contaminant
if a ceiling plenum is used for the collec- sources are strong, such as toilet facilities,
tion of return air, openings into the ceiling janitorial closets, cooking facilities, and
plenum created by the removal of ceiling parking garages. Other areas where
tiles will disrupt airflow patterns. It is exhaust is frequently recommended but

may not be legally required include: achieving a neutral or slightly positive
reprographics areas, graphic arts facilities, pressure.
beauty salons, smoking lounges, shops,
and any area where contaminants are Self-Contained Units
known to originate.
In some designs, small decentralized units
For successful confinement and exhaust
are used to provide cooling or heating to
of identifiable sources, the exhausted area
interior or perimeter zones. With the
must be maintained at a lower overall
exception of induction units, units of this
pressure than surrounding areas. Any area
type seldom supply outdoor air. They are
that is designed to be exhausted must also
typically considered a low priority mainte-
be isolated (disconnected) from the return
nance item. If self-contained units are
air system so that contaminants are not
overlooked during maintenance, it is not
transported to another area of the building.
unusual for them to become a significant
In order to exhaust air from the build-
source of contaminants, especially for the
ing, make-up air from outdoors must be
occupants located nearby.
brought into the HVAC system to keep the
building from being run under negative
Controls
pressure. This make-up air is typically
drawn in at the mixed air plenum as HVAC systems can be controlled manually
described earlier and distributed within the or automatically. Most systems are con-
building. For exhaust systems to function trolled by some combination of manual and
properly, the make-up air must have a clear automatic controls. The control system can
path to the area that is being exhausted. be used to switch fans on and off, regulate
It is useful to compare the total cfm of the temperature of air within the conditioned
powered exhaust to the minimum quantity space, or modulate airflow and pressures by
of mechanically-introduced outdoor air. controlling fan speed and damper settings.
To prevent operating the building under Most large buildings use automatic controls,
negative pressures (and limit the amount of and many have very complex and sophisti-
unconditioned air brought into the building cated systems. Regular maintenance and
by infiltration), the amount of make-up air calibration are required to keep controls in
drawn in at the air handler should always good operating order. All programmable
be slighter greater than the total amount of timers and switches should have “battery
relief air, exhaust air, and air exfiltrating backup” to reset the controls in the event of a
through the building shell. Excess make- power failure.
up air is generally relieved at an exhaust or Local controls such as room thermostats
relief outlet in the HVAC system, espe- must be properly located in order to
cially in air economizer systems. In maintain thermal comfort. Problems can
addition to reducing the effects of un- result from:
wanted infiltration, designing and operat- ■ thermostats located outside of the
ing a building at slightly positive or neutral occupied space (e.g., in return plenum)
pressures will reduce the rate of entry of ■ poorly designed temperature control
soil gases when the systems are operating. zones (e.g., single zones that combine
For a building to actually operate at a areas with very different heating or
slight positive pressure, it must be tightly cooling loads)
constructed (e.g., specified at less than ■ thermostat locations subject to drafts or
one-half air change per hour at 0.25 to radiant heat gain or loss (e.g., exposed
pascals). Otherwise unwanted exfiltration to direct sunlight)
will prevent the building from ever
134 Appendix B
■ thermostat locations affected by heat
from nearby equipment
To test whether or not a thermostat is
functioning properly, try setting it to an
extreme temperature. This experiment will
show whether or not the system is respond-
ing to the signal in the thermostat, and
also provides information about how the
HVAC system may perform under extreme
conditions.
Boilers
Like any other part of the HVAC system, a
boiler must be adequately maintained to
operate properly. However, it is particu-
larly important that combustion equipment
operate properly to avoid hazardous
conditions such as explosions or carbon
monoxide leaks, as well as to provide good
energy efficiency. Codes in most parts of
the country require boiler operators to be
properly trained and licensed.
Modern office buildings tend to have It is important to determine
Both ASME and ASHRAE have made periodically whether the
much smaller capacity boilers than older
recommendations of how much combus- HVAC controls are correctly
buildings because of advances in energy calibrated. In addition, time
tion air is needed for fuel burning appli-
efficiency. In some buildings, the primary clocks must be checked to
ances. see if they are properly set
heat source is waste heat recovered from
Elements of boiler operation that are and running. Power failures
the chiller (which operates year-round to frequently cause time clocks
particularly important to indoor air quality
cool the core of the building). to be out of adjustment.
and thermal comfort include:
■ Operation of the boiler and distribution Cooling Towers
loops at a high enough temperature to
Maintenance of a cooling tower ensures
supply adequate heat in cold weather.
proper operation and keeps the cooling
■ Maintenance of gaskets and breeching to
tower from becoming a niche for breeding
prevent carbon monoxide from escaping
pathogenic bacteria, such as Legionella
into the building.
organisms. Cooling tower water quality
■ Maintenance of fuel lines to prevent any
must be properly monitored and chemical
leaks that could emit odors into the
treatments used as necessary to minimize
building.
conditions that could support the growth of
■ Provision of adequate outdoor air for
significant amounts of pathogens. Proper
combustion.
maintenance may also entail physical
■ Design of the boiler combustion exhaust
cleaning (by individuals using proper
to prevent re-entrainment, (especially
protection) to prevent sediment accumula-
from short boiler stacks, or into multi-
tion and installing drift eliminators.
story buildings that were added after the
boiler plant was installed).

FIGURE B-2: Selected Ventilation Recommendations
Occupancy Cfm/person Cfm/ft2

Application (people/1000 ft2)
Food and Beverage Dining rooms 70 20

Service Cafeteria, fast food 100 20
Bars, cocktail lounges 100 30
Kitchen (cooking) 20 15
Offices Office space 7 20

Reception areas 60 15
Conference rooms 50 20
Public Spaces Smoking lounge 70 60

Elevators 1.00
Retail Stores, Sales Floors, Basement and street 30 0.30

Showroom Floors Upper floors 20 0.20
Malls and arcades 20 0.20
Smoking lounge 70 60
Sports and
Amusement Spectator areas 150 15
Game rooms 70 25
Playing floors 30 20
Ballrooms and discos 100 25
Theaters
Lobbies 150 20
Auditorium 150 15
Education
Classroom 50 15
Music rooms 50 15
Libraries 20 15
Auditoriums 150 15
Hotels, Motels,
Resorts, Bedrooms 30 cfm/room
Dormitories Living rooms 30 cfm/room
Lobbies 30 15
Conference rooms 50 20
Assembly rooms 120 15
SOURCE: ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, Ventilation for Acceptable Air Quality
136 Appendix B
Water Chillers used because source strength is usually not
known.
Water chillers are frequently found in large
Whichever procedure is utilized in the
building air conditioning systems because
design, the standard states that the design
of the superior performance they offer. A
criteria and assumptions shall be docu-
water chiller must be maintained in proper
mented and made available to those
working condition to perform its function
responsible for the operation and mainte-
of removing the heat from the building.
nance of the system.
Chilled water supply temperatures should
Important features of ASHRAE 62-
operate in the range of 45°F or colder in
1989 include:
order to provide proper moisture removal
during humid weather. Piping should be ■ a definition of acceptable air quality
insulated to prevent condensation. ■ a discussion of ventilation effectiveness
Other than thermal comfort, IAQ ■ the recommendation of the use of source
concerns associated with water chillers control through isolation and local
involve potential release of the working exhaust of contaminants
fluids from the chiller system. The rupture ■ recommendations for the use of heat
disk (safety release) of the system should recovery ventilation
be piped to the outdoors, and refrigerant ■ a guideline for allowable carbon dioxide
leaks should be located and repaired. levels
Waste oils and spent refrigerant should be ■ appendices listing suggested possible
disposed of properly. guidelines for common indoor pollutants
ASHRAE STANDARDS AND Standard 55-1981, “Thermal

GUIDELINES Environmental Conditions for
Human Occupancy”
Standard 62-1989, “Ventilation for
Acceptable Air Quality” ASHRAE 55-1981 covers several environ-
mental parameters including: temperature,
ASHRAE 62-1989 is intended to assist radiation, humidity, and air movement.
professionals in the proper design of The standard specifies thermal environ-
ventilation systems for buildings. The mental conditions for the comfort of
standard presents two procedures for healthy people in normal indoor environ-
ventilation design, a “Ventilation Rate” ments for winter and summer conditions.
procedure and an “Air Quality” procedure. It also attempts to introduce limits on the
With the Ventilation Rate procedure, temperature variations within a space. In
acceptable air quality is achieved by addition to specifications for temperature
specifying a given quantity and quality of and humidity, guidelines are given for air
outdoor air based upon occupant density movement, temperature cycling, tempera-
and space usage. Examples of the tables ture drift, vertical temperature difference,
listing the prescriptive amounts of outdoor radiant asymmetry, and floor temperatures.
air for the Ventilation Rate procedure are Adjustment factors are described for
presented at the end of this section. various activity levels of the occupants,
The Air Quality procedure is a perfor- and different clothing levels.
mance specification that allows acceptable
air quality to be achieved within a space by Important features of this standard
controlling for known and specifiable include:
■ a definition of acceptable thermal
contaminants. This procedure is seldom
comfort

test and the atmospheric dust spot test.
The atmospheric dust spot test is the test
used to determine the “efficiency “ of an
air cleaner. The values obtained with
these two tests are not comparable. For
example, a filter with a weight arrestance
of 90% may have an efficiency by the
atmospheric dust spot test below 40%.
The weight arrestance test is generally
used to evaluate low efficiency filters
designed to remove the largest and
heaviest particles; these filters are com-
monly used in residential furnaces and/or
air-conditioning systems or as upstream
filters for other air cleaning devices. For
the test, a standard synthetic dust is fed
into the air cleaner and the proportion (by
weight) of the dust trapped on the filter is
determined. Because the particles in the
standard dust are relatively large, the
This air washer is used to ■ a discussion of the additional weight arrestance test is of limited value in
remove particles and environmental parameters that must assessing the removal of smaller, respi-
water-soluble gaseous
contaminants and may also be considered rable-size particles from indoor air.
control temperature and ■ recommendations for summer and winter The atmospheric dust spot test is
humidity in the airstream. comfort zones for both temperature and usually used to rate medium efficiency air
Such systems are subject
to severe bacterial
relative humidity cleaners. The removal rate is based on the
contamination. ■ a guideline for making adjustment for cleaner’s ability to reduce soiling of a
activity levels clean paper target, an ability dependent on
■ guidelines for making measurements the cleaner removing very fine particles
It should be noted that space tempera- from the air. However, it should be noted
tures above 76°F but within the summer that this test addresses the overall effi-
comfort envelope have nevertheless been ciency of removal of a complex mixture of
associated with IAQ complaints in offices. dust, and that removal efficiencies for
Note: As of summer 1991, a revised different size particles may vary widely.
Standard 55 was nearly ready. Recent studies by EPA, comparing
ASHRAE ratings to filter efficiencies for
Standard 52-76, “Method of Testing particles by size, have shown that efficien-
Air-Cleaning Devices Used in cies for particles in the size range of 0.1 to
General Ventilation for Removing 1 microgram are much lower than the
Particulate Matter” ASHRAE rating.
This standard is intended to assist profes- Important features of this ASHRAE
sionals in the evaluation of air cleaning standard include:
systems for particle removal. Two test ■ definitions of arrestance and efficiency
methods are described: the weight ■ establishment of a uniform comparative
arrestance test and the atmospheric dust testing procedure for evaluating the
spot test. The standard discusses differ- performance of air cleaning devices used
ences in results from the weight arrestance in ventilation systems
138 Appendix B
■ establishment of a uniform reporting mat for testing the system for acceptance
method for performance by the owner. In addition, the guideline
■ methods for evaluating resistance to addresses adjustments of the system to
airflow and dust-holding capacity meet actual occupancy needs within the
capacity of the system when changes in
No comparable guidelines or standards
building use are made and
are currently available for use in assessing
recommissioning is warranted.
the ability of air cleaners to remove gas-
eous pollutants or radon and its progeny. Important features of this guideline
include:
Guideline 1-1989, “Guideline for the ■ definition of the commissioning process
Commissioning of HVAC Systems” ■ discussion of the process involved in a
This guideline is intended to assist profes- proper commissioning procedure
sionals by providing procedures and meth- ■ sample specification and forms for log-
ods for documenting and verifying the ging information
performance of HVAC systems so that ■ recommendation for the implementation
they operate in conformity with the design of corrective measures as warranted
intent. The guideline presents a format for ■ guideline for operator training
documenting the occupancy requirements, ■ guidelines for periodic maintenance and
design assumptions, and the design intent recommissioning as needed
for the HVAC system. It provides a for-

Appendix C:
Moisture, Mold and Mildew
M olds and mildew are fungi that grow

on the surfaces of objects, within pores,
and in deteriorated materials. They can
cause discoloration and odor problems,
deteriorate building materials, and lead to
allergic reactions in susceptible individu-
als, as well as other health problems.
The following conditions are necessary
for mold growth to occur on surfaces:
■ temperature range above 40°F and below
100°F
■ mold spores
■ nutrient base (most surfaces contain
nutrients)
■ moisture
Human comfort constraints limit the use
of temperature control. Spores are almost
always present in outdoor and indoor air, factors that govern it are often misunder- There were complaints of vis-
and almost all commonly used construc- stood. This appendix is intended to give ible water damage and musty
odors in this senior citizen
tion materials and furnishings can provide building managers an understanding of the housing complex. Investiga-
nutrients to support mold growth. Dirt on factors that govern relative humidity, and tors confirmed that the prob-
surfaces provides additional nutrients. to describe common moisture problems lem was rain entry by using
an array of hoses to spray the
Cleaning and disinfecting with non- and their solutions. walls with
polluting cleaners and antimicrobial agents water, while operating the
provides protection against mold growth. BACKGROUND ON RELATIVE building under negative pres-
sure. The test showed that
Other sections of this document have HUMIDITY, VAPOR PRESSURE,
rain was entering at the joints
discussed the importance of building AND CONDENSATION of the exterior
maintenance and proper sanitation in cladding, rather than at
Water enters buildings both as a liquid and cracks around windows.
preventing IAQ problems. However, it is
as a gas (water vapor). Water, in its liquid
virtually impossible to eliminate all
form, is introduced intentionally in
nutrients. Moisture control is thus an
bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries and
important strategy for reducing mold
accidentally by way of leaks and spills.
growth.
Some of that water evaporates and joins
Mold growth does not require the
the water vapor that is exhaled by building
presence of standing water; it can occur
occupants as they breathe or that is
when high relative humidity or the
introduced by humidifiers. Water vapor
hygroscopic properties (the tendency to
also moves in and out of the building as
absorb and retain moisture) of building
part of the air that is mechanically intro-
surfaces allow sufficient moisture to
duced or that infiltrates and exfiltrates
accumulate. Relative humidity and the
through openings in the building shell. A
Moisture, Mold and Mildew 141

FIGURE C-1: Moisture Gain in a Building
Courtesy of Dean Wallace lesser amount of water vapor diffuses into changing the amount of water vapor in the
Shakun, Clayton State and out of the building through the air (its “vapor pressure” or “absolute
College, Morrow, GA building materials themselves. Figure C-1 humidity”); All that is required is for the air
illustrates locations of moisture entry. temperature to drop to the “dew point.”
The ability of air to hold water vapor Relative humidity and temperature
decreases as the air temperature is lowered. often vary within a room, while the
If a unit of air contains half of the water absolute humidity in the room air can
vapor it can hold, it is said to be at 50% usually be assumed to be uniform. There-
relative humidity (RH). As the air cools, fore, if one side of the room is warm and
the relative humidity increases. If the air the other side cool, the cool side of the
contains all of the water vapor it can hold, room has a higher RH than the warm side.
it is at 100% RH, and the water vapor The highest RH in a room is always
condenses, changing from a gas to a liquid. next to the coldest surface. This is referred
It is possible to reach 100% RH without as the “first condensing surface,” as it will
142 Appendix C
FIGURE C-2: Relationship of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Moisture in the Air
A relative humidity reading taken in a room will only give an accurate
indication of the actual amount of moisture present if a temperature
reading is taken at the same time. The chart below shows that air at
70°F and 40% RH contains approximately 0.006 pounds of
moisture per pound of dry air (as indicated by the bold line), while
air that is at 50°F and 40% RH contains approximately 0.003
pounds of moisture per pound of dry air (as indicated by the dashed
line). Although both are at 40% RH, the 70°F air contains roughly
twice as much moisture as the 50°F air.
SOURCE: Adapted from Psychometric Chart from ASHRAE Fundamentals, 1981
be the location where condensation first TAKING STEPS TO REDUCE

occurs, if the relative humidity at the MOISTURE
surface reaches 100%. It is important to
Mold and mildew growth can be reduced
understand this when trying to understand
where relative humidities near surfaces can
why mold is growing on one patch of wall
be maintained below the dew point. This
or only along the wall-ceiling joint. It is
can be accomplished by reducing the
likely that the surface of the wall is cooler
moisture content (vapor pressure) of the
than the room air because there is a void in
air, increasing air movement at the surface,
the insulation or because wind is blowing
or increasing the air temperature (either the
through cracks in the exterior of the
general space temperature or the tempera-
building.
ture at building surfaces).

Either surface temperature or vapor
pressure can be the dominant factor in
causing a mold problem. A surface
temperature-related mold problem may not
respond very well to increasing ventilation,
whereas a vapor pressure-related mold
problem may not respond well to increas-
ing temperatures. Understanding which
factor dominates will help in selecting an
effective control strategy.
Consider an old, leaky, poorly insulated
building. It is in a heating climate and
shows evidence of mold and mildew.
Since the building is leaky, its high natural
air exchange rate dilutes interior airborne
moisture levels, maintaining a low absolute
humidity during the heating season.
Providing mechanical ventilation in this
building in an attempt to control interior
mold and mildew probably will not be
effective in this case. Increasing surface
temperatures by insulating the exterior
walls, and thereby reducing relative
humidities next to the wall surfaces, would
be a better strategy to control mold and
mildew.
Reduction of surface temperature-
dominated mold and mildew is best
accomplished by increasing the surface
temperature through either or both of the
following approaches:
■ Increase the temperature of the air near
room surfaces either by raising the
thermostat setting or by improving air
circulation so that supply air is more
Above: In this building, mold and mildew effective at heating the room surface.
spots appeared on drywall ■ Decrease the heat loss from room
joints on the interior walls. When the wall surfaces either by adding insulation or by
was cut open, mold growth was visible in
the wall cavity and the structural steel closing cracks in the exterior wall to
showed corrosion. The problem was prevent wind-washing (air that enters a
caused by construction moisture trapped wall at one exterior location and exits
between the interior finish and the exterior
sheathing. The solution was to modify the
another exterior location without
exterior wall so that moisture could vent to penetrating into the building).
the outdoors. Below: This is visual
evidence of air movement through the Vapor pressure-dominated mold and
building shell. The water vapor in the mildew can be reduced by one or more of
warm, humid indoor air has condensed and the following strategies:
frozen on the exterior wall.
144 Appendix C
■ source control (e.g., direct venting of
moisture-generating activities such as
showers) to the exterior HOW TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF A MOLD AND MILDEW
■ dilution of moisture-laden indoor air PROBLEM
with outdoor air that is at a lower
Mold and mildew are commonly found on the exterior wall surfaces of
absolute humidity corner rooms in heating climate locations. An exposed corner room is
■ dehumidification likely to be significantly colder than adjoining rooms, so that it has a higher
relative humidity (RH) than other rooms at the same water vapor pressure.
Note that dilution is only useful as a If mold and mildew growth are found in a corner room, then relative
control strategy during heating periods, humidities next to the room surfaces are above 70%. However, is the RH
above 70% at the surfaces because the room is too cold or because there
when cold outdoor air tends to contain less is too much moisture present (high water vapor pressure)?
moisture. During cooling periods, outdoor The amount of moisture in the room can be estimated by measuring
air often contains as much moisture as both temperature and RH at the same location and at the same time.
indoor air. Suppose there are two cases. In the first case, assume that the RH is
30% and the temperature is 70°F in the middle of the room. The low RH
at that temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure (or absolute
IDENTIFYING AND CORRECTING humidity) is low. The high surface RH is probably due to room surfaces
COMMON PROBLEMS FROM MOLD that are "too cold." Temperature is the dominating factor, and control
strategies should involve increasing the temperature at cold room sur-
AND MILDEW faces.
In the second case, assume that the RH is 50% and the temperature is
Exterior Corners 70°F in the middle of the room. The higher RH at that temperature
Exterior corners are common locations for indicates that the water vapor pressure is high and there is a relatively
mold and mildew growth in heating large amount of moisture in the air. The high surface RH is probably due
to air that is "too moist." Humidity is the dominating factor, and control
climates, and in poorly insulated buildings strategies should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor
in cooling climates. They tend to be closer air.
to the outdoor temperature than other parts
of the building surface for one or more of
the following reasons: be controlled in heating climate locations
by increasing interior temperatures during
■ poor air circulation (interior)
heating periods. Unfortunately, this also
■ wind-washing (exterior)
increases energy consumption and reduces
■ low insulation levels
relative humidity in the breathing zone,
■ greater surface area of heat loss
which can create discomfort.
Sometimes mold and mildew growth
Air Conditioned Spaces
can be reduced by removing obstructions
to airflow (e.g., rearranging furniture). The problems of mold and mildew can be
Buildings with forced air heating systems as extensive in cooling climates as in
and/or room ceiling fans tend to have heating climates. The same principles
fewer mold and mildew problems than apply: either surfaces are too cold,
buildings with less air movement, other moisture levels are too high, or both.
factors being equal. A common example of mold growth in
cooling climates can be found in rooms
“Set Back” Thermostats where conditioned “cold” air blows against
the interior surface of an exterior wall.
Set back thermostats are commonly used to
This condition, which may be due to poor
reduce energy consumption during the
duct design, diffuser location, or diffuser
heating season. Mold and mildew growth
performance, creates a cold spot at the
can occur when building temperatures are
interior finish surfaces. A mold problem
lowered during unoccupied periods.
can occur within the wall cavity as outdoor
(Maintaining a room at too low a tempera-
air comes in contact with the cavity side of
ture can have the same effect as a set back
the cooled interior surface. It is a particu-
thermostat.) Mold and mildew can often
lar problem in rooms decorated with low

maintenance interior finishes (e.g., temperatures. The advent of higher
impermeable wall coverings such as vinyl performance glazing systems has led to a
wallpaper) which can trap moisture greater incidence of moisture problems in
between the interior finish and the gypsum heating climate building enclosures,
board. Mold growth can be rampant when because the buildings can now be operated
these interior finishes are coupled with at higher interior vapor pressures (moisture
cold spots and exterior moisture. levels) without visible surface condensa-
Possible solutions for this problem tion on windows. In older building
include: enclosures with less advanced glazing
systems, visible condensation on the
■ preventing hot, humid exterior air from windows often alerted occupants to the
contacting the cold interior finish (i.e., need for ventilation to flush out interior
controlling the vapor pressure at the moisture (so they opened the windows).
surface)
■ eliminating the cold spots (i.e., elevating Concealed Condensation
the temperature of the surface) by
The use of thermal insulation in wall
relocating ducts and diffusers
cavities increases interior surface tempera-
■ ensuring that vapor barriers, facing
tures in heating climates, reducing the
sealants, and insulation are properly
likelihood of interior surface mold, mildew
specified, installed, and maintained
and condensation. However, the use of
■ increasing the room temperature to avoid
thermal insulation also reduces the heat
overcooling
loss from the conditioned space into the
In this case, increasing temperature wall cavities, decreasing the temperature in
decreases energy consumption, though it the wall cavities and therefore increasing
could cause comfort problems. the likelihood of concealed condensation.
Thermal Bridges The first condensing surface in a wall
cavity in a heating climate is typically the
Localized cooling of surfaces commonly
inner surface of the exterior sheathing, the
occurs as a result of “thermal bridges,”
“back side” of plywood or fiberboard. As
elements of the building structure that are
the insulation value is increased in the wall
highly conductive of heat (e.g., steel studs
cavities, so does the potential for hidden
in exterior frame walls, uninsulated
condensation.
window lintels, and the edges of concrete
Concealed condensation can be con-
floor slabs). Dust particles sometimes
trolled by either or both of the following
mark the locations of thermal bridges,
strategies:
because dust tends to adhere to cold spots.
The use of insulating sheathings ■ Reducing the entry of moisture into the
significantly reduces the impact of thermal wall cavities (e.g., by controlling
bridges in building envelopes. infiltration and/or exfiltration of mois-
ture-laden air)
Windows ■ Elevating the temperature of the first
In winter, windows are typically the condensing surface. In heating climate
coldest surfaces in a room. The interior locations, this change can be made by
surface of a window is often the first installing exterior insulation (assuming
condensing surface in a room. that no significant wind-washing is
Condensation on window surfaces has occurring). In cooling climate locations,
historically been controlled by using storm this change an be made by installing
windows or “insulated glass” (e.g., double- insulating sheathing to the interior of the
glazed windows or selective surface gas- wall framing and between the wall
filled windows) to raise interior surface framing and the interior gypsum board.
146 Appendix C
Appendix D: Asbestos
"Asbestos” describes six naturally not generally accessible to the public, such
occurring fibrous minerals found in certain as boiler and mechanical rooms, where
types of rock formations. When mined asbestos exposures generally would be
and processed, asbestos is typically sepa- limited to service and maintenance work-
rated into very thin fibers that are normally ers. However, if friable ACM is present in
invisible to the naked eye. They may air plenums, it can be distributed through-
remain in the air for many hours if re- out the building, thereby possibly exposing
leased from asbestos-containing material building occupants.
(ACM) and may be inhaled during this When is asbestos a problem? Intact and
time. Three specific diseases — asbestosis undisturbed asbestos materials do not
(a fibrous scarring of the lungs), lung pose a health risk. The mere presence of
cancer, and mesothelioma (a cancer of the asbestos in a building does not mean that
lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) — the health of building occupants is endan-
have been linked to asbestos exposure. It gered. ACM which is in good condition,
may be 20 years or more after exposure and is not damaged or disturbed, is not
before symptoms of these diseases appear; likely to release asbestos fibers into the air.
however, high levels of exposure can re- When ACM is properly managed, release
sult in respiratory diseases in a shorter of asbestos fibers into the air is reduced,
period of time. and the risk of asbestos-related disease is
Most of the health problems resulting thereby correspondingly reduced.
from asbestos exposure have been experi- There are a number of guidelines and
enced by workers whose jobs exposed regulations that govern asbestos exposure.
them to asbestos in the air over a pro- Occupational standards for preventing
longed period without the worker protec- asbestos-related diseases are recommended
tion that is now required. Asbestos fibers by NIOSH and promulgated by OSHA.
can be found nearly everywhere in our NIOSH guidance contain Recommended
environment (usually at very low levels). Exposure Limits (RELs) and OSHA
While the risk to occupants is likely to be standards set Permissible Exposure Limits
small, health concerns remain, particularly (PELs). The standards also contain many
for the custodial and maintenance workers other measures, such as surveillance,
in a building. Their jobs are likely to bring medical screening, analytical methods, and
them into proximity to ACM and may methods of control. OSHA regulations
sometimes require them to disturb the and the EPA Worker Protection Rule also
ACM in the performance of maintenance provide guidance on day-to-day activities
activities. that may bring workers in contact with
EPA estimates that “friable” (easily ACM. EPA National Emission Standards
crumbled) ACM can be found in an esti- for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
mated 700,000 public and commercial define acceptable practices for renovation
buildings. About 500,000 of those build- and demolition activities that involve as-
ings are believed to contain at least some bestos-containing materials. In addition,
damaged asbestos. Significantly damaged many States have set exposure standards
ACM is found primarily in building areas and other regulations concerning asbestos.
Asbestos 147
EPA and NIOSH recommend a practical best course of action to reduce asbestos
approach that protects public health by exposure. In fact, an improper removal
emphasizing that ACM in buildings should can create a dangerous situation where
be identified and appropriately managed, none previously existed.
and that those workers who might disturb ■ EPA only requires asbestos removal in
it should be properly trained and protected. order to prevent significant public expo-
sure to airborne asbestos fibers during
EPA AND NIOSH building demolition or renovation
POSITIONS ON ASBESTOS activities.
■ EPA does recommend a pro-active, in-
In an effort to calm unwarranted fears that
place management program whenever
a number of people seem to have about the
asbestos-containing material is
mere presence of asbestos in their build-
discovered.
ings and to discourage the decisions by
some building owners to remove all ACM NIOSH’s position on asbestos exposure
regardless of its condition, the EPA Ad- has been expressed in NIOSH policy state-
ministrator issued an Advisory to the Pub- ments and internal reports and at OSHA
lic on Asbestos in Buildings in 1991. This public hearings:
advisory summarized EPA’s policies for
■ NIOSH recommends the goal of elimi-
asbestos control in the presentation of the
nating asbestos exposure in the work-
following “five facts”:
place. Where exposures cannot be elimi-
■ Although asbestos is hazardous, the risk nated, exposures should be limited to the
of asbestos-related disease depends upon lowest concentration possible.
exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. ■ NIOSH contends that there is no safe
OSHA requires that signs be
posted around areas where
■ Based upon available data, the average airborne fiber concentration for asbestos.
work is being done that airborne asbestos levels in buildings NIOSH therefore believes that any de-
involves damaged asbestos- seem to be very low. Accordingly, the tectable concentration of asbestos in the
containing materials. These health risk to most building occupants workplace warrants further evaluation
signs must communicate
specific types of information. also appears to be very low. and, if necessary, the implementation of
■ Removal is often not a building owner’s measures to reduce exposures.
■ NIOSH contends that there is no scien-
tific basis to support differentiating
health risks between types of asbestos
fibers for regulatory purposes.
Copies of the EPA and NIOSH policy

statements and public advisories are avail-
able, respectively, from those agencies.
See the last section in this appendix and
the Resources section for information on
how to obtain them.
148 Appendix D
PROGRAMS FOR MANAGING AS- After the material is identified, the build-
BESTOS IN-PLACE ing management and staff can then insti-
tute controls to ensure that the day-to-day
In some cases, an asbestos operations and
management of the building is carried out
maintenance program is more appropriate
in a manner that prevents or minimizes the
than other asbestos control strategies, in-
release of asbestos fibers into the air.
cluding removal. Proper asbestos manage-
These controls will ensure that when as-
ment is neither to rip it all out in a panic nor
bestos fibers are released, either acciden-
to ignore the problem under the false pre-
tally or intentionally, proper management
sumption that asbestos is “risk free.”
and clean-up procedures are implemented.
Health concerns remain, particularly for
Another concern of EPA, NIOSH, and
custodial and maintenance workers.
other Federal, State, and local agencies that
In-place management does not mean “do
are concerned with asbestos and public
nothing.” It means having a program to
health is to ensure proper worker training
ensure that the day-to-day management of
and protection. In the course of their daily
the building is carried out in a manner that
activities, maintenance and service work-
minimizes release of asbestos fibers into the
ers in buildings may disturb materials and
air, and that ensures that when asbestos
thereby elevate asbestos fiber levels and
fibers are released, either accidentally or
asbestos exposure, especially for them-
intentionally, proper control and clean-up
selves, if they are not properly trained and
procedures are implemented. Such a pro-
protected. For these persons, risk may be
gram may be all that is necessary to control
significantly higher than for other building
the release of asbestos fibers until the as-
occupants. Proper worker training and
bestos-containing material in a building is
protection, as part of an active in-place
scheduled to be disturbed by renovation or
management program, can reduce any
demolition activities.
unnecessary asbestos exposure for these
The first responsibility of a building
workers and others. AHERA requires this
owner or manager is to identify asbestos-
training for school employees whose job
containing materials, through a building-
activities may result in asbestos distur-
wide inventory or on a case-by-case basis,
bances.
before suspect materials are disturbed by
In addition to the steps outlined above,
renovations or other actions. The Asbestos
an in-place management program will
Hazard Emergency Response Act
usually include notification to workers and
(AHERA) program requires that in schools
occupants of the existence of asbestos in
an inventory of asbestos materials be done
their building, periodic surveillance of the
by properly accredited individuals. Starting
material, and proper recordkeeping. EPA
in late 1991 or 1992, there will also be a
requires all of these activities for schools
requirement that if an inventory of asbestos
and strongly recommends that other build-
materials is done in public and commercial
ing owners also establish comprehensive
buildings, the inventory must be done by
asbestos management programs. Without
properly accredited individuals. In public
such programs, asbestos materials could be
and commercial buildings facing major
damaged or could deteriorate, which might
renovations or demolition, inspections for
result in elevated levels of airborne asbes-
the presence of ACM are required, accord-
tos fibers. While the management costs of
ing to the 1990 revision of the EPA Asbes-
all the above activities will depend upon
tos NESHAP. A carefully designed air
the amount, condition, and location of the
monitoring program can be used as an ad-
materials, such a program need not be
junct to visual and physical evaluations of
expensive.
the asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos 149
WHERE TO GO FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
For guidance on asbestos, building owners National Institute for Occupational

and managers are urged to become familiar Safety and Health
with two EPA documents: Managing Technical Information Branch
Asbestos in Place (published in 1990 and 4676 Columbia Parkway
also known as the “Green Book”) and Cincinnati, OH 45226
Guidance for Controlling Asbestos-Con- Telephone: 1-800-35-NIOSH or
taining Materials in Buildings (published 1-800-356-4674
in 1985 and also known as the “Purple
Book”). Contact State air pollution control or health
To obtain copies of the guidance publi- agencies for information on pertinent State
cations and other materials mentioned activities and regulations. To find an as-
above, or to get additional information on bestos contact in State agencies, consult
technical issues, call or write: the EPA Directory of State Indoor Air
Contacts. For a more complete listing of
Environmental Assistance Division
publications concerning asbestos, refer to
Office of Toxic Substances
Appendix G.
U.S. EPA (TS-799)
401 M Street SW
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone (TSCA Information Hotline):
202-554-1404
150 Appendix D
Appendix E: Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas produced by cluding schools and large buildings. In

the decay of radium. It occurs naturally in addition, new methods and technologies are
almost all soil and rock. Radon migrates being developed to ensure a practical and
through the soil and groundwater and can cost-effective reduction of radon in these
enter buildings through cracks or other buildings. As a result, published docu-
openings in their foundations. Radon’s ments on guidance and protocols for mea-
decay products can cause lung cancer, and surement and remediation of radon in large
radon is second only to smoking as a cause buildings are not currently available.
of lung cancer in America. This publication provides an overview of
Based on early data, the EPA concen- radon issues, and should be used only as
trated its radon reduction efforts on one- background information. For more infor-
and two- family homes. Citing results mation, refer to other sources of informa-
from a radon survey conducted jointly tion that are specific to radon in indoor air.
with 25 States, the EPA and the Surgeon
General’s office issued a National Health BUILDING MEASUREMENT,
Advisory that called for testing most DIAGNOSIS, AND REMEDIATION
homes for the presence of radon. Ex-
Protocols specific to the measurement of
tensive research and case studies in the
radon and radon progeny in large buildings
field have demonstrated practical remed-
are tentatively scheduled to be published by
iation methods that typically reduce the
EPA in early 1992. These large building
indoor radon concentrations below 4 pCi/L,
measurement protocols can assist skilled
the current EPA action level for all occu-
building owner or facility personnel in
pied buildings.
making initial screening tests for the
Now that EPA technical guidance is
presence of radon. A new protocol specific
being successfully used to reduce human
to large buildings is necessary due to the
health risk in homes, the EPA is emphasiz-
major differences in building dynamics,
ing the development of radon measure-
HVAC systems, and occupancy patterns
ment, mitigation, and prevention tech-
between large buildings and homes, and
niques for schools and large buildings.
how these impact radon.
Preliminary data from a nationwide survey
As part of its effort to develop wide-
of Federal buildings indicates that radon
spread State and private sector capabilities,
will probably not be as widespread a prob-
the EPA established a voluntary proficiency
lem in large buildings as it is in homes.
program (Radon Measurement Proficiency
One of the major factors for this difference
Program) for radon laboratories and com-
is that multi-story buildings have propor-
mercial measurement firms. A State Profi-
tionally less space in direct contact with
ciency Report (EPA 520/1-91-014), which
the earth when compared to homes.
gives information on specific radon mea-
Some of the control technologies utilized
surement firms in your area, can be ob-
for homes are being studied for their ap-
tained from your State radon office or from
propriateness to other building types, in-
your EPA Regional Office.
Radon 151
Three elements must be present for Due to the diversity and complexity of
radon to be a problem: a radon source, a large buildings, and because the research
pathway that allows radon to enter the and development of appropriate radon
building, and a driving force that causes remediation technologies for these struc-
the radon to flow through the pathway and tures are in the early phases, generalized
into the building. Preventing radon from building diagnostic and remediation meth-
entering the building is always desirable odologies are not yet available. For assis-
compared with mitigation after radon has tance, please contact the appropriate orga-
entered. The reduction of pathways and nizations on the following list or a profes-
driving forces are therefore usually the sional engineering firm or mitigation com-
focus of attention during diagnostic and pany with experience in this matter.
remediation efforts.
WHERE TO GO FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
State Radon Offices Western Regional Radon

There are several ways to get the name of a Training Center
contact person in your State radon office or Guggenheim Hall
information about that office. You can call Colorado State University
the radon contact in the EPA Regional Fort Collins, CO 80523
Office for your state or you can order the 1-800-462-7459/303-491-7742
Directory of State Indoor Air Contacts
from the EPA Public Information Center. Southern Regional Radon
(See list of IAQ and radon contacts and list Training Center
of EPA publications in Appendix G.) Auburn University
Housing Research Center
Regional Radon Training Centers Harbert Engineering Center
As part of its effort to develop State and Auburn University, AL 36849-5337
private sector capabilities for radon reduc- 205-844-6261
tion, the EPA has coordinated the forma-
tion of four Regional Radon Training EPA Regional Offices
Centers (RRTCs). The RRTCs provide a If you want additional information from
range of radon training and proficiency EPA regarding radon, start with the EPA
examination courses to the public for a fee. Regional Offices. Telephone numbers
for radon information contacts are given
Eastern Regional Radon in the list of EPA Regional Offices in
Training Center Appendix G of this publication.
Rutgers, The State University
Livingston Campus, Building 4087 EPA Radon Division
New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0231 If information is unavailable from the
908-932-2582 above sources, please contact the EPA
Radon Division at:
Mid-West Universities
Radon Consortium Radon Division (ANR-464)
University of Minnesota U.S. EPA
1985 Buford Avenue (240) 401 M Street, SW
St. Paul, MN 55108-6136 Washington, DC 20460
612-624-8747 202-260-9605
152 Appendix E
Appendix F: Glossary and Acronyms
ACGIH — American Conference of materials, windows, and walls, that enclose

Governmental Industrial Hygienists. the internal space.
ASHRAE — American Society of Building-Related Illness — Diagnosable
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Condition- illness whose symptoms can be identified
ing Engineers. and whose cause can be directly attributed
ASTM — American Society for Testing to airborne building pollutants (e.g.,
and Materials. Legionnaire’s disease, hypersensitivity
pneumonitis).
Air Cleaning — An IAQ control strategy
to remove various airborne particulates CFM — Cubic feet per minute.
and/or gases from the air. The three types CO — Carbon monoxide.
of air cleaning most commonly used are CO2 — Carbon dioxide.
particulate filtration, electrostatic precipita-
Ceiling Plenum — Space below the
tion, and gas sorption.
flooring and above the suspended ceiling
Air Exchange Rate — Used in two ways: that accommodates the mechanical and
1) the number of times that the outdoor air electrical equipment and that is used as
replaces the volume of air in a building per part of the air distribution system. The
unit time, typically expressed as air space is kept under negative pressure.
changes per hour; 2) the number of times
Commissioning — Start-up of a building
that the ventilation system replaces the air
that includes testing and adjusting HVAC,
within a room or area within the building.
electrical, plumbing, and other systems to
Antimicrobial — Agent that kills micro- assure proper functioning and adherence to
bial growth. See “disinfectant,” “sani- design criteria. Commissioning also
tizer”, and “sterilizer.” includes the instruction of building
BRI — See “Building-Related Illness.” representatives in the use of the building
Biological Contaminants — Agents systems.
derived from or that are living organisms Conditioned Air — Air that has been
(e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mammal heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidi-
and bird antigens) that can be inhaled and fied to maintain an interior space within
can cause many types of health effects the “comfort zone.” (Sometimes referred to
including allergic reactions, respiratory as “tempered” air.)
disorders, hypersensitivity diseases, and Constant Air Volume Systems — Air
infectious diseases. Also referred to as handling system that provides a constant
“microbiologicals” or “microbials.” air flow while varying the temperature to
Breathing Zone — Area of a room in meet heating and cooling needs.
which occupants breathe as they stand, sit, Dampers — Controls that vary airflow
or lie down. through an air outlet, inlet, or duct. A
Building Envelope — Elements of the damper position may be immovable,
building, including all external building manually adjustable, or part of an auto-
mated control system.
Glossary and Acronyms 153

Diffusers and Grilles — Components of Hypersensitivity Diseases — Diseases
the ventilation system that distribute and characterized by allergic responses to
diffuse air to promote air circulation in the animal antigens. The hypersensitivity
occupied space. Diffusers supply air and diseases most clearly associated with
grilles return air. indoor air quality are asthma, rhinitis, and
Disinfectants — One of three groups of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensi-
antimicrobials registered by EPA for tivity pneumonitis is a rare but serious
public health uses. EPA considers an disease that involves progressive lung
antimicrobial to be a disinfectant when it damage as long as there is exposure to the
destroys or irreversibly inactivates causative agent.
infectious or other undesirable organisms, IAQ — Indoor air quality.
but not necessarily their spores. EPA IPM — Integrated pest management.
registers three types of disinfectant
Indicator Compounds — Chemical
products based upon submitted efficacy
compounds, such as carbon dioxide, whose
data: limited, general or broad spectrum,
presence at certain concentrations may be
and hospital disinfectant.
used to estimate certain building condi-
EPA — United States Environmental tions (e.g., airflow, presence of sources).
Protection Agency.
MCS — See “Multiple Chemical Sensitiv-
ETS — Environmental tobacco smoke. ity.”
Environmental Agents — Conditions MSDS — Material Safety Data Sheet.
other than indoor air contaminants that
Make-up Air — Air brought into a
cause stress, comfort, and/or health
building from the outdoors through the
problems (e.g., humidity extremes, drafts,
ventilation system that has not been
lack of air circulation, noise, and over-
previously circulated through the system.
crowding).
Microbiologicals — See “Biological
Ergonomics — Applied science that
Contaminants.”
investigates the impact of people’s
physical environment on their health and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity — A term
comfort (e.g., determining the proper chair used by some people to refer to a condition
height for computer operators). in which a person is considered to be
sensitive to a number of chemicals at very
Exhaust Ventilation — Mechanical
low concentrations. There are a number of
removal of air from a portion of a building
views about the existence, potential causes,
(e.g., piece of equipment, room, or general
and possible remedial actions regarding
area).
this phenomenon.
Gas Sorption — Devices used to reduce
NIOSH — National Institute for Occupa-
levels of airborne gaseous compounds by
tional Safety and Health.
passing the air through materials that
extract the gases. The performance of NTIS — National Technical Information
solid sorbents is dependent on the airflow Service.
rate, concentration of the pollutants, Negative Pressure — Condition that
presence of other gases or vapors, and exists when less air is supplied to a space
other factors. than is exhausted from the space, so the air
HEPA — High efficiency particulate pressure within that space is less than that
arrestance (filters). in surrounding areas.
HVAC — Heating, ventilation, and air- OSHA — Occupational Safety and Health
conditioning system. Administration.
154 Appendix F
PELs — Permissible Exposure Limits building occupants experience acute health
(standards set by OSHA). and/or comfort effects that appear to be
PM — Preventive Maintenance. linked to time spent in a particular build-
ing, but where no specific illness or cause
Plenum — Air compartment connected to
can be identified. The complaints may be
a duct or ducts.
localized in a particular room or zone, or
Positive Pressure — Condition that exists may be spread throughout the building.
when more air is supplied to a space than
Soil Gases — Gases that enter a building
is exhausted, so the air pressure within that
from the surrounding ground (e.g., radon,
space is greater than that in surrounding
volatile organics, pesticides).
areas.
Stack Effect —Pressure-driven airflow
Psychosocial Factors — Psychological,
produced by convection as heated air rises,
organizational, and personal stressors that
creating a positive pressure area at the top
could produce symptoms similar to poor
of a building and a negative pressure area
indoor air quality.
at the bottom of a building. The stack
RELs — Recommended Exposure Limits effect can overpower the mechanical sys-
(recommendations made by NIOSH). tem and disrupt ventilation and circulation
Radiant Heat Transfer — Radiant heat in a building.
transfer occurs when there is a large differ- Static Pressure — Condition that exists
ence between the temperatures of two when an equal amount of air is supplied to
surfaces that are exposed to each other, but and exhausted from a space. At static
are not touching. pressure, equilibrium has been reached.
Re-entrainment —Situation that occurs Sterilizer — One of three groups of anti-
when the air being exhausted from a build- microbials registered by EPA for public
ing is immediately brought back into the health uses. EPA considers an antimicro-
system through the air intake and other bial to be a sterilizer when it destroys or
openings in the building envelope. eliminates all forms of bacteria, fungi,
SBS — See “Sick Building Syndrome.” viruses, and their spores. Because spores
Sanitizer — One of three groups of anti- are considered the most difficult form of a
microbials registered by EPA for public microorganism to destroy, EPA considers
health uses. EPA considers an antimicro- the term sporicide to be synonymous with
bial to be a sanitizer when it reduces but “sterilizer.”
does not necessarily eliminate all the mi- TLVs — Threshold Limit Values (guide-
croorganisms on a treated surface. To be a lines recommended by ACGIH).
registered sanitizer, the test results for a TVOCs — Total volatile organic com-
product must show a reduction of at least pounds.
99.9% in the number of each test microor-
Tracer Gases — Compounds, such a
ganism over the parallel control.
sulfur hexafluoride, which are used to
Short-circuiting — Situation that occurs identify suspected pollutant pathways and
when the supply air flows to exhaust regis- to quantify ventilation rates. Tracer gases
ters before entering the breathing zone. To may be detected qualitatively by their odor
avoid short-circuiting, the supply air must or quantitatively by air monitoring equip-
be delivered at a temperature and velocity ment.
that results in mixing throughout the space.
VAV — Variable air volume system.
Sick Building Syndrome — Term some-
VOCs — See “Volatile Organic Com-
times used to describe situations in which
pounds.”
Glossary and Acronyms 155

Variable Air Volume System — Air products made with organic chemicals.
handling system that conditions the air to a These compounds are released from
constant temperature and varies the outside products that are being used and that are in
airflow to ensure thermal comfort. storage. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can
Ventilation Air — Defined as the total air, cause eye, nose, and throat irritations,
which is a combination of the air brought headaches, dizziness, visual disorders,
into the system from the outdoors and the memory impairment; some are known to
air that is being recirculated within the cause cancer in animals; some are sus-
building. Sometimes, however, used in pected of causing, or are known to cause,
reference only to the air brought into the cancer in humans. At present, not much is
system from the outdoors. known about what health effects occur at
the levels of VOCs typically found in
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) —
public and commercial buildings.
Compounds that evaporate from the many
housekeeping, maintenance, and building WHO — World Health Organization.
156 Appendix F
Appendix G: Resources
FEDERAL AGENCIES WITH MAJOR Occupational Safety and Health

INDOOR AIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR Administration
PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL Promulgates safety and health standards,
BUILDINGS facilitates training and consultation, and
enforces regulations to ensure that
U.S. Environmental workers are provided with safe and
Protection Agency healthful working conditions. (For further
Conducts a non-regulatory indoor air information contact OSHA Regional
quality program that emphasizes research, Offices.)
information dissemination, technical
National Institute for
guidance, and training. Issues regulations
and carries out other activities that affect
Conducts research, recommends standards
indoor air quality under the laws for
to the U.S. Department of Labor, and
pesticides, toxic substances, and drinking
conducts training on various issues
water.
including indoor air quality to promote
Public Information Center safe and healthful workplaces. Undertakes
(PM-211B) investigations at request of employees,
401 M Street, SW employers, other federal agencies, and
Washington, DC 20460 state and local agencies to identify and
202-382-2080 mitigate workplace problems.
Distributes indoor air quality
Requests for Field Investigations
publications.
NIOSH
National Pesticides Telecommunications Hazard Evaluations and Technical
Network National toll-free number: Assistance Branch (R-9)
1-800-858-PEST 4676 Columbia Parkway
In Texas: 806-743-3091 Cincinnati, OH 45226
Provides information on pesticides. 513-841-4382
TSCA Hotline Service Requests for Information:
202-554-1404 1-800-35-NIOSH
Provides information on asbestos and or 1-800-356-4674
other toxic substances.
Resources 157
EPA Regional Offices
Address inquiries to the contacts in the
EPA Regional Offices at the following
addresses:
(CT,ME,MA,NH,RI,VT) (AR,LA,NM,OK,TX)
EPA Region 1 EPA Region 6
John F. Kennedy Federal Building 1445 Ross Avenue
Boston, MA 02203 Dallas, TX 75202-2733
617-565-3232 (indoor air) 214-655-7223 (indoor air)
617-565-4502 (radon) 214-655-7223 (radon)
617-565-3744 (asbestos) 214-655-7223 (asbestos)
617-565-3265 (NESHAP) 214-655-7223 (NESHAP)
(NJ,NY,PR,VI) (IA,KS,MO,NE)
26 Federal Plaza 726 Minnesota Avenue
New York, NY 10278 Kansas City, KS 66101
212-264-4410 (radon) 913-551-7020 (radon)
212-264-6770 (NESHAP) 913-551-7020 (NESHAP)
(DE,DC,MD,PA,VA,WV) (CO,MT,ND,SD,UT,WY)
841 Chestnut Building 999 18th Street Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19107 Denver, CO 80202-2405
215-597-4084 (radon) 303-293-0988 (radon)
215-597-1970 (NESHAP) 303-294-7611 (NESHAP)
(AL,FL,GA,KY,MS,NC,SC,TN) (AZ,CA,HI,NV,AS,GU)
345 Courtland Street, NE 75 Hawthorne Street, A-1-1
Atlanta, GA 30365 San Francisco, CA 94105
404-347-3907 (radon) 415-744-1045 (radon)
404-347-5014 (NESHAP) 415-744-1135 (NESHAP)
(IL,IN,MI,MN,OH,WI) (AK,ID,OR,WA)
230 South Dearborn Street 1200 Sixth Avenue
Chicago, IL 60604 Seattle, WA 98101
Region 5 Environmental Hotline: 206-553-2589 (indoor air)
1-800-572-2515 (IL) 206-553-7299 (radon)
1-800-621-8431 (IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) 206-553-4762 (asbestos)
312-886-7930 (outside Region 5) 206-553-1757 (NESHAP)
158 Appendix G
OSHA Regional Offices
(CT,ME,MA,NH,RI,VT) (AR,LA,NM,OK,TX)
OSHA Region 1 OSHA Region 6
133 Portland Street, 1st Floor 525 Griffin Street, Room 602
Boston, MA 02114 Dallas, TX 75202
617-565-7164 214-767-4731
(NJ,NY,PR,VI) (IA,KS,MO,NE)
210 Varick Street, Room 670 911 Walnut Street, Room 406
New York, NY 10014 Kansas City, MO 64106
212-337-2376 816-426-5861
(DE,DC,MD,PA,VA,WV) (CO,MT,ND,SD,UT,WY)
Gateway Building, Suite 2100 Federal Building, Room 1576
3535 Market Street 1961 Stout Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 Denver, CO 80294
215-596-1201 303-844-3061
(AL,FL,GA,KY,MS,NC,SC,TN) (AZ,CA,HI,NV,AS,GU)
1375 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 587 71 Stevenson Street, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30367 San Francisco, CA 94105
404-347-3573 415-744-6570
(IL,IN,MI,MN,OH,WI) (AK,ID,OR,WA)
230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3244 1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715
Chicago, IL 60604 Seattle, WA 98101-3212
312-353-2220 206-442-5930
Resources 159
U.S. Department of Health and Human
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES WITH
Services
INDOOR AIR RESPONSIBILITIES
Office on Smoking and Health
Bonneville Power Administration National Center for Chronic Disease
P.O. Box 3621-RMRD Prevention and Health Promotion
Portland, OR 97208 Centers for Disease Control
503-230-5475 1600 Clifton Road, NE
Provides radon-resistant construction Mail Stop K50
techniques, source control, and removal Atlanta, GA 30333
technology for indoor air pollutants. 404-488-5705
Consumer Product Safety Commission Disseminates information about the health
5401 Westbard Avenue effects of passive smoking and strategies
Bethesda, MD 20207 for eliminating exposure to environmental
1-800-638-CPSC tobacco smoke.
Reviews complaints regarding the safety of Tennessee Valley Authority
consumer products and takes action to Occupational Hygiene Department
ensure product safety. 328 Multipurpose Building
General Services Administration Muscle Shoals, AL 35660
18th and F Streets, NW 205-386-2314
Washington, DC 20405 Provides building surveys and assessments
202-501-1464 associated with employee indoor air
Writes indoor air quality policy for Fed- quality complaints.
eral buildings. Provides proactive indoor
air quality building assessments. Assesses STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
complaints and provides remedial action. Your questions and concerns about indoor
U.S. Department of Energy air problems can frequently be answered
Office of Conservation and Renewable most readily by the government agencies
Energy in your State or locality. Responsibilities
1000 Independence Avenue, SW, CE-43 for indoor air quality issues are usually
Washington, DC 20585 divided among many different agencies.
202-586-9455 You will often find that calling or writing
Quantifies the relationship among reduced the agencies responsible for health or air
infiltration, adequate ventilation, and ac- quality control is the best way to start
ceptable indoor air quality. getting information from your State or
local government. The EPA and Public
Health Foundation publication, Directory
of State Indoor Air Contacts, lists State
agency contacts. (See publications list for
information on ordering this publication.)
160 Appendix G
PRIVATE SECTOR CONTACTS Organizations
The private sector organizations that have Air and Waste Management Association
information for the public on indoor air P.O. Box 2861
quality issues in commercial and public Pittsburgh, PA 15230
buildings include the following: 412-232-3444
Building Management Associations Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute
Association of Physical Plant Adminis-
1501 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600
trators of Universities and Colleges
Arlington, VA 22209
1446 Duke Street
703-524-8800
Alexandria, VA 22314-3492
703-684-1446 American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists
Building Owners and Managers
6500 Glenway Avenue, Building D-7
Association International
Cincinnati, OH 45211
1201 New York Ave., NW, Suite 300
513-661-7881
202-408-2684 American Industrial Hygiene
Association
Institute of Real Estate Management
P.O. Box 8390
430 North Michigan Avenue
345 White Pond Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Akron, OH 44320
312-661-1930
216-873-2442
International Council of Shopping
American Society for Testing and
Centers
Materials
1199 North Fairfax Street, Suite 204
1916 Race Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Philadelphia, PA 19103
703-549-7404
215-299-5571
International Facilities Management
American Society of Heating,
Association
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Summit Tower, Suite 1710
Engineers
11 Greenway Plaza
1791 Tullie Circle, NE
Houston, TX 77046
Atlanta, GA 30329
713-623-4362
404-636-8400
National Apartment Association
National Conference of States on
1111 14th Street, NW, Suite 900
Building Codes and Standards, Inc.
505 Huntmar Park Drive, Suite 210
202-842-4050
Herndon, VA 22070
National Association of Industrial and 703-437-0100
Office Parks
1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 100 Product Manufacturers
Arlington, VA 22202
703-979-3400
Professional and Standard Setting
Resources 161
Adhesive and Sealant Council Air Handling Committee
1627 K Street, NW, Suite 1000 1420 King Street
Washington, DC 20006-1707 Alexandria, VA 22314
202-452-1500 (703) 684-0474
Asbestos Information Association
Building Service Associations
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway, Room 509
Arlington, VA 22202 Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
703-979-1150 Institute
1501 Wilson Boulevard, 6th floor
Business Council on Indoor Air Quality
Arlington, VA 22209
1225 19th Street, Suite 300
703-524-8800
(202) 775-5887 Air-Conditioning Contractors of
America
Carpet and Rug Institute
1513 16th Street, NW
310 Holiday Avenue
Washington DC 20036
Dalton, GA 30720
202-483-9370
404-278-3176
Chemical Specialties Manufacturers American Consulting Engineers Council
Association 1015 15th Street, NW, Suite 802
1913 I Street, NW Washington, DC 20005
Washington, DC 20006 202-347-7474
202-872-8110
Associated Air Balance Council
Electric Power Research Institute 1518 K Street, NW
P.O. Box 10412 Washington, DC 20005
Palo Alto, CA 94303 202-737-0202
415-855-2902
Association of Energy Engineers
Formaldehyde Institute, Inc. 4025 Pleasantdale Rd., Suite 420
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW Atlanta, GA 30340
Washington, DC 20036 404-447-5083
202-822-6757
Association of Specialists in Cleaning
Foundation of Wall and Ceiling and Restoration International
Industries 10830 Annapolis Junction Road, Suite 312
1600 Cameron Street Annapolis Junction, MD 20701
Alexandria, VA 22314-2705 301-604-4411
703-548-0374
National Air Duct Cleaners Association
Gas Research Institute 1518 K Street, NW, Suite 503
8600 West Bryn Mawr Avenue Washington, DC 20005
Chicago, IL 60631 202-737-2926
312-399-8304
National Association of Power Engineers
National Paint and Coatings Association 3436 Haines Way, Suite 101
1500 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Falls Church, VA 22041
Washington, DC 20005 703-845-7055
202-462-6272
National Energy Management Institute
Thermal Insulation Manufacturers 601 North Fairfax Street, Suite 160
Association Technical Services
162 Appendix G
Engineers
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-739-7100
National Environmental Balancing 202-429-9100
Bureau
Service Employees International Union
1385 Piccard Drive
1313 L Street, NW
Rockville, MD 20850
301-977-3698
National Pest Control Association Environmental/Health/
8100 Oak Street Consumer Organizations
Dunn Loring, VA 22027
American Academy of Allergy and
703-573-8330
Immunology
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning 611 East Wells Street
Contractors National Association Milwaukee, WI 53202
4201 LaFayette Center Drive 414-272-6071
Chantilly, VA 22021
American Lung Association
703-803-2980
or your local lung association
1740 Broadway
Unions
New York, NY 10019
AFL-CIO
Consumer Federation of America
Department of Occupational Safetyand
1424 16th Street, NW, Suite 604
Health
815 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006 National Center for Environmental
202-637-5000 Health Strategies
1100 Rural Avenue
American Federation of Government
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Employees
609-429-5358
80 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 National Environmental Health
202-737-8700 Association
720 South Colorado Blvd.
American Federation of State, County,
South Tower, Suite 970
and Municipal Employees
Denver, CO 80222
1625 L Street, NW
303-756-9090
(202) 429-1215 National Foundation for the Chemically
Hypersensitive
American Federation of Teachers
P.O. Box 9
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
517-697-3989
202-879-4400
Occupational Health Foundation
Communication Workers of America
501 3rd Street, NW
202-842-7840
202-434-1160
International Union of Operating PUBLICATIONS
Resources 163
Designing for Good Indoor Air Quality:
Items marked * are available from EPA An Introduction for Design Professionals.
Public Information Center (PM-211B), (In progress).
401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC
20460. 202-382-2080. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Project Summaries: Indoor Air
Items marked ** are available from TSCA Quality in Public Buildings. 1988.
Assistance Hotline (TS-799), 401 M Contains findings of research on IAQ in 10
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460. new public and commercial buildings and
(202)554-1404. on building material emissions.*
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Items marked*** are available from
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
NIOSH Publications Dissemination,
Commission. The Inside Story: A Guide
4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH
to Indoor Air Quality. 1988. Addresses
45202. 513-533-8287.
residential indoor air quality primarily, but
General Information contains a section on offices. *
Cone, James E. and Michael J. Hodgson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MD, MPH. Problem Buildings: Build- Sick Building Syndrome. Indoor Air
ing-Associated Illness and the Sick Quality Fact Sheet #4. Revised, 1991.*
Building Syndrome. 1989. From the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
series “Occupational Medicine: State of
Ventilation and Air Quality in Offices.
the Art Reviews.” Hanley & Belfus, Inc.,
Indoor Air Quality Fact Sheet #3.
210 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Revised, 1990.*
19107.
Godish, Thad. Indoor Air Pollution World Health Organization. Air Quality
Control. 1989. Lewis Publishers, 121 Guidelines for Eiurope. 1987. WHO
South Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. Regional Publications, European Series No.
23. Available from WHO Publications
Rajhans, G.S., Report of the Inter- Center USA, 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany,
ministerial Committee on Indoor Air NY 12210.
Quality, 1988. Contact: G. Rajhans,
Asbestos
Health and Safety Support Services
Branch, Ministry of Labour, 400 Univer- Keyes, Dale L. and Jean Chesson. A Guide
sity Avenue, 7th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, to Monitoring Airborne Asbestos in
Canada M7A 1T7. Buildings. 1989. Environmental Sciences,
Inc., 105 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson,
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Arizona 85705.
Contractor’s National Association, Inc. U.S. Department of Health and Human
(SMACNA). Indoor Air Quality. 1988. Services, Public Health Service, U.S.
8224 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, Centers for Disease Control, National
Virginia 22180. Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health. Testimony of NIOSH on the
and the Public Health Foundation. Direc-
Administration’s Proposed Rule on
tory of State Indoor Air Contacts. Up-
Occupational Exposure to Asbestos,
dated, 1991. *
Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite.
June 1984, May 1990, and January 1991.
NIOSH Docket Office, C-34, 4676 Colum-
164 Appendix G
bia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
National Emission Standards for Hazard-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A
ous Air Pollutants. 40 Code of Federal
Guide to Respiratory Protection for the
Regulation 61. April 1984. **
Asbestos Abatement Industry. 1986. EPA
560/OTS 86-001. ** U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Asbestos Laboratories: Quality Assurance
Abatement of Asbestos-Containing Pipe
Guidelines. 1989. EPA 560/5-90-002.**
Insulation. 1986. Technical Bulletin No.
1986-2. ** U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA Regula-
tions. 29 Code of Federal Regulation
1910.1001. General Industry Asbestos
Asbestos Abatement Projects: Worker
Standard . 29 Code of Federal Regulation
Protection. Final Rule 40 CFR. 763.
1926.58. Construction Industry Asbestos
February 1987. **
Standard. June 1986; Amended September
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1988. DOL-OSHA Docket, 200 Constitu-
Asbestos Ban and Phaseout Rule. 40 tion Avenue, NW, Room N 2625,
CFR 763.160 to 763.179. Federal Regis- Washington, DC 20210
ter, July 12, 1989. **
U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA Regula-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. tions. 29 Code of Federal Regulation
Asbestos in Buildings: Guidance for 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Stan-
Service and Maintenance Personnel (in dard. June 1974. DOL-OSHA Docket,
English and Spanish). 1985. EPA 560/5- 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room
85-018. (“Custodial Pamphlet”). ** N 2625, Washington, DC 20210
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Biologicals
Asbestos in Buildings: Simplified Sam-
American Council of Governmental Indus-
pling Scheme for Surfacing Materials.
trial Hygienists. Guidelines for the Assess-
1985. 560/5-85-030A. (“Pink Book”). **
ment of Bioaerosols in the Indoor Envir-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. onment. 1989. 6500 Glenway Avenue,
Guidance for Controlling Asbestos- Building D-7, Cincinnati, OH 45211.
Containing Materials in Buildings. 1985.
Morey, P., J. Feeley, and J. Otten.
EPA 560/5-85-024. (“Purple Book”). **
Biological Contaminants in Indoor
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Environments. 1990. American Society
Guidelines for Conducting the AHERA for Testing and Materials Publications,
TEM Clearance Test to Determine 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Completion of an Asbestos Abatement
Building Management, Investigation,
Project, EPA 560/5-89-001. **
and Remediation
Bazerghi, Hani and Catherine Arnoult.
Managing Asbestos In Place: A Building
Practical Manual for Good Indoor Air
Owner’s Guide to Operations and
Quality. 1989. Quebec Association for
Maintenance Programs for Asbestos-
Energy Management. 1259 Berri Street,
Containing Materials, 1990. (“Green
Suite 510, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H2L
Book”).**
4C7.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hansen, Shirley J., Managing Indoor Air
Measuring Airborne Asbestos Following Quality. 1991. Fairmont Press, 700 Indian
An Abatement Action. 1985. EPA 600/4-
85-049. (“Silver Book”). **
Resources 165
Trail, Lilburn, GA 30247. Office of Cancer Communications. A
series of one-page information sheets on
all aspects of smoking in the workplace.
Services. Public Health Service. Centers
For copies, call 1-800-4-CANCER.
for Disease Control. National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health. Indoor
Air Quality: Selected References.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke. Indoor
1989.***
Air Quality Fact Sheet #5. 1989.*
Environmental Tobacco Smoke: A Guide
to the Development of Effective Smoking
Occupational Safety and Health. Guid-
Policies. (In progress.) *
ance for Indoor Air Quality Investiga-
tions. 1987.*** U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Health Effects of Passive Smoking:
Weekes, Donald M. and Richard B.
Assessment of Lung Cancer in Adults and
Gammage. The Practitioner’s Approach
Respiratory Disorders in Children. (In
to Indoor Air Quality Investigations.
progress.) *
Proceedings of the Indoor Air Quality
International Symposium. 1989. American
PCBs
Industrial Hygiene Association, P.O. Box
8390, Akron Ohio 44320. U.S. Department of Health And Human
Environmental Tobacco Smoke for Disease Control.. National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health. Current
National Research Council. Environmen-
Intelligence Bulletin 45: Polychlorinated
tal Tobacco Smoke: Measuring Expo-
Biphenyls—Potential Health Hazards
sures and Assessing Health Effects. 1986.
from Electrical Equipment Fires or
National Academy Press. 2001 Wisconsin
Failures . DHHS (NIOSH) Publication
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20418.
No. 86-111. 1977. Available from the
U.S. Department of Health and Human National Technical Information Service,
Services. Public Health Service. Office 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA
on Smoking and Helath. The Health 22161.
Consequences of Involuntary Smoking,
A Report of the Surgeon General. 1986.
1600 Clifton Road, NE (Mail Stop K50)
Atlanta, GA 30333.
Occupational Safety and Health. A
U.S. Department of Health and Human Recommended Standard for Occupational
Services, Public Health Service. Centers Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls
for Disease Control, National Institute for DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-225.
Occupational Safety and Health. Current 1977. Available from the National
Intelligence Bulletin 54: Environmental Technical Information Service, 5285 Port
Tobacco Smoke in the Workplace— Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161.
Lung Cancer and Other Health Effects.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 91-108.
Transformers and the Risk of Fire: A
1991.***
Guide for Building Owners. 1986. OPA/
U.S. Department of Health and Human 86-001. **
Services, National Cancer Institute.
Radon
166 Appendix G
State Proficiency Report. 1991. EPA Particulate Matter. 1976.
520/1-94-014. Available from State
ASHRAE Standard 55-1981. Thermal
radon offices. List of laboratories that
Environmental Conditions for Human
have demonstrated com- petence in radon
Occupancy. 1981.
measurement analysis.
ASHRAE Standard 62-1989. Ventila-
Standards and Guidelines
tion for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
American Conference of Government 1989.
Industrial Hygienists. Threshold Limit
National Conference of States on Building
Values and Biological Exposure Indices.
Codes and Standards, Inc. The Ventilation
1990-1991. 6500 Glenway Avenue,
Directory. 505 Huntmar Park Drive, Suite
Building D-7, Cincinnati, OH 45211.
210, Herndon, VA 22070. 703-481-2020.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Summarizes natural, mechanical, and
Services. Public Health Service. Centers exhaust ventilation requirements of the
for Disease Control. National Institute for model codes, ASHRAE standards, and
Occupational Safety and Health . NIOSH unique State codes.
Recommendations for Occupational
Safety and Health. Compendium of TRAINING
Policy Documents and Statements.
American Industrial Hygiene Associa-
DHHS (NIOSH) Publications 91-109.
tion (AIHA). P.O. Box 8390, 345 White
1991.***
Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320. 216-873-
U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 2442. Sponsors indoor air quality courses
Rrgulations. 29 CFR Part 1910.1000. in conjunction with meetings for AIHA
OSHA Standards for Air Contaminants. members only.
Available from the U.S. Government
American Society of Heating, Refriger-
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
ating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
202-783-3238. Additional health
(ASHRAE). 1791 Tullie Circle NE,
standards for some specific air contami-
Atlanta, GA 30329. 404-636-8400.
nants are also available in Subpart Z.
Sponsors professional development
Ventilation/Thermal Comfort seminars on indoor air quality.
Brief descriptions of the ASHRAE NIOSH Division of Training and
standards listed below are included in Manpower Development and NIOSH-
Appendix B. ASHRAE materials are funded Educational Resource Centers.
available from their Publication Sales 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH
Department, 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, 45226. 513-8221. Provide training to
Atlanta, GA 30329. 404-636-8400. occupational safety and health profession-
als and paraprofessionals.
ASHRAE Guideline 1-1989. Guideline
for the Commissioning of HVAC OSHA Training Institute. 155 Times
Systems. 1989. Drive, Des Plaines, Il 60018. 708-297-
ASHRAE Journal. October 1989 issue. 4913. Provides courses to assist health
Several articles describing ASHRAE and safety professionals in evaluating
Standard 62-1989. indoor air quality.
ASHRAE Standard 52-76. Method of
Testing Air-Cleaning Devices Used in
General Ventilation for Removing
Resources 167
Indoor Air Quality Forms
This section of the document is a collec- Occupant Diary: for recording incidents
tion of the forms that appear or are men- of symptoms and associated observations
tioned in the text. Consider making copies as they occur.
of the forms, blocking out the page infor-
Log of Activities and System Operation:
mation at the bottom of the copies, and then
for recording activities and equipment
reproducing these copies for use in your
operating schedules as they occur.
building. Some or all of them may require
adaptation to meet your specific needs. HVAC Checklist - Short Form (4 pages):
Blank formatted sheets are included for to be used as a short form for investigating
preparing your own HVAC Checklist and an IAQ problem, or for periodic inspec-
Pollutant and Source Inventory. tions of the HVAC system. Duplicate
The forms appear in the following pages 2 through 4 for each large air han-
sequence: dling unit.
Management Checklist: (4 pages): for HVAC Checklist - Long Form (14 pages,
keeping track of the elements of the IAQ followed by one blank formatted sheet):
profile and IAQ management plan. to be used for detailed inspections of the
HVAC system or as a long form for inves-
Pollutant Pathway Record For IAQ
tigating an IAQ problem. Duplicate pages
Profiles: for identifying areas in which
1 through 11 for each large air handling
negative or positive pressures should be
unit.
maintained.
Pollutant Pathway Form For
Zone/Room Record: for recording infor-
Investigations: to be used in conjunction
mation on a room-by-room basis on the
with a floor plan of the building.
topics of room use, ventilation, and occu-
pant population. Pollutant and Source Inventory (6 pages,
followed by one blank formatted sheet):
Ventilation Worksheet: to be used in con-
to be used as a general checklist of poten-
junction with the Zone/Room Record when
tial indoor and outdoor pollutant sources.
calculating quantities of outdoor air that are
being supplied to individual zones or rooms. Chemical Inventory: for recording
information about chemicals stored or
IAQ Complaint Form: to be filled out by
used within the building.
the complainant or by a staff person who
receives information from the complainant. Hypothesis Form: to be used for
summarizing what has been learned during
Incident Log: for keeping track of each
the building investigation, a tool to help
IAQ complaint or problem and how it is
the investigator collect his or her thoughts.
handled.
Occupant Interview (2 pages): for record-
ing the observations of building occupants
in relation to their symptoms and condi-
tions in the building .
Indoor Air Quality Forms 169

Blank Forms
BLANK FORMS
IAQ Management Checklist Page 1 of 4
Building Name: Date:
Address:
Completed by (name/title):
Use this checklist to make sure that you have included all necessary elements in your IAQ profile and
IAQ management plan. Sections 4 and 5 discuss the development of the IAQ profile and IAQ management plan.
Date begun Location

or completed Responsible person ("NA" if the item is not
IAQ PROFILE
Collect and Review Existing

Records
HVAC design data, operating

instructions and manuals
HVAC maintenance and calibration

records, testing and balancing reports
Inventory of locations where occu-

pancy, equipment, or building use has
changed
Inventory of complaint locations
Conduct a Walkthrough
List of responsible staff and/or contrac-

tors, evidence oftraining,
and job descriptions
Identification of area where

positive or negative pressure
should be maintained
Record of locations that need

monitoring or correction
Collect Detailed Information
Inventory of HVAC system

components needing repair, adjustment,
or replacement
Record of control settings and operating

schedules

Date begun Location

Plan showing airflow directions or

pressure differentials in significant
areas
Inventory of significant polluntant

sources and their locations
MSDSs for supplies and

hazardous substances that are
stored or used in the building
Zone/Room Record
IAQ MANAGEMENT PLAN
Select IAQ Manager
Review IAQ Profile
Assign Staff Responsibilities/

Train Staff
Facilities Operation and Maintenance
■ confirm that equipment operating

schedules are appropriate
■ confirm appropriate pressure relation-

ships between building
usage areas
■ compare ventilation quantities to

design, codes, and ASHRAE 62-1989
■ schedule equipment inspections

per preventive maintenance or recom-
mended maintenance schedule
■ modify and use HVAC Checklist(s);

update as equipment is added, re-
moved, or replaced
■ schedule maintenance activities to

avoid creating IAQ problems
172 Indoor Air Quality Forms

Date begun Location

■ review MSDSs for supplies; request

additional information as needed
■ consider using alarms or other devices

to signal need for HVAC maintenance
(e.g., clogged filters)
Housekeeping
■ evaluate cleaning schedules and

procedures; modify if necessary
■ review MSDSs for products in use; buy

different products if necessary
■confirm proper use and storage of

materials
■review trash disposal procedures;

modify if necessary
Shipping and Receiving
■ review loading dock procedures

(Note: If air intake is located nearby,
take precautions to prevent intake of
exhaust fumes.)
■ check pressure relationships around

loading dock
Pest Control
■ consider adopting IPM methods
■ obtain and review MSDSs; review

handling and storage
■ review pest control schedules and

procedures
■ review ventilation used during

pesticide application

Date begun Location

Occupant Relations
■ establish health and safety committee

or joint tenant/
management IAQ task force
■ review procedures for responding

to complaints; modify if necessary
■ review lease provisions; modify

if necessary
Renovation, Redecorating,
Remodeling
■ discuss IAQ concerns with

architects, engineers, contractors,
and other professionals
■ obtain MSDSs; use materials

and procedures that minimize
IAQ problems
■ schedule work to minimize

IAQ problems
■arrange ventilation to isolate

work areas
■ use installation procedures

that minimize emissions from
new furnishings
Smoking
■ eliminate smoking in the building
■ if smoking areas are designated,

provide adequate ventilation and
maintain under negative pressure
■ work with occupants to develop

appropriate non-smoking policies,
including implementation
of smoking cessation programs

Pollutant Pathway Record For
IAQ Profiles
This form should be used in combination with a floor plan such as a fire evacuation plan.
Building Name: ____________________________________________________ File Number: _______________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Completed by:_____________________________________ Title: ______________________ Date: _______________
Sections 2, 4 and 6 discuss pollutant pathways and driving forces.
Building areas that contain contaminant sources (e.g., bathrooms, food preparation areas, smoking lounges, print rooms, and
art rooms) should be maintained under negative pressure relative to surrounding areas. Building areas that need to be
protected from the infiltration of contaminants (e.g., hallways in multi-family dwellings, computer rooms, and lobbies) should be
maintained under positive pressure relative to the outdoors and relative to surrounding areas.
List the building areas in which pressure relationships should be controlled. As you inspect the building, put a Y or N in the
“Needs Attention” column to show whether the desired air pressure relationship is present. Mark the floor plan with arrows,
plus signs (+) and minus signs (-) to show the airflow patterns you observe, using chemical smoke or a micromanometer.
Building areas that appear isolated from each other may be connected by airflow passages such as air distribution zones,
utility tunnels or chases, party walls, spaces above suspended ceilings (whether or not those spaces are serving as air
plenums), elevator shafts, and crawlspaces. If you are aware of pathways connecting the room to identified pollutant sources
(e.g., items of equipment, chemical storage areas, bathrooms), it may be helpful to record them in the “Comments” column, on
the floor plan, or both.
Intended Pressure Needs

Building Area Use Positive Negative Attention? Comments
(zone, room) (+) (-) (Y/N)

Zone/Room Record
Building Name: __________________________________________________ File Number: ______________________________ Date: ______________________
Address: _______________________________________________________ Completed by: _____________________________ Title: ______________________
This form is to be used differently depending on whether the goal is to prevent or to diagnose IAQ problems. During the development of a profile, this form should be used
to record more general information about the entire building; during an investigation, the form should be used to record more detailed information about the complaint area
and areas surrounding the complaint area or connected to it by pathways.
Use the last three columns when underventilation is suspected. Use the Ventilation Worksheet and Appendix A to estimate outdoor air quantities
Compare results to the design specifications, applicable building codes, or ventilation guidelines such as ASHRAE 62-1989. (See Appendix A for some outdoor air
quantities required by ASHRAE 62-1989.) Note: For VAV systems, minimum outdoor air under reduced flow conditions must be considered.
Building Area Use** Source of Mechanical Comments Peak Number of Total Air Outdoor Air Supplied
(Zone/Room) Outdoor Air* Exhaust? Occupants or Supplied per Person or
(Write “No” Sq. Ft. Floor Area** (in cfm)*** per 150 Sq. Ft. Area
or estimate (in cfm)****
cfm airflow)
* Sources might include air handling unit (e.g., AHU-4), operable windows, transfer from corridors.
** Underline the information in this column if corrent use or number of occupants is different from design specifications.
*** Mark the information with a P if it comes from the mechanical plans or an M if it comes from actual measurements, such as
recent test and balance reports.
**** ASHRAE 62-1989 gives ventilation guidance per 150 sq. ft.
Ventilation Worksheet
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Completed by (name):_____________________________________________________ Date: _______________________
This worksheet is designed for use with the Zone/Room Record. Appendix A provides guidance on methods of estimating
the amount of ventilation (outdoor) air being introduced by a particular air handling unit. Appendix B discusses the
ventilation recommendations of ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, which was developed for the purpose of preventing indoor
air quality problems. Formulas are given below for calculating outdoor air quantities using thermal or CO2 information.
The equation for calculating outdoor air quantities using thermal measurements is:
Outdoor air (in percent) = T return air - T mixed air

x 100
T return air - T outdoor air
Where: T = temperature in degrees Fahrenheit
The equation for calculating outdoor quantities using carbon dioxide measurements is:
Outdoor air (in percent) = C s - Cr

x 100
C 0 - Cr
Where: Cs= ppm of carbon dioxide in the supply air (if measured in a room), or
Cs= ppm of carbon dioxide in the mixed air (if measured at an air handler)
Cr= ppm of carbon dioxide in the return air
Co= ppm of carbon dioxide in the outdoor air
Using the table below to estimate the ventilation rate in any room or zone. Note: ASHRAE 62-1989 generally states ventilation
(outdoor air) requirements on an occupancy basis; for a few types of spaces, however, requirements are given on a floor area
basis. Therefore, this table provides a process of calculating ventilation (outdoor air) on either an occupancy or floor area
basis.
Zone/Room Percent of Total Air Peak Occupancy D= B E = (Ax100) x D

C
Outdoor Air Supplied to (number of people) Outdoor Air
Total Air
Zone/Room or Supplied Per Person
Supplied Per Person
(cfm) Floor Area (or per square foot area)
(or per square foot area)
(square feet)
A B C D E

Indoor Air Quality Complaint Form
This form can be filled out by the building occupant or by a member of the building staff.
Occupant Name: _____________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Department/Location in Building: _______________________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Completed by: ____________________________________ Title: _________________________ Phone: _____________________
This form should be used if your complaint may be related to indoor air quality. Indoor air quality problems include concerns
with temperature control, ventilation, and air pollutants. Your observations can help to resolve the problem as quickly as
possible. Please use the space below to describe the nature of the complaint and any potential causes.
We may need to contact you to discuss your complaint. What is the best time to reach you? ____________________________
So that we can respond promptly, please return this form to: ________________________________________________________
IAQ Manager or Contact Person
Room, Building, Mail Code
OFFICE USE ONLY

File Number: Received By: Date Received:

Incident Log
Building Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Dates (from): _________________ (to): _________________
Address: _______________________________________________________ Completed by (name):____________________________________________________
Problem Log Entry By
File Date Outcome/Comments (use more than one line if needed)
Location (initials)
Number
Occupant Interview Page 1 of 2
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Occupant Name: ______________________________________ Work Location: __________________________________
Completed by:_____________________________________ Title: ________________________ Date:_______________
Sections 4 discusses collecting and interpreting information from occupants.
SYMPTOM PATTERNS
What kind of symptoms or discomfort are you experiencing?
Are you aware of other people with similar symptoms or concerns? Yes ___________ No ___________
If so, what are their names and locations? __________________________________________________________________
Do you have any health conditions that may make you particularly susceptible to environmental problems?
❑ contact lenses ❑ chronic cardiovascular disease ❑ undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
❑ allergies ❑ chronic respiratory disease ❑ immune system suppressed by disease or

other causes
❑ chronic neurological problems
TIMING PATTERNS
When did your symptoms start?
When are they generally worst?
Do they go away? If so, when?
Have you noticed any other events (such as weather events, temperature or humidity changes, or activities in the building) that
tend to occur around the same time as your symptoms?

Occupant Interview Page 2 of 2
SPATIAL PATTERNS
Where are you when you experience symptoms or discomfort?
Where do you spend most of your time in the building?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Do you have any observations about building conditions that might need attention or might help explain your symptoms (e.g.,
temperature, humidity, drafts, stagnant air, odors)?
Have you sought medical attention for your symptoms?
Do you have any other comments?

Occupant Diary
Occupant Name:__________________________ Title: __________________________ Phone: ____________________
Location: ___________________________________________________ File Number: ____________________________
On the form below, please record each occasion when you experience a symptom of ill-health or discomfort that you think
may be linked to an environmental condition in this building.
It is important that you record the time and date and your location within the building as accurately as possible,
because that will help to identify conditions (e.g., equipment operation) that may be associated with your problem.
Also, please try to describe the severity of your symptoms (e.g., mild, severe) and their duration (the length of time that they
persist). Any other observations that you think may help in identifying the cause of the problem should be noted
in the "Comments" column. Feel free to attach additional pages or use more than one line for each event if you need more
room to record your observations.
Section 6 discusses collecting and interpreting occupant information.
Time/Date Location Symptom Severity/Duration Comments

Log of Activities and System Operations
Building Name: _______________________ Address: __________________________ File Number:________________
Completed by:_________________________________ Title: _________________________ Phone: ________________
On the form below, please record your observations of the HVAC system operation, maintenance activities, and any other
information that you think might be helpful in identifying the cause of IAQ complaints in this building. Please
report any other observations (e.g., weather, other associated events) think may be important as well.
Feel free to attach additional pages or use more than one line for each event.
Equipment and activities of particular interest:

Air Handler(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________
Exhaust Fan(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________
Other Equipment or Activities: __________________________________________________________________________
Date/Time Day of Week Equipment Item/Activity Observations/Comments

HVAC Checklist - Short Form Page 1 of 4
Building Name: ____________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________
Completed by: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________ File Number: ___________________
Sections 2, 4 and 6 and Appendix B discuss the relationships between the HVAC system and indoor air quality.
MECHANICAL ROOM
■ Clean and dry? Stored refuse or chemicals?
■ Describe items in need of attention
MAJOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
■ Preventive maintenance (PM) plan in use?
Control System
■ Type
■ System operation
■ Date of last calibration
Boilers
■ Rated Btu input Condition
■ Combustion air: is there at least one square inch free area per 2,000 Btu input?
■ Fuel or combustion odors
Cooling Tower
■ Clean? no leaks or overflow? Slime or algae growth?
■ Eliminator performance
■ Biocide treatment working? (list type of biocide)
■ Spill containment plan implemented? Dirt separator working?
Chillers
■ Refrigerant leaks?
■ Evidence of condensation problems?
■ Waste oil and refrigerant properly stored and disposed of?

AIR HANDLING UNIT
■ Unit identification Area served
Outdoor Air Intake, Mixing Plenum, and Damper
■ Outdoor air intake location
■ Nearby contaminant sources? (describe)
■ Bird screen in place and unobstructed?
■ Design total cfm outdoor air (O.A.) cfm date last tested and balanced
(total cfm x minimum % O.A.)

■ Minimum % O.A. (damper setting) Minimum cfm O.A. =
100
■ Current O.A. damper setting (date, time, and HVAC operating mode)
■ Damper control sequence (describe)
■ Condition of dampers and controls (note date)
Fans
■ Control sequence
■ Condition (note date)
■ Indicated temperatures supply air mixed air return air outdoor air
■ Actual temperatures supply air mixed air return air outdoor air
Coils
■ Heating fluid discharge temperature ∆T cooling fluid discharge temperature ∆T
■ Controls (describe)
■ Condition (note date)
Humidifier
■ Type if biocide is used, note type
■ Condition (no overflow, drains trapped, all nozzles working?)
■ No slime, visible growth, or mineral deposits?

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Supply Air Return Air Power Exhaust

Zone/ System ducted/ cfm* ducted/ cfm* cfm* control serves
Room Type unducted unducted (e.g. toilet)
Condition of distribution system and terminal equipment (note locations of problems)
■ Adequate access for maintenance?
■ Ducts and coils clean and obstructed?
■ Air paths unobstructed? supply return transfer exhaust make-up
■ Note locations of blocked air paths, diffusers, or grilles
■ Any unintentional openings into plenums?
■ Controls operating properly?
■ Air volume correct?
■ Drain pans clean? Any visible growth or odors?
Filters
Location Type/Rating Size Date Last Changed Condition (give date)

OCCUPIED SPACE
Thermostat types
Zone/ Thermostat What Does Setpoints Measured Day/

Room Location Thermostat Temperature Time
Control? Summer Winter
(e.g., radiator,
AHU-3)
Humidistats/Dehumidistats type
Zone/ Humidistat/ What Does It Setpoints Measured Day/

Room Dehumidistat Control? (%RH) Temperature Time
Location
■ Potential problems (note location)
■ Thermal comfort or air circulation (drafts, obstructed airflow, stagnant air, overcrowding, poor
thermostat location)
■ Malfunctioning equipment
■ Major sources of odors or contaminants (e.g., poor sanitation, incompatible uses of space)

HVAC Checklist - Long Form Page 1 of 14
Building: _________________________________________________________ File Number: ________________________________
Completed by: __________________________________ Title: _____________________________ Date Checked: _____________
Appendix B discusses HVAC system components in relation to indoor air quality.
Needs Not
Component OK Attention Applicable Comments
Outside Air Intake
Location
Open during occupied hours?
Unobstructed?
Standing water, bird droppings

in vicinity?
Odors from outdoors?

(describe)
Carryover of exhaust heat?
Cooling tower within 25 feet?
Exhaust outlet within 25 feet?
Trash compactor within 25 feet?
Near parking facility, busy road,

loading dock?
Bird Screen
Unobstructed?
General condition?
Size of mesh? (1⁄2" minimum)
Outside Air Dampers
Operation acceptable?
Seal when closed?

Needs Not
Actuators operational?
Outdoor Air (O.A.) Quantity

(Check against applicable codes
and ASHRAE 62-1989.)
Minimum % O.A. __________________
Measured % O.A. _________________

Note day, time, HVAC operating mode
under "Comments"
Maximum % O.A. _________________
Is minimum O.A. a separate damper?
For VAV systems: is O.A. increased as

total system air-flow is reduced?
Mixing Plenum
Clean?
Floor drain trapped?
Airtightness
■ of outside air dampers
■ of return air dampers
■ of exhaust air dampers
All damper motors connected?
All damper motors operational?
Air mixers or opposed blades?
196
IndoorIndoor
Air Quality
Air Quality 196
FormsForms
Needs Not
Mixed air temperature control

O
setting F
O
Freeze stat setting F
Is mixing plenum under negative

pressure? Note: If it is under
positive pressure, outdoor air
may not be entering.
Filters
Type
Complete coverage?
(i.e., no bypassing)
Correct pressure drop? (Compare to

manufacturer's recommendations.)
Contaminants visible?
Odor noticeable?
Spray Humidifiers or
Air Washers
Humidifier type
All nozzles working?
Complete coil coverage?
Pans clean, no overflow?
Drains trapped?
Biocide treatment working?

Note: Is MSDS on file?
Spill contaminant system in place?

Needs Not
Face and Bypass Dampers
Damper operation correct?
Damper motors operational?
Cooling Coil
Inspection access?
Clean?
O
Supply water temp. F
Water carryover?
Any indication of condensation

problems?
Condensate Drip Pans
Accessible to inspect and clean?
Clean, no residue?
No standing water, no leaks?
Noticeable odor?
Visible growth (e.g., slime)?
Drains and traps clear, working?
Trapped to air gap?
Water overflow?
198
IndoorIndoor
Air Quality
Air Quality 198
FormsForms
Needs Not
Mist Eliminators
Clean, straight, no carryover?
Supply Fan Chambers
Clean?
No trash or storage?
Floor drain traps are wet or sealed?
No air leaks?
Doors close tightly?
Supply Fans
Location
Fan blades clean?
Belt guards installed?
Proper belt tension?
Excess vibration?
Corrosion problems?
Controls operational, calibrated?

Needs Not
Control sequence conforms

to design/specifications?
(describe changes)
No pneumatic leaks?
Heating Coil
Inspection access?
Clean?
Contol sequence conforms to

design/specifications?
(describe changes)
O
Supply water temp. F
Discharge thermostat?
O
(air temp. setting F)
Reheat Coils
Clean?
Obstructed?
Operational?
Steam Humidifier
Humidifier type
Treated boiler water
Standing water?
200
IndoorIndoor
Air Quality
Air Quality 200
FormsForms
Needs Not
Visible growth?
Mineral deposits?
O
Control setpoint F
O
High limit setpoint F
Duct liner within 12 feet? (If so,

check for dirt, mold growth.)
Supply Ductwork
Clean?
Sealed, no leaks, tight connections?
Fire dampers open?
Access doors closed?
Lined ducts?
Flex duct connected, no tears?
Light troffer supply?
Balanced within 3-5 years?
Balanced after recent renovations?
Short circuiting or other air

distribution problems? Note
location(s)
Pressurized Ceiling
Supply Plenum
No unintentional openings?
All ceiling tiles in place?

Needs Not
Barrier paper correctly placed and

in good condition?
Proper layout for air distribution?
Supply diffusers open?
Supply diffusers balanced?
Noticeable flow of air?
Short circuiting or other air

distribution problems? Note
location(s) in"Comments"
Terminal Equipment (supply)
Housing interiors clean and unob-

structed?
Controls working?
Delivering rated volume?
Filters in place?
Condensate pans clean, drain

freely?
VAV Box
Minimum stops %
Minimum outside air %

(from page 2 of this form)
Minimum airflow cfm
Minimum outside air cfm
202
IndoorIndoor
Air Quality
Air Quality 202
FormsForms
Needs Not
O
Supply setpoint F (summer)
O
F (winter)
Thermostats
Type
Properly located?
Working?
O
Setpoints F (summer)
O
F (winter)
O
Space temperature F
Humidity Sensor
Humidistat setpoints % RH
Dehumudistat setpoints % RH
Actual RH %
Room Partitions
Gap allowing airflow at top?
Gap allowing airflow at bottom?
Supply, return each room?

Needs Not
Stairwells
Doors close and latch?
No openings allowing
uncontrolled airflow?
Clean, dry?
No noticeable odors?
Return Air Plenum
Tiles in place?
No unintentional openings?
Return grilles?
Balancing capability?
Noticeable flow of air?
Transfer grilles?
Fire dampers open?
Ducted Returns
Unobstructed grilles?
Unobstructed return air path?
Return Fan Chambers
Clean and no trash or storage?
No standing water?
Floor drain traps are wet or sealed?
204
IndoorIndoor Air Quality
Air Quality FormsForms
204
Needs Not
No air leaks?
Doors close tightly, kept closed?
Return Fans
Location
Fan blades clean?
Belt guards installed?
Proper belt tension?
Excess vibration?
Corrosion problems?
Controls working, calibrated?
Controls sequence conforms to

design/specifications?
(describe changes)
Exhaust Fans
Central?
Distributed (locations)
Operational?
Controls operational?
Toilet exhaust only?
Gravity relief?

Needs Not
Total powered exhaust cfm
Make-up air sufficient?
Toilet Exhausts
Fans working occupied hours?
Registers open, clear?
Make-up air path adequate?
Volume according to code?
Floor drain traps wet or sealable?
Bathrooms run slightly negative rela-

tive to building?
Smoking Lounge Exhaust
Room runs negative relative to

building?
Print Room Exhaust
Room runs negative relative

to building?
Garage Ventilation
Operates according to codes?
Fans, controls, dampers all operate?
206
IndoorIndoor
Air Quality
Air Quality 206
FormsForms
Needs Not
Garage slightly negative relative

to building?
Doors to building close tightly?
Vestibule entrance to building

from garage?
Mechanical Rooms
General condition?
Controls operational?
Pneumatic controls:
■ compressor operational?
■ air dryer operational?
Electric contols?
EMS (Energy Management System) or

DDC (Direct Digital Control):
■ operator on site?
■ controlled off-site?
■are fans cycled "off" while

building is occupied?
■ is chiller reset to shed load?
Preventive Maintenance
Spare parts inventoried?
Spare air filters?
Control drawing posted?

Needs Not
PM (Preventive Maintenance)
schedule available?
PM followed?
Boilers
Flues, breeching tight?
Purge cycle working?
Door gaskets tight?
Fuel system tight, no leaks?
Combustion air: at least 1 square

inch free area per 2000 Btu input?
Cooling Tower
Sump clean?
No leaks, no overflow?
Eliminators working, no carryover?
No slime or algae?
Biocide treatment working?
Dirt separator working?
Chillers
No refrigerant leaks?
Purge cycle normal?
Waste oil, refrigerant properly

disposed of and spare refrigerant
properly stored?
Condensation problems?
208 Indoor
Indoor Air Quality
Air Quality FormsForms
208
HVAC Checklist - Long Form Page ___ of ___
Needs Not

Pollutant Pathway Form For Investigations
Building Name: _____________________________________________ File Number : ___________________________
Address: _____________________________________________ Completed by: ________________________________
This form should be used in combination with a floor plan such as a fire evacuation plan.
Building areas that appear isolated from each other may be connected by airflow passages such as air distribution zones,
utility tunnels or chases, party walls, spaces above suspended ceilings (whether or not those spaces are serving as air ple-
nums), elevator shafts, and crawl spaces.
Describe the complaint area in the space below and mark it on your floor plan. Then list rooms or zones connected to the
complaint area by airflow pathways. Use the form to record the direction of air flow between the complaint area and the
connected rooms/zones, including the date and time. (Airflow patterns generally change overtime). Mark the floor plan with
arrows or plus (+) and minus (-) signs to map out the airflow patterns you observe, using chemical smoke or a
micromanometer. The "comments" column can be used to note pollutant sources that merit further attention.
Rooms or zones included in the complaint area: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sections 2, 4 and 6 discuss pollutant pathways and driving forces.
Rooms or Zones Pressure Relative to

Connected to the Complaint Area
Complaint Area Use Comments (e.g., potential pollutant sources)
By Pathways +/- date/time
Pollutant and Source Inventory Page 1 of 6
Building Name: ___________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________
Completed by: ____________________________________ Date: _______________ File Number: ___________________
Using the list of potential source categories below, record any indications of contamination or suspected pollutants that may
require further investigation or treatment. Sources of contamination may be constant or intermittent or may be linked to single,
unrepeated events. For intermittent sources, try to indicate the time of peak activity or contaminant production, including
correlations with weather (e.g., wind direction).
Sections 2, 4 and 6 discuss pollutant sources. Appendix A provides guidance on common measurements.
Needs
Source Category Checked Attention Location Comments
SOURCES OUTSIDE BUILDING
Contaminated Ambient Air
Pollen, dust
Industrial contaminants
General vehicular contaminants
Emissions from Nearby Sources
Vehicle exhaust (parking areas,

loading docks, roads)
Dumpsters
Re-entrained exhaust
Debris near outside air intake
Soil Gas
Radon
Leaking underground tanks
Sewage smells
Pesticides

Needs
Moisture or Standing Water
Rooftop
Crawlspace
EQUIPMENT
HVAC System Equipment
Combustion gases
Dust, dirt, or microbial growth

in ducts
Microbial growth in drip pans,

chillers, humidifiers
Leaks of treated boiler water
Non HVAC System Equipment
Office equipment
Supplies for equipment
Labratory equipment

Needs
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Personal Activities
Smoking
Cosmetics (odors)
Housekeeping Activities
Cleaning materials
Cleaning procedures (e.g., dust

from sweeping, vacuuming)
Stored supplies
Stored refuse
Maintenance Activities
Use of materials with volatile

compunds (e.g., paint, caulk,
adhesives)
Stored supplies with volatile

compounds
Use of pesticides

Needs
BUILDING COMPONENTS/FURNISHINGS
Locations Associated with Dust or Fibers
Dust-catching area
(e.g., open shelving)
Deteriorated furnishings
Asbestos-containing materials
Unsanitary Conditions/Water Damage
Microbial growth in or on soiled

or water-damaged furnishings

Needs
Chemicals Released From Building Components or Furnishings
Volatile compounds
OTHER SOURCES
Accidental Events
Spills (e.g., water, chemicals,

beverages)
Water leaks or flooding
Fire damage

Needs
Special Use/Mixed Use Areas
Smoking lounges
Food preparation areas
Underground or attached
parking garages
Laboratories
Print shops, art rooms
Exercise rooms
Beauty salons
Redecorating/Repair/Remodeling
Emissions from new furnishings
Dust, fibers from demolition
Odors, volatile compounds

Pollutant and Source Inventory Page___of ___
Sections 2, 4 and 6 discuss pollutant sources. Appendix A provides guidance on common measurements.
Needs
Source Category Checked Location Comments
Attention

Chemical Inventory
Building Name: ___________________________________________________ File Number: ________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Completed by: __________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________
The inventory should include chemicals stored or used in the building for cleaning, maintenance, operations, and pest
control. If you have an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the chemical, put a check mark in the right-hand column.
If not, ask the chemical supplier to provide the MSDS, if one is available.
Sections 2 and 6 discuss pollutant sources. Section 4 discusses MSDSs.
Date Chemical/Brand Name Use Storage Location(s) MSDS on file?

Hypothesis Form Page 1 of 2
Building Name: ____________________________________________________ File Number: _______________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Completed by: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Complaint Area (may be revised as the investigation progresses):
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Complaints (e.g., summarize patterns of timing, location, number of people affected):
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HVAC: Does the ventilation system appear to provide adequate outdoor air, efficiently distributed to meet occupant needs
in the complaint area? If not, what problems do you see?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there any apparent pattern connecting the location and timing of complaints with the HVAC system layout, condition or
operating schedule?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pathways: What pathways and driving forces connect the complaint area to locations of potential sources?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are the flows opposite to those intended in the design? ___________________________________________________________
Sources: What potential sources have been identified in the complaint area or in locations associated with the complaint
area (connected by pathways)?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is the pattern of complaints consistent with any of these sources? __________________________________________________

Hypothesis Form Page 2 of 2
Hypothesis: Using the information you have gathered, what is your best explanation for the problem?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hypothesis testing: How can this hypothesis be tested?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If measurements have been taken, are the measurement results consistent with this hypothesis?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Results of Hypothesis Testing:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Information Needed:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Index
Air distribution, see also HVAC system, Ventilation 7-8,24-27,35,38,57-71,82-84,88,92-93, 111-115, 121-135, 146,
177, 193, 201-206
Air handling units, see also HVAC system 124-130, 177, 192, 199
Air pressure, see HVAC system, Pressure relationships, and Ventilation
Airflow, see also Pressure relationships and Ventilation 24, 26, 64, 71, 99, 104, 114, 121-122, 125
Asbestos 63, 147-150, 164-165
ASHRAE, see also Standards, guidelines, and advisories 121, 167
Guideline 1-1989 139
Standard 52-1976 126, 138
Standard 55-1981 57, 66, 129, 137
Standard 62-1989 8, 14, 28, 34-35, 41, 60, 64-66, 82-87, 115, 126, 136-137
Bioaerosols, see Biological contaminants

Biocides 5, 73, 91, 94-95, 132
Biological contaminants 5, 24, 35-36, 40, 48, 56, 63, 76, 82, 86, 91-95, 102-105, 117-118, 125, 127, 129, 131-132, 135,
138, 141-146, 165
measuring 105, 117
Boilers, see also HVAC system 87-88, 113, 124, 135
Building-related illness (BRI) 11, 86, 101, 105
Carbon dioxide (CO ) 2

36, 49, 57-58, 60-61, 74-76, 87, 110-115
Carbon monoxide (CO) 10, 37, 56, 58, 75-77, 100, 113, 118, 135
Chemical Inventory 23, 26, 72-73, 169, 221
Chemical smoke 22, 60-61, 68, 75, 77, 110-112
Chillers, see also HVAC system 124, 135, 137
Cleaning materials 32, 36, 73, 97
Combustion gases 29, 56, 75, 86, 89, 100, 113
Complaint area 49, 53-54, 65, 68-69, 76
Complaints 10-11, 27, 32, 46, 103
Indoor Air Quality Complaint Form 15, 32, 169, 181
responding to 14-17
Control systems, see also HVAC system 8, 19-21, 23, 26, 31, 34-36, 47, 57, 60, 64-65, 76, 82, 92,
122-126, 128-130, 134-135, 145
Cooling coils, see also HVAC system 35, 67, 97, 123-124, 126, 128
Cooling towers, see also HVAC system 24, 28, 35, 89, 101, 135
Dampers, see also HVAC system 24, 60, 65, 87, 125, 130, 133
fire dampers 25, 130
mixing boxes (mixed air plenums) 124-126
outdoor air dampers 59-60, 125
Diffusers, see also HVAC system 58-61, 67, 82-83, 87-88, 113-114, 133
Index 225
Ductwork, see also HVAC system 36, 61, 73, 91, 102, 127, 131-132
cleaning 36, 61, 73, 91, 102, 127, 131-132
leakage 67, 87, 130
plenum 24-25, 61, 67, 87, 92, 123, 125, 130, 131, 133
return 65, 87, 99, 130, 133
supply 61, 65, 99-100, 114, 123
Dust 23, 25, 32, 67, 72-73, 118, 126, 131, 138
Elevators 68- 69, 93

Environmental stressors Il, 55-56, 77-78, 85
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) 6, 9-10, 24-25, 32, 35, 40-41, 66, 73, 81-82, 90, 116, 118, 166
EPA, see Standards, guidelines, and advisories
Ergonomic stressors 55-56, 78, 85
Exhaust air, see HVAC system and Ventilation 8-9, 58, 65, 82, 89, 114, 124, 133, 154
Exhaust fumes 53, 72, 100
Fans, see also HVAC system 22, 48, 87, 89, 124, 130, 133, 145
Filters, see also HVAC system 2, 36, 48, 60-61, 84, 91-92, 123, 126-128, 130, 138
Firecodes 27, 58, 83
Formaldehyde 56, 82, 85, 116-117
Furnishings 34, 40, 72-73, 78, 86, 93, 96, 99, 102, 122, 133, 145
Health and safety 52, 56, 63, 76, 101, 105, 117, 147
committee 16-17, 40, 76
considerations for investigators 52, 56, 63, 76, 101, 105
Humidification, see also HVAC system 35, 56, 60, 90, 101, 129, 141
Humidity, see Moisture 24, 49, 56, 67, 60, 82, 89, 94, 110-111, 123, 125, 129
HVAC Checklist - Long Form 26, 58, 61, 169, 175, 195-209
HVAC Checklist - Short Form 26, 58, 61-62, 169, 191-194
HVAC system 5, 6-9, 57-59, 62, 79, 86, 89, 111, 121, 123, 154
components 57, 64, 83, 87, 94, 123-137
design types 7-8, 57-59, 61- 62, 64- 65, 121-123
maintenance 22-23, 62, 67, 91, 122
operation 6, 25, 52, 55-59, 62, 89, 122, 189
zones 47, 58, 76, 82, 112, 121-122, 169
Hypothesis
developing and testing hypotheses 46, 57, 67, 71, 74-75, 78-79, 223
Hypothesis Form 57, 67, 71, 74, 78-79, 169, 223-224
IAQ Incident Log 16, 49, 169, 183

IAQ Management Checklist 42, 169, 171-174
IAQ management plan flowchart 32
IAQ manager 32-33
IAQ profile flowchart 20
IAQ task force 13, 17,40
Indoor Air Quality Complaint Form 15, 169, 181
Infiltration, see Airflow and Pressure relationships
Integrated Pest Management (IPM), see Pest control
226 Index
Intermittent problems 10, 55, 59, 72, 74, 77
Interview, see Occupant Interview
Investigation
collecting additional information 20, 25-29, 49-74
flowchart 45
forming hypotheses, see Hypothesis, developing and testing
outside assistance 20, 40, 45, 47, 63, 105-108, 117
reviewing existing records 20-22, 50, 58
sampling 74-77, 109-119
walkthrough 45, 47-49
Legionnaire’s disease 11, 56, 101

Lighting 11, 24-25, 55, 77-78, 85-86
Loading docks 23, 25, 37, 89, 100
Local exhaust, see also HVAC system and Pressure relationships 9, 22, 40, 65, 82-83, 90, 92, 94, 97, 99-100, 102, 137
Log of Activities and System Operations 52, 53, 58, 77, 139, 169, 189
Maintenance 24, 31, 34, 36, 67, 97

preventive 23, 36
records 22-23
schedule 23, 34-35, 139
Manometer 36, 58, 68-69, 110
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 20, 28, 32, 35, 38-40, 73
Measurement
comparing to standards and guidelines 75- 76, 87
devices 48, 58, 75, 109-119
developing measurement strategy 48, 74-77
Microbiological contaminants, see Biological contaminants
Mildew, see Biological contaminants
Mitigation
evaluating approaches 102-103
judging success 75, 103-104
managing projects 103
persistent problems 104
using air cleaning 81, 84-85, 89, 92
using exposure control 81, 85, 93, 96-99
using source control 81-82, 89-101
using ventilation 41, 81-84, 87-100
Mixing boxes, see also HVAC system 61, 124-126
Moisture 23-24, 95, 128, 131, 141-146
humidity 24, 60, 120, 122, 137-138, 141-146
waterdamage 24, 73, 94, 128, 131-132, 141-142
Mold, see Biological contaminants
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) 12
NIOSH, see also Standards, guidelines, and advisories 41, 63, 75, 81,84, 111, 116, 119, 147-149, 154, 157,
164-165, 167
Noise 11, 55, 77-78, 85-86, 127
Index 227
Occupants 5, 10-11
complaints 10, 46, 48, 50, 72, 131
density 24, 66, 73, 78, 87, 122, 136
Occupant Diary 52, 77, 169, 187
Occupant Interview 50-52, 169, 185
occupant relations (IAQ management plan) 40
Odors 8, 24-25, 49, 65
Outdoor air intake 5, 10, 25, 56, 58, 65, 89, 99-100, 121, 124-125
Outdoor sources of contaminants 5, 25, 56- 57, 72-74, 86, 89, 102, 113, 127
Peppermint oil 69
Pest control 23, 32, 37-38, 43, 73, 84, 89
Integrated Pest Management (1PM) 38
pesticides 23, 32, 37-38, 76, 85, 96, 116
Pollutant pathways and driving forces 5, 9-10, 50, 54, 69-70, 79, 82, 84, 89, 97, 100, 115, 152
Pollutant and Source Inventory 25-26, 28, 72-74, 169, 213
Pollutant Pathway Form for Investigations 67, 69, 169, 211
Pollutant Pathway Record IAQ Profile 26-27, 33, 169, 175
Pressure relationships, see also Airflow and HVAC system 8-9, 27, 35, 37, 45, 66-68, 71, 82-83, 89, 93, 98, 100-111, 127,
133-134, 144
negative/positive 8, 26-27, 37, 70, 82-83, 89, 98, 100, 110-111, 127, 132, 141, 154-155
Preventive Maintenance, see also Maintenance 36, 132
Psychrometer 111, 143
Psychosocial stressors 11, 55- 56, 77-78
Purchasing 32, 35, 37, 41, 81
Radon 5, 89, 151-152, 167

Recirculation, see Ventilation
Redecorating/Renovation/Remodeling 21, 32, 34, 40, 55, 66, 73, 86, 99
Return air, see HVAC system and Ventilation
Roofing 23, 85, 89, 99
Sampling and analysis, see Measurement

Sick building syndrome (SBS) 11, 155
Smoking, see Environmental tobacco smoke
Sources, see also Pollutant and Source Inventory and specific sources (by name) 5, 6, 8-9, 26, 28, 35, 48, 72-74, 76,
81-82, 90
Special use areas 25, 65, 73, 86, 90, 93, 96, 98, 133-134
Standards, guidelines, and advisories, see also ASHRAE, NIOSH 43, 75-76, 167
Storage practices 23, 25, 37, 73, 97
Supply air, see HVAC system and Ventilation
Surface contamination, see also Biological contaminants 6, 37, 76, 86, 91, 94
Terminal devices, see HVAC system

Testing and balancing 21, 43, 48, 58, 87, 92, 94, 98-99, 103, 123
Thermal comfort 7, 24, 56-57, 87, 89, 110-111, 121,133-134,137,167
Thermal mass balance 114-115
Thermostats, see also HVAC system 24, 59-60, 64-65, 67, 111, 122, 134-135, 145
228 Index
Tools
for IAQ investigations 45, 48-50, 58, 68, 72, 77, 109-119
for IAQ profiles 20, 22
Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) 115-116
Tracergas 58, 69, 77, 112-113, 126
Trainingm 31, 33, 41, 117, 139, 167
Trash disposal 23, 37, 89
Unit ventilators, see HVAC system

Unsanitary conditions 24-25, 38, 65, 67, 72, 94, 117
Ventilation, see also Airflow, ASHRAE 62-1989, HVAC system, Pressure relationships 7, 8-10, 24, 65, 83-84, 110, 113,
122, 126, 130-131, 133, 136, 139, 144, 167
air distribution 61, 69, 86-87, 95, 104
outdoor air 24, 65, 82-83, 86-87, 91-92, 96, 99-100, 102, 113-115, 121, 122-125, 135, 145
measuring 87-88
recirculation 82, 92
total air 65, 82-83, 95, 99, 104, 113-114
underventilation 24, 56-57, 60, 66-67, 82-83, 87-88, 112-113
Ventilation Worksheet 169, 179
Vibration 11, 77-78, 85-86
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 6, 82, 96, 99, 102, 115-116
Walkthrough
profile 20-25
investigation 45, 47-49
Water chillers, see also HVAC system 137
Water, see Moisture
Zone/Room Record 28-29, 61- 62, 169, 177
Index 229
Air Quality
Action Plan
BAQ Action Plan
An Overview of EPA’s Large Buildings IAQ Management Practices Guidance
Managing a building is a difficult and complex job. There are many competing demands -- health
and safety, building maintenance, housekeeping, and communications with occupants and tenants.
Building owners and managers are under pressure to contain or reduce operating costs and increase
revenues. Such fiscal pressures can easily draw attention and resources away from important elements of
building management such as indoor air quality (IAQ).
Over the past twenty years, indoor air quality has emerged as a major concern for building
owners and managers. As the public recognizes the importance of healthy, comfortable and productive
indoor environments, its awareness and demand for good IAQ increases. People spend about 90 percent
of their time indoors and air within homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outside air,
even in the largest and most industrialized cities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies
that compare risks of environmental threats to public health consistently rank indoor air pollution
(including secondhand smoke, radon, organic compounds and biological pollutants) among the top five.
Maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment in any building requires integrating
many components of a complex system. Indoor air problems are preventable and solvable and practical
guidance on how to manage your building for good indoor air quality is available.
The core of EPA’s large buildings IAQ management practices guidance is contained in Building
Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ), widely recognized as one of
the best references of its type since publication in 1991 (see Appendix 1 for ordering information. This
publication is also available on the World Wide Web at www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html).
Much of what BAQ recommends you will recognize as common principles of good facility management.
It is organized as a comprehensive reference volume, by subject area. As such, BAQ is extremely useful
in learning the principles of IAQ and how to manage a building for good IAQ. It is also a helpful
resource if problems occur or if more detailed information is needed. However, despite BAQ’s wide
availability, EPA and other organizations continue to learn about indoor air problems that could have
been easily prevented or fixed by implementing good building management practices.
It is worth noting that the guidance emphasizes changing how you operate and maintain your
building, not increasing the amount of work or cost of maintaining your building. Good IAQ does not
have to compete with other building management priorities; in fact, it can enhance some. For example,
the efficiencies gained by keeping your HVAC system clean and better controlled both enhance IAQ and
reduce energy costs.
To promote the use of these straightforward practices to improve IAQ, EPA and other leaders in
the IAQ field developed this 8-step Building Air Quality Action Plan (BAQ Action Plan). This additional
resource meets the needs of building owners and managers who want an easy-to-understand path for
taking their building from current conditions and practices to the successful institutionalization of good
IAQ management practices. The BAQ Action Plan leads you through a logical set of steps to achieve the
goal of better indoor air quality in your building. There is broad agreement that both documents, BAQ
and the BAQ Action Plan, used together, can significantly improve IAQ and reduce the likelihood of IAQ
problems, thus lowering health risks, increasing comfort and productivity, and reducing exposure to
liability from IAQ problems.
Page 2
BAQ Action Plan
The Building Air Quality Action Plan is intended to be used in concert with
the more comprehensive Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners
and Facility Managers (BAQ).
In order to use the Building Air Quality Action Plan effectively, one must have a thorough
understanding of the concepts and practice of managing indoor air quality, an understanding that can be
gained from a thorough reading of BAQ. In addition, there is extensive internal referencing in this BAQ
Action Plan to the original BAQ guide, making it helpful and easy to use both documents together.
If you do not currently own a copy of BAQ, please refer to Appendix 1 for ordering information
or visit EPA’s World Wide Web site, at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs.
EPA Publication No. 402-K-98-001 DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-123
DISCLAIMER
This document has been reviewed in accordance with policies at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Information provided is based upon current scientific and technical understanding
of the issues presented. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all
health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution. Mention of any trade or company names or commercial products does
not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. This document is in the public domain and may be reproduced either in
part or whole. EPA requests appropriate acknowledgment if the work is reproduced. In the event this EPA work is changed, EPA
requests that the acknowledgment include language about adaptation or revision.
Page 3
BAQ Action Plan
Step 1: Designate an IAQ Manager

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ: Select
an IAQ Manager,” Page 33; also Section 3, “Communicating with Building
Occupants,” Page 13.
Purpose: To designate someone who is responsible for IAQ activities within a
building.
The first step to good IAQ management is to assign

the job of IAQ Manager. The IAQ Manager should Specific Activities:
be an employee of the building owner or manager
and may be responsible for indoor air quality in þ Cho ose an IA Q M ana ger to me et crite ria
more than one building. Once designated, the IAQ in the Building A ir Quality guide.
Manager will be responsible for implementing the þ Educate the IAQ Manager on the
rest of the Action Plan. The IAQ Manager may Building A ir Quality guide.
choose to seek assistance from outside contractors or þ Have the IAQ Manager implement the
consultants, but should retain primary responsibility. Action Plan using the Checklist as a final
check.
The IAQ Manager coordinates all indoor air quality
activities in the building. Having overall
responsibility makes it easier to manage the
building’s IAQ and keep occupants informed and involved.
An effective IAQ Manager can come from a variety of backgrounds. Indoor air quality is a field that
requires the application of many disciplines to prevent and solve problems, because no single field
encompasses all the needed principles and skills. The person selected could be the facility manager, the
building operating engineer, the health and safety director, or the employee-relations manager. Whatever
the job title, the IAQ manager should be given sufficient authority to make decisions and implement
improvements.
Keep in mind that the IAQ Manager will be working as a “team leader”. Where specific skills are
lacking, another team member may compensate. Nevertheless, it is critical that the IAQ Manager be
familiar with the building’s structure and function and sufficiently conversant with IAQ issues to
communicate effectively with occupants, facility personnel, and the building owner(s).
It is essential that the IAQ Manager be thoroughly familiar with the principles contained in Building Air
Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ) (see Appendix 1 for ordering
information. This publication is also available on the World Wide Web at
www.epa.gov/largebldgs/baqtoc.html). Additionally, training may be helpful for both the IAQ Manager
and other staff. Both the EPA and commercial vendors sponsor training on Building Air Quality and IAQ
generally. Descriptions of EPA developed training materials are located in Appendix 2. EPA Regional
Headquarters IAQ coordinators can help you locate EPA-sponsored training in your area. See Appendix
3 for a listing of the EPA Regional IAQ Coordinators contact information.
Page 6
BAQ Action Plan
Establishing a New IAQ Baseline:
Step 2: Develop an IAQ Profile of Your Specific Activities:
Building
þ Iden tify, rev iew, a nd fa milia rize you rself
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 4, with construction, operating and other
“Developing an IAQ Profile,” documents including:
Pages 19–29. n “As built” blueprints and building
Purpose: To gain a comprehensive specifications that have been up-dated
to indicate current conditions,
understanding of the current
n Up-to-d ate list of con trol system set-
IAQ situation in your building, points and ranges for all HVAC
including all of the factors that equ ipm ent, in clud ing va riable air
could influence your building’s volume (VAV) supply terminals and
IAQ. exhaust systems,
n Up-to-date drawings of tenant
The next step in the process is to document the current buildouts and interior building
IAQ situation and existing operation and maintenance renovations,
practices in your building. The Building Air Quality guide n Information on major space use
refers to this step as developing an “IAQ Profile.” The chang es,
IAQ Profile describes the features of your building’s n Up-to-date information on press ure
structure, function, and occupancy that impact IAQ. relationships (see Pollutant Pathway
Form , BAQ, page 175),
Completing the IAQ Profile gives you an understanding of
n Up-to-date schedules and procedures
the current status of air quality in your building and for facility operations and
baseline information on the factors that may cause future maintenance,
problems. If you do not have the information or expertise n Up-to-date manufacturers’ operating
to complete a certain part of the IAQ Profile, seek instructions and maintenance records
assistance from other members of your IAQ team, such as for HVAC system components, and
a building engineer or similarly trained professional (see n If available, historical complaint logs
BAQ, page 20). relating to air quality and comfort (see
Step 8, page 18).
The IAQ Profile focuses on: 1) identifying and reviewing
records, such as blueprints and operating instructions; 2) þ Set up procedures to revise the abo ve
record s, as ne eded, bu t particularly with
conducting a walkthrough inspection to document any renovation/construction.
information on IAQ-related Heating Ventilating and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) practices and conditions, and þ Req ues t from supp liers a nd k eep on file
possible pollutant sources throughout the building. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
for products used in the building (see
also 29 CFR 19 10.1200 Hazard
Comm unication Standard).
Step 2, Part One: Identify and Review
Existing Records þ Dete rm ine qu antity o f outs ide air
entering building (see Ventilation
Building Air Quality: Section 4, “Developing W orksh eet, BAQ, page 179).
an IAQ Profile: Collect and Review Existing
Records,” Pages 21–22; also, Ventilation þ Com pare ca pacity of HV AC sys tem w ith
current loads to make sure there are no
Worksheet, Zone/Room Record Form and sho rtfalls in the a mo unt o f outs ide air
Pollutant Pathway Form, Pages 175-177. provided.
The first part of developing the IAQ Profile focuses on
identifying and reviewing the documents that should
Page 7
BAQ Action Plan
Step 2, Part One: Continued Building Walkthrough Specific Activities:
already exist at your building. These documents are
critical to the development and implementation of the þ Conduct a whole-building walkthrough
Action Plan. If you find that you cannot locate any of the inspection.
documents listed in the “Specific Activities” text box on þ During the walkthrough, complete a
page 7, you should try to collect these from outside pollutant/source inventory (see
sources if at all possible. The original architects, Pollutant/Source Inventory Form,
engineers and/or equipment suppliers may be useful Building A ir Quality , pages 213-219).
sources for this information. If you are unable to obtain an
þ Look for IAQ prob lem indicators
updated set of architectural and HVAC blueprints or the including odors, dirty or unsanitary
set points and ranges under which the HVAC system con dition s, visib le fun gal gr owth , mo ld
operates, you should create these documents either in- or milde w, mo isture in inap propriate
house or through an outside contractor. These documents locations, staining or discoloration of
are integral to efficient and effective diagnosing of IAQ building materials, smoke damage,
problems, if they occur. presence of toxic substances,
poorly-maintained filters, potential for
Make sure to revise the records mentioned in the text box soil gas entry, unusual noises from
on page 7 as needed, but particularly at the conclusion of equipment, leaks, uneven
any renovation/construction activities. temperatures, overcrowding, personal
air cleaning devices (ion generators,
ozone generators or portable filtration
units), personal fans and blocked or re-
Step 2, Part Two: Conduct a Walkthrough to directed vents/diffusers.
Assess Current IAQ Situation
þ Take notes on a floor plan during the
Building Air Quality: Section 4, walkthrough and identify potential or
“Developing an IAQ Profile: Conduct a existing problems indicating a need for
Walkthrough Inspection of the Building,” either close monitoring or corrective
action.
Pages 22–29.
þ Inspect HVAC condition and operations.
Conducting a building walkthrough inspection helps you
acquire a good overview of occupant activities and n List components that need to be
building functions that may impact IAQ. Even if you are repaired, adjusted, cleaned or
intimately familiar with the operations of your building, replaced.
n Record actual control settings and
the walkthrough allows you to view your building
ope rating sch edu les fo r eac h air
specifically with IAQ in mind. You should consider handling unit.
conducting the walkthrough with other staff familiar with
the building -- additional perspectives may help you þ Check to see if significant sources of
notice problem indicators otherwise missed. If you can contam ination are d irectly exhau sted to
the outside or can be moved close to an
not conduct the walkthrough with others, at least talk to
exhaust fan.
other building staff both for help in identifying potential
or existing problems as well as to gain feedback on the
cause(s) and solution(s) to any problem(s) you identified.
As you walk through your building, pay careful attention to indicators of possible IAQ problems.
Seemingly inconsequential items could indicate IAQ problems. For example, discolored walls could
indicate mold growth, while fans on occupants’ desks could indicate inadequate ventilation or cooling. A
more detailed list of IAQ problem indicators is included in the “Specific Activities” text box on this
page.
Page 8
BAQ Action Plan
Step 3: Address Existing and Potential IAQ Problems

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 6, “Diagnosing IAQ Problems,” Pages
45–79, Section 7, “Mitigating IAQ Problems,” Pages 81–104.
Purpose: To fix or mitigate all existing or potential IAQ problems in order to protect
the health, comfort, and productivity of a building’s occupants and staff.
Using the information from the IAQ Profile, the IAQ

Manager can identify current practices or conditions that Gene ral Strategies to Correct IAQ
could, or already do, adversely affect indoor air quality. Problems:
By correcting these conditions and modifying these
practices, you will establish a good IAQ baseline in your þ Iden tify sources, then remove or
reduce the source, seal or cover
building.
the source, or modify the
Some IAQ problems are easy to diagnose, especially environment.
using the knowledge gained from the Building Air þ Impro ve ventilation in order to
Quality guide and your building’s IAQ Profile. In other provide o utside air to o ccupa nts
cases, IAQ problems can be very complex, and and to dilute and/or exhaust
diagnosing them may require outside assistance by IAQ pollutants.
professionals. Such expert resources should be þ Imp rove air filtra tion to clean air
identified before problems occur so that you are ready to from outside and inside the
solve a problem quickly if one should occur. building.
The flow chart on page 45 of the Building Air Quality þ Contro l occupa nt expo sure to
guide shows the general scheme of conducting an IAQ pollutants through administrative
investigation. It is impossible to prescribe one specific approaches such as scheduling
set of steps that will work for every IAQ problem. contaminant-producing activities
Instead, you should read the Building Air Quality guide, during unoccupied periods.
Section 6, for a general understanding of the many tools
available for an IAQ investigation.
Some IAQ problems are related to uncontrolled pollutant sources. One pollutant source of concern is
biological growth. In order to control or prevent biological contamination, you must address the two
elements essential for biological growth: nutrients and moisture. You can greatly decrease the likelihood
of problems associated with biological growth by preventing, or promptly cleaning up, the buildup of
dirt, dust and standing water, and by controlling relative humidity (keep relative humidity between 30
and 60%; see American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Standard 55-1992 or latest publication; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
Other problems can be linked to deficiencies in the HVAC system, such as uncalibrated controls,
inoperable equipment, or inadequate maintenance and operating practices (look for indicators such as
torn or overloaded filters, dirty or damaged insulation and inoperable dampers/baffles). These
deficiencies can also make it difficult to provide an adequate volume of outside air to flush contaminants
from the building.
Page 9
BAQ Action Plan
Step 3: Continued
After diagnosing specific IAQ problems, seek solutions that will correct or mitigate the problems and
prevent them from recurring. General strategies to correct IAQ problems include:
C Identifying sources, then removing or reducing the source, sealing or covering the source, or modifying
the environment;
C Improving ventilation to provide outside air to occupants and to dilute and/or exhaust pollutants;
C Improving air filtration to clean air from outside and inside the building; and
C Controlling occupant exposure through administrative approaches such as scheduling
contaminant-producing activities during unoccupied periods.
Refer to the Building Air Quality guide, Section 6 and 7, pages 45-104, for a more complete discussion of
strategies to correct IAQ problems. In some cases, full mitigation of a problem may require working with
others outside of the building. For example, if the source of a problem is idling trucks in an adjacent
alley, you may need to educate the drivers about the hazards of unnecessary idling. As you take action to
address the issues identified in Step 2, keep records of your progress so you can refer to them later if
further questions or related issues arise.
Page 10
BAQ Action Plan
Maintaining and Improving Your IAQ Baseline:
Step 4: Educate Building Personnel About IAQ Management
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ: Assign
Responsibilities/Train Staff,” Pages 33–34.
Purpose: To identify and educate staff about IAQ issues so that they can become
valuable agents in identifying, preventing, and solving IAQ problems.
It is important that building staff are knowledgeable about

IAQ issues. Typically, facility personnel are not trained to Specific Steps:
think about IAQ issues as they go about their work, even
though their perspective could be helpful. For example, þ Identify in-house and contractor
staff may observe unsanitary conditions, blocked vents, pers onn el wh ose func tions could
evidence of leaks in tenant spaces or other indicators of affect IAQ.
potential IAQ problems and fail to recognize their
þ Provide training and information for
importance. Educating building personnel about IAQ issues in-house personnel and
will allow them to recognize potential problems before they contractors.
cause harm.
þ Develop a flow of information from
The Action Plan asks that you identify in-house and building staff to IAQ Manager.
contractor personnel whose functions could affect IAQ,
such as pest control contractors, housekeeping personnel
and HVAC maintenance staff. It is important to create,
keep, and update a list of these personnel so the information can be used and referred to in the future.
The list will also help to identify who might benefit from IAQ training. Another way to help identify
which staff could benefit from IAQ training is by completing Steps 2 and 3, Establishing an IAQ
Baseline. The findings from Steps 2 and 3 will help the IAQ Manager identify areas where improvement
can be accomplished through additional training or information.
The Action Plan asks that you provide IAQ training or information to building staff and contractor
personnel whose responsibilities could affect your building’s IAQ. Both informal, in-house information
sharing and formal training courses are beneficial. You can choose the methods that are most effective:
structured training courses and materials, distribution of IAQ information and fact sheets to staff,
informal discussions, seminars, or self-training materials. However, it is required through the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR
1910.1200) that you inform and train staff who use hazardous chemicals, even if infrequently, about the
health effects of the chemicals they use in their duties, how to read, understand and follow label
instructions and Material Safety Data Sheets, and what to do in case of emergency.
Descriptions of EPA developed training courses are located in Appendix 2. The EPA Regional IAQ
coordinators can help you locate EPA-sponsored training courses in your area. Please refer to Appendix
3 for a listing of the EPA Regional IAQ Coordinators contact information.
Page 11
BAQ Action Plan
Step 5: Develop and Implement a Plan for Facility Operations and Maintenance
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ:
Facility Operation and Maintenance,” Pages 34–36; also Appendix B,
“HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality,” Pages 123–137.
Purpose: To maintain and operate your building to prevent IAQ problems.
IAQ can be affected both by the quality of maintenance and by the materials and procedures used in
operating and maintaining the building’s components. Keeping IAQ in mind when you plan for
operations and maintenance is a good way to prevent IAQ problems.
1) HVAC Operations: A building operations
schedule is basically a daily/weekly/monthly HVAC Operations Specific Steps:
schedule of each individual HVAC component
compiled together in a comprehensive whole. þ Operate the HVAC system during
This allows for cross comparison of different periods of significant activity and confirm
components schedules and synchronization. It is that written operating schedules reflect
imperative that your operations schedule reflect this.
the actual use of your building, ensuring that the
HVAC system is providing ventilation during all þ Operate the HVAC system with as much
outside air as practical prior to
periods of significant occupancy. It is important occ upa nts’ a rrival.
that this schedule be written and comprehensive, # Econom izers and energy recovery
so that there is a “one-stop” reference that is systems, when properly used, can
complete, easily updated and accessible to all redu ce en ergy c osts while
who need it. incre asin g out doo r air su pply.
In general, ventilate your building with the

maximum volume of outside air that is practical,
taking into account your HVAC system capacity and current climatic conditions–refer to the latest
publication of ASHRAE Standard 62 for the current ‘best practice’ in HVAC system design (see
Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
Economizer operations can reduce cooling costs while increasing outdoor air ventilation. However,
malfunctioning economizer controls have been known to cause IAQ problems, such as dampers stuck in
the closed position. Make sure economizer controls are frequently maintained and recalibrated, especially
if you use enthalpy controls (ones that take into account both temperature and relative humidity).
Exercise care to ensure that on/off set points are adjusted to avoid indoor relative humidity problems.
Enthalpy controls can give the highest energy savings as well as help prevent the potential for excess
moisture to be delivered into the building, which is especially important in areas of the U.S. where humid
conditions are prevalent. However, the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 User’s Manual recommends that drybulb
(temperature only) controllers be used in dry and mild climates (e.g., southwestern U.S.) because they are
less expensive, require less maintenance and are more reliable than enthalpy sensors (ASHRAE/IES
Standard 90.1-1989, User’s Manual; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
Page 12
BAQ Action Plan
Step 5: Continued
Energy recovery systems may make it feasible to increase outdoor air ventilation rates during temperature
extremes. The hotter the outside air, the more energy heat recovery saves. The same is true on the heating
side, but only to a point – make sure not to freeze the moisture in the outgoing air stream. Any time you
would normally use 100% outside air, turn the heat recovery off.
Finally, before building occupants arrive for the day, schedule the introduction of as much outside air as
practical to dilute pollutants that may have accumulated over night. Flushing can also provide pre-
cooling, or night cooling – another way to contain energy costs. However, make sure that the amount of
outside air used is consistent with the proper function
of the HVAC equipment (e.g., coil freezing during
extreme cold) and maintaining recommended relative
Housekeeping Specific Steps:
humidity levels (30-60%, ASHRAE Standard 55-1992
or latest publication; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE þ Prepare and follow written housekeeping
contact information). procedures that detail the proper use,
storage and purchase of cleaning materials.
2) Housekeeping: Inadequate housekeeping can cause
IAQ problems -- keep your building clean. Also, þ Be aware of the housekeeping products and
cleaning materials themselves may be pollutant equ ipm ent u sed in your buildin g, pa rticula rly
sources that produce odors and emit a variety of those that are potential irritants or have other
chemicals. Select cleaning methods that are effective IAQ impacts.
for the given need. Read product labels and Material þ Purchase the safest available housekeeping
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all cleaning products products that meet your cleaning needs.
in use in your building. Remember, your
þ Educate housek eeping staff or contractors
housekeeping staff will be the most highly exposed to about proper use of cleaning materials,
the chemicals in your cleaning products. Buy products clea ning s che dules , purc has ing, m ateria ls
with the least adverse impact on human health. storage and t rash dispo sal.
It is important that the housekeeping staff, whether

they are in-house staff or contractors, be trained on
how your housekeeping procedures and products may
affect IAQ. In fact, OSHA’s Hazard Communication
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to explain the labels and MSDSs of all hazardous
chemicals used, even infrequently, by an employee, and to train those employees in how to protect
themselves from emergencies.
Other issues regarding housekeeping that are important to maintaining and improving your building’s
IAQ include: having written procedures; knowing what equipment and products are used in your
building; and purchasing safer products.
Page 13
BAQ Action Plan
Step 5: Continued
Preventive Maintenance Specific Steps:

3) Preventive Maintenance: A written preventive
maintenance program is an effective tool for
þ Develop and follow a preventive maintenance
improving IAQ. The plan should include
plan that includes maintenance schedules.
monitoring, inspecting and cleaning HVAC Activities in the plan should include:
components such as outside air intakes, outside
n Inspect outside air dampers for nearby
air dampers, air filters, drain pans, heating and
sources of contamination,
cooling coils, the interior of air handling units, n Ensure that air dampers are clear of
fan motors and belts, air humidification, controls obs truct ion an d ope rating prop erly,
and cooling towers. Pages 34–36 of the Building n Regularly replace or clean air filters,
Air Quality guide contain general information on n Clean and inspect drain pans,
maintenance activities while pages 123–137 detail n Inspect and clean heating and cooling
specific HVAC components, their role in IAQ, coils,
and instructions for preventive maintenance. n Inspect and clean, as warranted, the
interior of air handling units,
The frequency of maintenance activities may vary n Inspect fan motors and belts,
from building to building. It is important that you n Reg ularly in spe ct an d clea n air
develop a maintenance schedule based on the humidification equipment and controls,
n Inspect, clean and treat cooling towers,
needs of your equipment and building. However,
and
your schedule should ensure that all equipment is n Insp ect a nd cle an, a s nee ded , air
in good, sanitary condition and is operating as distrib ution path ways and v ariab le air
close to design set points as possible. volume (VAV) boxes.
4) Unscheduled Maintenance: When unscheduled þ Update your maintenance plan when

maintenance events (e.g., equipment failures) equipment is added, removed or replaced.
require the prolonged deactivation or
modification of building HVAC equipment,
maintenance personnel should be instructed to
immediately notify the IAQ Manager. The IAQ
Manager should review the situation carefully and
provide recommendations to maintenance and Unscheduled Maintenance Specific Steps:
administrative personnel on how to proceed
without compromising the building’s IAQ. The þ Imm ediately notify the IAQ Manag er.
IAQ Manager should also communicate with þ Ensure that the building’s IAQ is not
building occupants and tenants to inform them compromised.
how their air quality is being protected.
þ Notif y tena nts a nd/o r occ upa nts h ow th eir air
quality is being protected.
Page 14
BAQ Action Plan
Step 6: Manage Processes with Potentially Significant Pollutant Sources, Including

Remodeling and Renovation, Painting, Pest Control, Shipping and Receiving,
and Smoking.
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ,”
Pages 37–41.
Purpose: To control potential contaminant sources within a building during special
activities.
Indoor contaminants can be drawn in from outside or can originate within a building. If contaminant
sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can arise, even if the HVAC system is well-maintained and
running properly. Step 6 involves managing
some of the major sources of indoor pollutants
in your building, including: 1) remodeling and
renovation; 2) painting; 3) pest control; 4) Specific Steps:
shipping and receiving; and 5) smoking.
þ Request information from product suppliers on
1) Unless remodeling and renovation are contaminant emissions.
planned with IAQ in mind, these activities can
þ Discuss IAQ c oncerns with architects, engineers
create indoor air quality problems by emitting
and contractors.
dust, odors, microorganisms and their spores,
and VOCs. Take steps to prevent IAQ problems Remodeling and Renovation:
by isolating work areas. These steps include: þ Use and/or require contractors to follow the
special procedures described in Build ing A ir
CEnsuring that the IAQ Manager reviews the
Quality , pages 40 and 9 9, to min imize
designs and construction activities for all contaminants and odors during buildouts.
proposed remodeling or renovation activities
prior to their initiation (see Step 7, page 17, for Painting:
communication responsibility of tenants and the þ Minimize exposure to paint vapors through the use
IAQ manager regarding remodeling projects), of low-emitting products, scheduling or ventilation.
CScheduling work during periods of low

occupancy,
CIsolate work areas by blocking return vents in the work area and/or installing temporary barriers,
CPressurizing spaces that adjoin the work space in order to prevent transportation of pollutants,
CUsing specialized cleaning procedures (e.g., HEPA vacuums),
CChanging filters more frequently, especially after work is completed,
CMinimizing emissions from materials processes (e.g., wet sanding dry wall), and
CBuying safer products (e.g., formaldehyde-free cabinetry).
2) Painting of interior spaces can also produce irritating or harmful vapors. Methods to prevent problems
include using low VOC-emitting paint (now commercially available -- ask your product supplier),
performing work during periods of low occupancy and arranging ventilation to isolate work areas.
Page 15
BAQ Action Plan
Step 6: Continued
3) Pest Control: Pest control methods often depend on the use of pesticides, whose storage, application,
and handling can have serious health effects if label instructions are not followed. Chemical pesticides
must be dealt with carefully to avoid indoor air quality problems. For example, mixing of pesticides
should occur either outdoors or under a
mixing hood specifically designed for
Use Integrated Pest Management to the extent
pesticide mixing. One way to minimize the possible:
risk of IAQ problems from pest control is
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which þ Kno w wh at pe st co ntrol p rodu cts a re us ed in
emphasizes the use of non-chemical pest your building.
management practices wherever practical.
þ Prepare written pest contract procedures that
The EPA brochure, “Pest Control in the detail the proper purchase, use, mixing,
School Environment: Adopting Integrated storage and disposal of pesticides according
Pest Management,” (EPA# 735F93012) may to label directions.
provide useful information on IPM
þ Use non-chemical pest control strategies
practices. You can obtain this document where possible.
through the National Center for
Environmental Publications and Information þ Purchase the safest available pest control
products that meet your needs.
(NCEPI) by calling 1-800-490-9198.
Shipping and Receiving:
4) Shipping and receiving areas have the
potential to create indoor air quality þ Take steps to prevent vehicle exhaust from
problems regardless of the types of materials entering your building.
being handled. Provide adequate ventilation Smoking:
for activities or materials that produce odors,
þ Institute a sm oking p olicy that proh ibits
dust or contaminants. Also, building smoking or provides direct exhaust and
managers should take steps to ensure that adequate ventilation to areas where smoking
vehicle exhaust from loading docks does not is permitted. Refer to the latest publication
enter the building. For a typical vehicle area of ASHRAE Standard 62 (see Appendix 3 for
that is predominantly open to the ASHRAE contact information) and the EPA
atmosphere, you can prevent engine exhaust Brochure, “What You Can Do About
Secon dhand Smo ke.”
from migrating into surrounding building
areas by maintaining the rooms surrounding
loading docks under substantial positive
pressure (relative to the vehicle areas). Alternatively, for vehicle areas that are predominantly enclosed,
you could maintain the vehicle area at a substantial negative pressure (relative to the surrounding
building areas). In either case, this task is made easier through the use of vestibules or air locks.
5) Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can be a source of irritation and is known to cause cancer.
Establishing a smoking policy that protects occupants and visitors from exposure to ETS is essential to
maintaining good IAQ in your building. To accomplish this, you should institute a smoking policy that
prohibits smoking or restricts smoking to areas that are separately ventilated, maintained under negative
pressure and directly exhausted to the outside. Refer to the latest publication of ASHRAE Standard 62
(see Appendix 3) and the EPA Brochure, “What You Can Do About Secondhand Smoke.”
Page 16
BAQ Action Plan
Maintaining cooperative relations with tenants and occupants:

Step 7: Communicate with Tenants/Occupants About Their Role in Maintaining Good
IAQ
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 3, “Effective Communication,” Page 13-17;
also, Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ:
Occupant Relations,” Page 40.
Purpose: To open communication lines between building owners and
tenants/occupants so that tenants/occupants can become part of the
solution to IAQ problems.
Early and frequent communication with

occupants is important both to prevent IAQ
problems from occurring and to secure their Specific Steps:
cooperation when solving existing problems. It
is important for building occupants to þ Inform tenants and occupants about building
understand that their activities can create indoor conditions and policies that may have a
air quality problems and that their cooperation is significan t adverse IAQ im pact.
critical for maintaining good IAQ in their þ Notify tenants and occupants when major
building. To help educate building renovation, remodeling, maintenance or pest
occupants/tenants about the effect of their control activities are planned.
actions on IAQ, the EPA has published a
publication entitled, “An Office Building
Occupants’ Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” It
explains the roles and responsibilities of both building occupants and owners/managers and can be freely
copied. We recommend that you make this publication available to all tenants/occupants. Contact the
EPA’s IAQ Information Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318) or visit EPA’s World Wide Web site
(www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html) to obtain a copy.
Building management is responsible for notifying building tenants, and, where applicable, building
occupants, about building conditions, policies, or activities, such as unscheduled maintenance events,
that may have a significant adverse IAQ impact. Building occupants and/or tenants are responsible for
notifying the IAQ manager when activities are planned that could affect the building’s IAQ (e.g.,
construction or other pollutant releasing activities) and promptly bringing unusual conditions to the
attention of the IAQ manager. An example of this communication comes when tenants are planning
construction, remodeling or renovation activities; the IAQ Manager should be made aware of these plans
in order to review them with the whole building’s IAQ in mind. Both parties should use chemicals and
materials in accordance with their label instructions and MSD sheets.
Page 17
BAQ Action Plan
Step 8: Establish Procedures for Responding to IAQ Complaints

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 3, “Effective Communication: Establish a
System for Responding to Complaints,” Pages 13–17.
Purpose: To ensure adequate and timely response to occupant complaints and to
prevent small complaints from becoming major health or comfort
problems.
Occupant complaints about IAQ may be vague

or specific, but they should always be taken Specific Steps:
seriously and investigated fully. In many cases,
the IAQ Manager may be first alerted to þ Prepare and follow clear procedures for
potential IAQ problems by occupants. recording and responding to IAQ
Establishing procedures for responding to and complaints, including:
resolving complaints will ensure that all n Logging entries into your existing
complaints are handled in a consistent and fair work-order system,
manner. If building occupants know that they n Collecting information from the
will get a response, they will be more likely to com plainant,
n Ensuring the confidentiality of
provide prompt, helpful input about building
information and records obtained
conditions. from complainants,
Examples of complaint forms, incident log n Determ ining the res ponse capab ility
of in-house staff,
forms, occupant interview forms and occupant
n Identifying appropriate outside
diary forms can be found in the Building Air sources of assistance,
Quality guide on pages 181 through 187. n Applying remedial action,
n Providing feedback to the
complainant, and
n Following-up to ensure that
remedial action has been effective.
þ Inform building staff of these procedures.
þ Inform building oc cupan ts and/or tenants

of the se pr oce dure s and perio dica lly
rem ind th em how to loc ate re spo nsib le
staff and where to obtain complaint
forms.
Page 18
BAQ Action Plan
Record keeping
One important element underlying the actions described in this guidance is the development and
maintenance of a comprehensive, easy-to-use record keeping system. In fact, the Action Plan contains
many activities regarding the availability and location of records. The IAQ Manager may want to
designate a file cabinet, bookshelves, or notebooks to store information on the IAQ program, including
steps taken to complete the Action Plan. Alternatively, the IAQ Manager may wish to develop a single
list of all pertinent IAQ records and their locations. These records will be a valuable tool to help the IAQ
Manager coordinate day-to-day IAQ activities as well as respond efficiently and effectively to IAQ
problems. These records will also serve as documentation of program implementation.
Checklist
To assist building management in verifying implementation of the Action Plan, EPA provides a
Checklist. The Checklist is designed to highlight the guidance presented in Building Air Quality: A Guide
for Building Owners and Facility Managers and closely matches the recommendations contained in the
eight steps described here in the BAQ Action Plan. Answering these questions will help you determine
whether you have taken all of the steps EPA recommends to implement good IAQ management practices
or whether additional actions should be taken to bring your building up to the level described in the
guidance. As you address the issues discussed in the Checklist, keep records of your progress so you can
refer to them later if questions or related issues arise.
Page 19
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Verification Checklist
STEP 1: DESIGNATE AN IAQ MANAGER For Guidance, refer to:
q (1) An IAQ Manager has been designated. Building Air Quality, Page 33
Name:
Title:
q (2) The IAQ Manager has been educated on the contents of Building Air Quality: A Guide Some training courses and materials are
for Building Owners and Facility Managers by reading it carefully and possibly receiving listed in Appendix 2 of this publication,
training on the fundamentals of IAQ. Page 28
Notes:
STEP 2: DEVELOP AN IAQ PROFILE OF YOUR BUILDING For Guidance, refer to:
1. Identify and Review Existing Records Building Air Quality, Pages 19–22
q (3) Up-to-date manufacturers' operating instructions and maintenance records for HVAC Building Air Quality , Page 21 (note-box)
system components have been reviewed and filed.
q (4) Up-to-date schedules and procedures for facility operations and maintenance have been Building Air Quality , Page 21
reviewed and filed.
q (5) HVAC “as built” blueprints have been updated to indicate current HVAC configuration Building Air Quality, Page 21
and filed.
q (6) Drawings of tenant build-out and interior building renovations have been updated and Building Air Quality , Page 21
q (7) Information on major space use changes (e.g., office space to kitchen or laboratory,
Building Air Quality , Page 22
significant increases or decreases in occupant density) has been updated and filed.
q (8) The HVAC system was designed to deliver ______ CFM of outside air which translates Building Air Quality , Pages 8, 136, and
into ______ CFM of outside air per occupant. 137
q (9) The HVAC system is actually delivering ______ CFM of outside air which translates into Building Air Quality , Pages 8, 136-7 and
______ CFM of outside air per occupant. Ventilation Worksheet, Pages 169 and
179 (to be used in conjunction with
Zone/Room Record Form, Page 177)
q (10) A review of occupant thermal comfort complaints and indoor temperature and relative
humidity readings indicates that current peak heating and cooling loads do not exceed Building Air Quality , Page 122
HVAC system capacity.
q (11) Information on pressure relationships between areas and/or zones within the building Building Air Quality, Pages 8–10 and
has been examined, updated, and filed. Pollutant Pathway Record Form, Pages
169 and 175
q (12) The building's most recent test and balancing report has been filed. Date of report: Building Air Quality , Pages 21 and 123
q (13) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for products used in the building are requested Building Air Quality, Pages 28, 35, and
from suppliers and kept on file. 39; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazardous
Communication Standard, OSHA
q (14) Documentation of HVAC control system set points and ranges has been reviewed and Building Air Quality, Pages 21 (text-box)
filed.
q (15) The building records (items #3-14) listed above are revised as needed, particularly at the
Building Air Quality, Pages 21-22
conclusion of any renovation/construction activities.
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
Page 21
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STEP 2: DEVELOP AN IAQ PROFILE OF YOUR BUILDING (continued) For Guidance, refer to:
2. Conduct a Walkthrough to Assess the Current IAQ Situation
q (16) A building walkthrough inspection has been conducted, including both occupied areas
Building Air Quality, Pages 22–29
and mechanical rooms.
q (17) During the walkthrough, a pollutant/source inventory has been completed. Building Air Quality , Pollutant Source
Inventory Form, Page 26, and Pages
213–219
During the walkthrough, IAQ problem indicators have been checked for and noted on a
floor plan or comparable drawing, including:
q (18) • Odors Building Air Quality, Pages 23–25
q (19) • Dirty or unsanitary conditions "
q (20) • Visible fungal growth or moldy odors "
q (21) • Evident moisture in inappropriate locations (e.g., moisture on walls, floors, or "
q (22) • Staining or discoloration of building material(s) "
q (23) • Smoke damage "
q (24) • Presence of hazardous substances Building Air Quality , Pages 23-25 and
Chemical Inventory Form, Pages 169
and 221
q (25) • Potential for soil gas entry (e.g., cracks or holes in building surfaces adjacent to Building Air Quality , Pages 23–25
q (26) • Unusual noises from light fixtures or equipment "
q (27) • Poorly-maintained filters "
q (28) • Uneven temperatures "
q (29) • Overcrowding "
q (30) • Personal air cleaners (e.g., ozone generators, portable filtration units) or fans "
q (31) • Inadequate ventilation "
q (32) • Inadequate exhaust air flow "
q (33) • Blocked vents "
q (34) • Other conditions that could impact IAQ, especially risk factors that need regular "
inspection to prevent IAQ problems from occurring (e.g., drain pans that do not fully
drain).
Building Air Quality, Page 25 and HVAC

The condition and operations of the HVAC system have been inspected, including:
Checklist - Long Form, Pages 169 and
195
q (35) • Components that need to be repaired, adjusted, cleaned, or replaced have been Building Air Quality, Pages 23–25
and work orders prepared.
q (36) • Actual control settings and operating schedules for each air handling unit have been "
recorded and filed, and checked against the design intent.
q (37) Areas with significant sources of contaminants (e.g., copy rooms, food service areas,
printing/photographic areas) are provided with adequate exhaust. Other sources are Building Air Quality, Page 25
moved as close to exhaust as possible.
Notes:
Page 22
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STEP 3: ADDRESS EXISTING AND POTENTIAL IAQ PROBLEMS For Guidance, refer to:
Identified IAQ problems have either been corrected or steps have been taken to control
them, including:
q (38) • Source-related IAQ problems Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108

q (39) • Ventilation-related IAQ problems. Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108
q (40) Weaknesses have been identified and steps taken to prevent them from becoming Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108
problems.
Notes:
STEP 4: EDUCATE BUILDING PERSONNEL ABOUT IAQ MANAGEMENT For Guidance, refer to:
q (41) In-house and contractor personnel whose functions could impact IAQ (e.g., Building Air Quality, Pages 23 and
housekeeping staff, maintenance contractors) have been identified. 32–34
q (42) IAQ training or information has been provided to in-house personnel and contractors -- Building Air Quality, Pages 33–34 and
especially regarding use of hazardous chemicals. Additional training or information is 167; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard
provided periodically, and plans for continual improvement have been established. Communication Standard, OSHA.
Notes:
STEP 5: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN FOR FACILITY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
For Guidance, refer to:
1. HVAC Operations
q (43) Operating schedules for HVAC equipment, ensuring that the HVAC system is operating
during significant occupancy periods, have been written and are updated as needed.
q (44) The HVAC operating schedule provides for an adequate flush of the building, with as Building Air Quality , Page 34 and
much outside air as is feasible, prior to occupants' arrival. ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, or latest
publication (see Appendix 3, Page 30)
Notes:
Page 23
Page 4 of 6
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Pilot Intervention
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STEP 5: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN FOR FACILITY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
For Guidance, refer to:
(continued)
2. Housekeeping
q (45) All housekeeping equipment and products used in the building are known to the IAQ
Building Air Quality , Pages 36-37
Manager.
q (46) The products used in this building that may produce strong odors, are potential irritants,
or may have other IAQ impacts have been determined and, where possible, have been See Material Safety Data Sheets
replaced by products without such impacts.
q (47) Housekeeping procedures that detail proper use, storage, and purchase of cleaning
materials have been written and are updated as needed.
The housekeeping staff or contractors have been educated about the IAQ implications,
appropriate use, and application of the following to improve IAQ:
q (48) • Proper cleaning methods "
q (49) • Cleaning schedules "
q (50) • Purchasing "
q (51) • Proper materials storage and use "
q (52) • Proper trash disposal. "
3. HVAC Preventive Maintenance
q (53) A preventive maintenance plan that includes equipment maintenance schedules has Building Air Quality, Pages 34, 35, 36,
been written or computerized and is followed and updated as needed. 43, and 121–139
A preventive maintenance plan or contract includes at least the following maintenance Building Air Quality , Page 36
q (54) • Outside air intakes (inspected for nearby sources of contaminants) Building Air Quality, Pages 124–125
q (55) • Air distribution dampers (cleared of obstruction and operating properly) Building Air Quality, Pages 125–126
q (56) • Air filters (pressure drops monitored, replacement or cleaning performed regularly) Building Air Quality, Pages 126–128
q (57) • Drain pans (inspected and cleaned to ensure proper drainage) Building Air Quality , Page 128
q (58) • Heating and cooling coils (inspected and cleaned) Building Air Quality , Page 128
q (59) • Interior of air handling units (inspected and cleaned, as warranted) Building Air Quality , Pages 25, 26, 35,
q (60) • Fan motor and belts (inspected) Building Air Quality , Page 130
q (61) • Air humidification and controls (inspected and regularly cleaned) Building Air Quality, Pages 129–130
q (62) • Cooling tower (inspected, cleaned, and water treated according to schedule) Building Air Quality , Page 135
q (63) • Air distribution pathways and VAV boxes (inspected and cleaned as needed). Building Air Quality , Pages 25-26, 36,
123-126, and 130-133
q (64) The preventive maintenance plan and operations manuals are updated when equipment
is added, removed, or replaced.
4. Unscheduled Maintenance
q (65) Procedures for unscheduled maintenance events (e.g., equipment failure) have been
Building Air Quality , Page 32-35, 67
written and communicated to building staff. They include:
q (66) • Building maintenance personnel immediately tell the IAQ Manager that an "
maintenance event has occurred.
q (67) • Notification to occupants/tenants is provided in a timely manner, addressing how "
quality is being protected.
q (68) • Necessary remedial action is taken. "
Notes:
Page 24
Page 5 of 6
Building
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STEP 6: MANAGE PROCESSES WITH POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT POLLUTANT SOURCES For Guidance, refer to:
General
q (69) When new products are purchased, information on potential indoor air contaminant
emissions is requested from product suppliers.
[Note: Emission information may not be readily available for many products at this time,
however information that is available should be collected.]
q (70) When the services of architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals are
used, IAQ concerns, such as special exhaust needs, are discussed. Building Air Quality , Page 40
1. Remodeling and Renovation
q (71) Special procedures to minimize the generation and migration of contaminants or odors
Building Air Quality , Pages 6,40, and 99
to occupied areas of the building are used (or required of contractors).
The special procedures used in this building are:
q (72) • The IAQ Manager reviews designs and construction activities for all proposed Building Air Quality , Pages 6,40, & 99
remodeling and renovation activities prior to their initiation
q (73) • Work is scheduled during periods of minimum occupancy "
q (74) • Ventilation is provided in order to isolate work areas "
q (75) • Lower-emitting work processes are used (e.g., wet-sanding dry wall) "
q (76) • Specialized cleaning procedures are used (e.g., use of HEPA vacuums) "
q (77) • Filters are changed more frequently, especially after work is completed "
q (78) • Emissions from new furnishings are minimized (e.g., buying lower-emitting products, "
airing out furnishings before installation, increased amount and duration of
after installation)
q (79) • Ventilation and distribution equipment are protected. "
2. Painting
q (80) Occupants' exposure to paint vapors is minimized by using low-emitting products,

Building Air Quality , Pages 6,40, & 99
scheduling work during periods of minimum occupancy, or increasing ventilation.
3. Pest Control
q (81) Integrated Pest Management procedures are used to the extent possible:
q (82) • The pest control products being used in the building are known. Building Air Quality , Page 38
q (83) • Either by written procedures or contract language, it is ensured that all people who "
use pest control products read and follow all label directions for proper use, mixing,
storage and disposal.
q (84) • Non-chemical pest control strategies are used where possible. "
q (85) • The safest available pest control products that meet the building's needs are "
or reviewed with pest control contractor.
4. Shipping or Receiving
q (86) Vehicle exhaust has been prevented from entering the building (including through air
intakes and building openings) by installing barriers to airflow from loading dock areas Building Air Quality , Page 37
(e.g., doors, curtains, etc.) and using pressurization.
Notes:
Page 25
Page 6 of 6
Building
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STEP 6: MANAGE PROCESSES WITH POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT POLLUTANT SOURCES For Guidance, refer to:
(continued)
5. Smoking
"What You Can Do About Secondhand

q (87) A. Smoking is prohibited in all portions of this building, including tenant occupied space.
Smoke", EPA 1993
OR
q (88) B. If smoking is permitted in the building, all smoking areas are exhausted directly to the ASHRAE Standard 62–1989 (see
outside, are maintained under negative pressure relative to adjacent space, and are Appendix 3, Page 30), and "What You
with 60 CFM per occupant of make-up air (can be supplied by transfer air). Do About Secondhand Smoke," EPA
Notes:
STEP 7: COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY WITH TENANTS/OCCUPANTS ABOUT For Guidance, refer to:
THEIR ROLE IN MAINTAINING GOOD IAQ
q (89) Tenants or occupants are routinely informed about building conditions and policies that
Building Air Quality , Pages 14 and 40
may impact IAQ (e.g., practices that attract insects or smoking policy clarifications).
q (90) Tenants or occupants are notified in advance of major renovation, remodeling,

maintenance or pest control activities.
Notes:
STEP 8: ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO IAQ COMPLAINTS For Guidance, refer to:
Clear procedures for responding to IAQ complaints have been written and are followed,
Building Air Quality , Pages 15–17
including:
q (91) • Entries such as IAQ problems are logged into the existing work-order system. "
q (92) • Information is collected from complainants. "
q (93) • Information and records obtained from complainants are kept confidential. "
q (94) • The capability of in-house staff to respond to complaints is assessed. "
q (95) • Appropriate outside sources of assistance are identified. "
q (96) • Feedback is provided in a timely manner to complainant. "
q (97) • Remedial actions are taken. "
q (98) • Remedial actions are followed-up to determine if the action has been effective. "
q (99) Building staff have been informed of these procedures. Building Air Quality , Page 13
q (100) Building occupants and/or tenants have been informed of these procedures and are
periodically reminded of how to locate responsible staff and where to obtain complaint Building Air Quality , Page 14
forms.
Notes:
Page 26
BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 1
Now available...
A Practical Guide to Indoor Air Quality Problems - And Their Solutions!
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers
This official 229-page guide from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute for Occupation al Safety and Healt h gives
you the latest information about indoor air quality problems and how to prevent or correct them. Building Air Qu ality is packed with valuable
information on how to:
C develop an indoor air quality building profile
C create an indoor air quality management plan
C identify causes and solutions to problems as they occur
C identify appr opriate contr ol strategies
C decide whether you need outside technical assistance
You’ll find special sections covering:

C key problem-causing factors
C air quality sampling
C heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems
C mold and moisture problems
C where to find additional sources of information
...and muc h more!
Building Air Qual ity also contains 15 practical checklists and forms that can help you manage indoor air quality and diagnose problems.
It comes in a looseleaf binder so you can easily remove those pages for onsite use -- and includes tabbed dividers for quick referen ce.
Building Air Quality gives you the current, comprehensive information you need to develop and implement an effective indoor air
quality program. Order now! Just use the han dy order for m below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order Processing Code: Superintendent of Documents Order Form Charge your order.
It’s Easy!
* 8200
To fax your orders (202) 512-2250

~ YES, please send me _____ copies of BUILDING AIR QUALITY: A GUIDE FOR BUILDING
OWNERS AND FACILITY MANAGERS, S/N 055-000-00602-4 at $28.00.
The total cost of my order is $__________. International customers please add 25%. Price includes regular domestic postage and handling and
is subject to change. A 25% discount is available on purchases of 100 or more copies sent to a single address.
Please Choose Method of Pa yment:

(Company or Personal Name) (Please type or print)
~ Check Payable to the Superintendent of Documents
(Additional address/attention line) ~ GPO Deposit Account ~~~~~~~ - ~
(Street address)
~ VISA or MasterCard Account
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(City, State, ZIP Code) ~~~~ (Credit card expiration date) Thank you for
your order!
(Daytime phone including area code)
(Authorizing Signature) 6/98

(Purchase Order No.)
YES NO Mail To: Superin tendent of Documents
May we make your name/address available to other mailers? 9 9 P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
Page 27
BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 2
Training Resources
Training for IAQ Managers:
Building Air Quality: An Introduction to Building Air Quality is a four-hour introductory course on
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers. It is highly interactive,
introducing the causes of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems, providing suggestions on diagnosing and
mitigating IAQ problems, and showing how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The course
is specifically designed to meet the training needs of building owners and facility managers. The
instructor’s guide, slides and student manual can be purchased through the Department of Commerce,
Technology Administration, National Technology Information Service (NTIS). The order number for the
kit is AVA19188SS00, and the number for NTIS is 1-703-605-6900 (for two-day “rush” orders only, call
1-800-553-6847). The World Wide Web site for NTIS, www.ntis.gov/ordering, contains other ordering
information, including email and FAX ordering forms and information, but you cannot order directly at
their web-site. Please note that this document is not listed in their web-accessed, searchable database.
Other Available EPA Training:
Orientation to Indoor Air Quality (OIAQ) is an overview course that addresses the needs of personnel
who are working to resolve indoor air pollution problems. It provides information about indoor air
pollution sources and their health effects; how buildings operate; what guidelines are available to identify
indoor air quality hazard levels (and their limitations) and, recommended approaches to indoor quality
problem prevention, diagnosis and mitigation and prevention for residential, commercial and institutional
buildings. Check with the EPA Regional IAQ coordinators (Appendix 3) to determine whether this
training course is being presented in your area. The Orientation to Indoor Air Quality (OIAQ) course is
available for purchase from the NTIS. The order number for the OIAQ Instructor Kit is AVA19276SS00.
To obtain additional copies of the OIAQ Student Manual (in units of 10) use order number
AVA19277BB00. The toll free number and World Wide Web site for the NTIS is listed above, though,
again, these documents are not listed in their web-accessed database.
Basic IAQ Hands On Measurements and Diagnostics: Basic Tools for Evaluating the Indoor Air
Environment is a one-day training course that provides hands-on awareness in IAQ measurements,
instrumentation and the limitations of data interpretation. It is directed toward health and building
professionals with little background in the design and evaluation of non-industrial ventilation systems.
Check with EPA Regional IAQ coordinators (Appendix 3) to determine if this training course is being
offered in your area.
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality is a two-volume home-study course produced under a cooperative
agreement between the National Environmental Health Association, the U. S. Public Health Service and
the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its primary focus is residential indoor air quality. The course
may be purchased for $47.00 through the National Environmental Health Association, 720 South
Colorado Boulevard, #970 South Tower, Denver, Colorado 80246-1925. This document contains nine
lessons with review questions and a final examination. Environmental Health professionals may receive
continuing education credits from the National Environmental Health Association by passing the final
examination with an acceptable score. The second volume contains reference data and useful tools for
practical applications and problem solving.
Page 28
BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 3
Useful Contacts
There are many sources of additional information on indoor air quality in office, homes and schools
which provide guidance on healthy indoor environment. To obtain a list of available EPA publications,
contact:
Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)
1-800-438-4318
P.O. Box 37133
Washington, DC 20013-7133
(703) 356-4020
FAX (703) 356-5386
e-mail: [email protected]
The Building Air Quality Action Plan, Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers and An Office Building Occupants’ Guide to Indoor Air Quality, plus many other EPA
documents, may be downloaded from:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality Home Page on the
World Wide Web:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq
Copies of the Building Air Quality Action Plan and other NIOSH documents are available from:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
Education and Information Division
Publications Dissemination
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226-1988
Fax Number: (513)533-8573
E-mail: [email protected]
To receive other information about occupational safety and health problems, call:
1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
or visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health World Wide Web Home Page at:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh
Page 29
BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 3: continued
Useful Contacts
International Facility Management Association

IFMA is the professional association for facility management with approximately 15,500
members in 126 chapters worldwide. The organization spots trends, conducts
research, provides educational programs and assists facility managers worldwide in
developing strategies to manage the human, facility and real estate assets of an
organization.
International Facility Management Association
1 E. Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100
Houston, TX 77046-0194
1-713-623-4362
http://www.ifma.org
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers

(ASHRAE):
ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 (1989) Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low-Rise
Residential Buildings; and ASHRAE 90.1 i-1993, “Addenda to ASHRAE 90.1-1989" (1993)
ASHRAE Standard 62 (1989) Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE Standard 55 (1992) Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
ASHRAE Guideline 1 (1989) Guideline for the Commissioning of HVAC Systems
Available from:
ASHRAE
(404) 636-8400
Publications Sales Department
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
FAX (404) 321-5478
www.ashrae.org
Page 30
Appendix 3: continued
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Offices
Region 1 Region 6
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Texas
J.F. Kennedy Federal Bldg. (CPT) 1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-T)

Boston, MA 02203-2211 Dallas, TX 75202-2733
Indoor A ir Contac t - Mary Be th Sm uts Indoor Air Contact - Michael Miller
(617)565-3232 (214)665-7550
Fax #(617)565-4940 Fax #(214)665-6762
Region 2 Region 7
New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Virgin Islands
726 Minnesota Avenue (ART/ARBR-RAID)
290 Broadway, 28th Floor (R2DEPDIV) Kansas City, KS 66101
New York, NY 10007-1866 Indo or Air Con tact - M icha el Ma rsha ll
Indoor Air Contact - Larainne Koehler (913)551-7604
(212)637-4005 Fax #(913)551-7065
Fax #(212)637-4942
Region 3 Region 8
Delaware, District Of Columbia, Maryland, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,
Pen nsylva nia, V irginia , W est V irginia South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah
1650 Arch Street 999 18th Street, Suite 500 (8P2-TX)

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 Denver, CO 80202-2466
Indoor Air Contacts - Indoor Air Contact - Megan Williams
Fran Dou ghe rty (303)312-6431
Cristina Schulingkamp Fax #(303)312-6044
(877)352-5999
Fax #(215)566-2134
Region 4 Region 9
Alab am a, Flo rida, G eorg ia, Ke ntuc ky, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee 75 Hawthorne Street (Air-6)
San Francisco, CA 94105
61 Forsyth St, SW Indoor Air Contact - Barbara Spark
Atlanta, GA 30303-3104 (415)744-1132
Indoor Air Program Manager - Henry Slack Fax #(415)744-1073
(404)562-9143
Fax #(404)562-9095
Region 5 Region 10
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
W isco nsin
1200 Sixth Avenue (O AQ-107)
77 West Jackson Boulevard (AE-17J) Seattle, WA 98101-9797
Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Indoor Air Contact - Brooke Madrone
Indoor Air Contact - Sheila Batka (206)553-2589
(312)886-6053 Fax # (206)553-0110
Fax # (312)353-8289
Page 31

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Indoor Air Quality

for Non-Industrial Settings

BWC Division of Safety and Hygiene

OVERVIEW OF IAQ TAB 2

STANDARDS & CODES TAB 3

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM TAB 4

INTRODUCTION TO HVAC TAB 5

CONTROL HIERARCHY TAB 6

HVAC SYSTEMS TAB 7

INVESTIGATION and EVALUATION of IAQ PROBLEMS TAB 8

PREVENTING IAQ PROBLEMS TAB 11

RESOLVING IAQ PROBLEMS TAB 12

BLANK FORMS TAB 14

8:30 COURSE INTRODUCTION

STANDARDS & CODES

CASE STUDY EXERCISE

Instructor for Indoor Air Quality

Instructor for Indoor Air Quality

Instructor for Indoor Air Quality

a. people spend most of their time indoors

2. Which is most likely to be a potential source of formaldehyde?

a. physical properties of the contaminant

7. Internal nose hairs are useless evolutionary structures.

11. Which of the following are characteristics of VAV* systems?

*VAV = variable air volume

a. survey forms should collect data in a consistent manner

a. there are many different types of houses/structures

17. Which can hold the greatest quantity of water vapor?

20. Air sampling is a necessary step in performing a legitimate IAQ investigation.

Machine and equipment safety:

Sample written programs:

Illness and injury statistics:

Hazard communication and chemical safety:

Other topics of interest (books, articles, magazines, videos and standards):

Directories and lists of vendors of safety equipment

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations

Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Recommendations of useful Internet sites

DSH has two libraries to serve you:

Visit our Web site at www.ohiobwc.com.

OCOSH resource center

This course will cover:

w Standards and Codes

w Upper respiratory irritation

w Headache, fatigue, inability to concentrate

distributed throughout building

u Nonverifiable, dissatisfied employees

Actual verifiable Nonverifiable

Bacteria throughout Mass psychogenic illness

IAQ Has Become An Issue

u Since 1973 tighter building

Building air quality should be

IAQ is influenced by a constantly

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

IAQ Cost / Benefit Analysis

Ways to think about the

“ ‘Sick Building’ workers get

The Cincinnati Enquirer,

Annual IAQ costs $60,000,000,000