INDOOR AIR QUALITY

OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENTLOSS PREVENTION UNIT

PRE-TEST

• Name some building locations where mold can be seen.

• Smoke poses no Indoor Air Quality problem.

T / F

PRE-TEST

Ventilation systems can control and/or cause IAQ problems.

T / F

GOALS

• Understanding/Reducing Mold Growth

• Minimize/Prevent Mold & Poor Indoor Air Quality

• Education in Prevention & Recurrence

OBJECTIVES

• Educate State agencies on Indoor Air Quality Issues

• Provide control methods

• Assist in addressing issues

INTRODUCTION

Keeping your workplace healthy is good business for employees

&

CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY&

CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

MOLDCauses & Routes of Exposure

ASBESTOSLocation & Health Hazards

MOLD

Definition: Organic substance that requires oxygen & water to grow.

Mold breaks down plant matter by digesting for food.

WITHOUT MOLD:

• We would be struggling w/large amounts of dead plant matter.

• We would not have penicillin

MOLD cont.

• All mold spores cannot, practically, be eliminated indoors

• Can be managed by controlling indoor moisture

MOLD cont.

Growth Factors:1. Moisture

2. ALL Surfaces

3. Temperature

MOLD cont.

1. Moisture:

– Leaks in pipes, roof, windows, etc.

– HVAC systems

MOLD cont.

2. Any Surfaces:Mold can exist on any surface!!!

Examples include• Wood• Paper• Carpet• Food• Plastic• Rock

MOLD cont.

3. Temperature:

• Decreased temperature--air holds less moisture; promotes condensation

• Increased temperature--air retains more moisture; promotes humidity

MOLD cont. ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

Sources that allow mold indoors:- Ventilation Systems- Papers & Books- Leaks

• Attics• Behind Walls• Ceilings• Under Carpeting• Behind Furnishings

MOLD--ROUTES OF EXPOSURE cont.

Routes of Indoor Exposure

MOLD

Preventing/Reducing Mold Growth:

1. Find/repair internal leaks ASAP

2. Watch for condensation & wet spots

3. Prevent moisture/ condensation - Increase temperature or reduce humidity (below 60%)

4. Roof/window inspections–repair leaks ASAP

MOLD Preventing/Reducing Mold Growth cont.

5. Regular building/HVAC

inspections & maintenance

6. Keep heating & HVAC drip

pans clean & flowing properly

7. Don’t let foundations stay wet

– provide drainage

If you only remember one thing:

NEVER IGNORE A COMPLAINT--

DO SOMETHING!

ASBESTOS

ASBESTOS

• Mineral fiber used in construction of insulation AND as a fire retardant

• Found in:

– Older buildings

– Pipe & furnace insulation

– Millboard

– Floor tiles

ASBESTOS cont.

DANGEROUS ASBESTOS FIBERS ARE TOO SMALL TO BE VISIBLE

If inhaled, can remain, accumulate in lungs & can cause:

Lung cancer

Mesothelioma

Asbestosis

ASBESTOS cont.• Do not cut, rip, or sand asbestos-containing

materials

• Inspect for damage or deterioration

• Repair or removal should be done by a professional

• Suspect asbestos, have professional check

POSSIBLE ASBESTOS/LEAD EXPOSURE

Identify aspects of projects:

• Redecorating, renovation, remodeling

• Relocation of personnel or functions

• New construction

ASBESTOS cont.

If you suspect presence of asbestos:

DO NOT DISTURB!!!!

ASTHMA

ASTHMA

Indoor environmental asthma may be triggered by:

- Secondhand smoke

- Dust Mites

- Mold

ASTHMA cont.

Environmental factors that stimulate asthmatic conditions:

• Air we breathe

• Surfaces we touch

INDOOR AIR QUALITY• IAQ Standards

• Good Indoor Air Quality

• Poor Indoor Air Quality

• Resolving/Correcting

IAQ STANDARDS

• Climate controlled environments can improve indoor air quality

GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)

• Introduce/distribute adequate air ventilation

• Control airborne contaminants

• Maintain acceptable temperature and relative humidity

VENTILATION

• HVAC systems typically mix outside air with recirculated indoor air.

• To conserve heat and a/c, offices typically use a mix of about 20% fresh and about 80% recirculated air.

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Indoor Sources of Poor IAQ:• Disturbances of asbestos and/or lead, and

formaldehyde (in pressed wood products)

• Carpet

• Copy machines

• Dirty ventilation systems

• Water-damaged walls

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY--Indoor Sources of

Poor IAQ (cont.)

Ventilation Systems:

• Poorly designed, operated or maintained

• Not being used to conserve energy

• Spreading contaminants through building

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY--Indoor Sources of

Poor IAQ (cont.)

Use of Building:

Portions used for specialized purposes

- Restaurants

- Print Shops

- Dry Cleaning

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY cont.

• Neglect of Maintenance

-Basic custodial duties

-Reports of Hazards

-Basic maintenance duties

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

EQUIPMENT -HVAC• Dust/dirt in ductwork

• Microbiological growth

• Improper use of cleaning compounds

• Improper venting

• Refrigerant leakage

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

External Sources :

– Pollen, dust, fungal spores

– Industrial pollutants

– General vehicular contamination

• vehicle exhaust

• fumes and gases

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY External Sources (cont.)

• Emissions from nearby sources:– Dumpsters

– Parking areas or garages

– Loading docks

– Roads

RESOLVING, CORRECTING, &

REMEDIATION

RESOLVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS

HVAC UNIT HVAC UNIT

PATHWAYS DUCTWORK PATHWAYS DUCTWORK

OCCUPANTS OCCUPANTS

SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS

Resolving Air Quality Problems

HVAC System Operation & Maintenance• Operate system in manner consistent w/design• Maintenance & inspections on regular basis

Record Keeping• All HVAC problems & routine maintenance &

inspections• Document complaints & remedies

Resolving Air Quality Problems

Pollution Control• Identify sources• Implement removal and/or remedy

Occupant Activities• Eliminate activities that restrict air movement

Building Maintenance Activities• Increase # of air exchanges per hr/per day based on

daily operation.

Resolving Air Quality Problems

Ventilation Standards & Codes• Keep abreast of revisions to standards & building

codes

Energy Conservation• Re-examine practices w/regard to IAQ, employee

health, & productivity costs

OCCUPANTS

Employees, clients, visitors

– Groups possibly more susceptible:

• Allergic or asthmatic individuals

• Individuals with respiratory disease

• Individuals w/suppressed immune systems

WHAT ALL EMPLOYEES CAN DO TO PROVIDE GOOD IAQ

• Do not block air vents or grilles

• Comply with no smoking policy

• Clean up water spills promptly

• Report water leaks immediately

• Store & dispose of food properly

WHAT MANAGEMENT CAN DO TO PROVIDE GOOD IAQ

1. Maintain good working relationship w/Maintenance Dept.

2. Ensure allocation of funds for repair/maintenance

3. Coordinate design, operation & maintenance of HVAC

WHAT MANAGEMENT CAN DO TO PROVIDE GOOD IAQ

4. Integrate IAQ concerns intoPurchasing Policies

5. Work w/contractors & maintenance BEFORE remodeling and/or renovations

6. Support employee concerns

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?

MOST IMPORTANTLY

DO NOT IGNORE A REPORTED COMPLAINT – EVEREVER

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?

4 steps to Combating Poor Indoor Air Quality:

– Solve water problem

– Get suspected area tested

– Vacate people near area suspected

– Get professional remediation help

WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?

If has not been corrected within 30 days,

Report to the Office of Risk Management

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

• CHECK- Company/individual’s experience

- Knowledge of local codes and regional climate conditions

REMEMBER:

• A perceived hazard can create as many problems (with employees) as a real hazard

• Report all suspicions of possible mold and/or asbestos

QUESTIONS

POST-TEST

• Mold can be managed through controlling ________________

• Name some sources of Indoor Mold Exposure.

POST-TEST

• New furniture or carpeting can give off irritating gases. T / F

• Name some office equipment that can contribute to poor IAQ.

POST-TEST

• Which of the following are some preventative measures for mold growth:– Watch for condensation & wet spots– Roof inspections– Keep HVAC & heating drip pans clean

& flowing properly– None of the above– All of the above

POST-TEST

• IAQ is solely management’s responsibility. T / F

• It is OK to ignore IAQ complaints. T / F

POST-TEST

• Circle all of the applicable methods to combat mold:

– Solve water problem

– Get mold tested

– Remediation

– Burn building

POST-TEST

• If carpet is wet due to a leak, you can let it dry for 72 hrs. & then determine if more action is needed. T / F