IAQ Jeopardywith your host:
Lynda MartinIndustrial Hygienist
Spokane Public SchoolsAnd able-bodied co-host:
Todd Clouse
Head Custodian
Holmes Elementary
Ventilation
100
300
400
500
Mold
100
200
300
400
500
Asthma
100
200
300
400
500
Investigation /Testing Methods
100
200
300
400
500
CommonSources
100
200
300
400
500
200
IAQ Jeopardy
Studies show that over half the time indoor air quality problems are due to inadequate ventilation.
True or False
Ventilation 100
NIOSH Study - U.S. Dept. of Labor NIOSH Study - U.S. Dept. of Labor OSHA Technical ManualOSHA Technical Manual
Inadequate ventilation in a classroom can cause the level of what air contaminant to increase?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Levels about 700 ppm above outside levels are recommended by ASHRAE.
Ventilation
200
Ventilation 300
Ventilation 300
You respond to an IAQ complaint from this office. Determine the primary problem with this environment that may affect IAQ.
This is an old shower room that was converted into a workstation.
No supply air ventilation.
Ventilation
400
Below is an HVAC schematic of supply and return air locations in a classroom.
Discuss potential IAQ problems with this setup.
No Air
No AirNo Air
Short –Circuiting
Ventilation 500
By studying approximately 500 indoor air quality investigations, the National Institute By studying approximately 500 indoor air quality investigations, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified primary sources of indoor air for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identified primary sources of indoor air quality problems and derived percentages of occurrence. quality problems and derived percentages of occurrence. Using the available percentages to the right of the Table, correctly complete the Using the available percentages to the right of the Table, correctly complete the Table below. Table below.
IAQ problem Sources Identified by NIOSH Study
Percent or Percent or occurrenceoccurrence
Microbial contaminationMicrobial contamination
Unknown sourcesUnknown sources 13 %
Inadequate ventilationInadequate ventilation
Contamination from Contamination from inside buildinginside building
Contamination from Contamination from outside buildingoutside building
Other sourcesOther sources 4%4%
52 %
16%
10 %
5 %
Reference - U.S. Dept. Reference - U.S. Dept. of Labor (OSHA of Labor (OSHA Technical Manual)Technical Manual)
5 %
52 %
16 %
10 %
Mold growing on indoor building materials is natural and should not be investigated.
True or False
• Clean up the mold
• Fix the water problem
• Dry out the area
Mold 100
If you find mold indoors it is generally a good idea to have it tested to see what type it is.
• It’s more important to find the water source, fix it, and clean up the mold.
Mold 200
True or False
Although it can be very expensive, sampling for airborne mold is the most reliable method for determining whether you truly have a mold problem or not.
True or False
• Mold is everywhere• No government standards identifying acceptable or
hazardous levels• Different levels of sensitivities between individuals• Testing methods are not standardized
Mold 300
What two main things are needed for mold to grow?
• Water• Food (plywood, drywall, furring strips,
carpets, and carpet padding, papers) • Optimal Temperatures (70-90o F)
(Mold can grow in 32-120o F)• High humidity (above 50%)• Stagnant Air
Mold 400
Mold 500
You identify 35 Square Feet of Mold contaminated Wallboard. Review the following work practices and decide which are considered Good or Bad.
Shut down HVAC system prior to work
Workers wearing respiratory protection
Mold contaminated materials dis-infected with concentrated bleach solution
Isolation of the work area using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape
Good
Good
Good
Bad
Asthma 100
For some, Asthma is a psychological condition and is not a real health hazard.
True or False
Normal Airway Asthmatic Airway
Asthma 200
List 3 potential Asthma Triggers• Cigarette smoke• Pet dander• Mold • Dust • Various Chemicals• Perfumes, Fragrance• Pollen• And many more
Asthma 300
According to the CDC, Asthma accounts for 1 million lost days of school each year.
True or False
14 Million
Asthma 400
According to the CDC, if a child with asthma wants to play with a stuffed toy it should be washed in hot water (about 130 degrees to kill mites)
A. Every 2 WeeksB. Every 2 MonthsC. Every yearD. Never, just thrown away when soiled.
List 3 things your school can do to help control asthma triggers
Asthma 500 •Ventilate well
•Control dust
•Keep the school dry
•Don't keep pets in classrooms
•Pest Management : Prevent insects and other pests from entering
•Practice good chemical management
Is odor an indication of a hazard?
Investigation /Testing Methods 100
Not Always Carbon monoxide
Colorless and Odorless. No odor at levels that can cause death
Benzene Carcinogen at low levels;
odor is sometimes perceived as “sweet”
Hydrogen sulfide
Smells like rotten eggs at levels lower than health risk occurs
Investigation /Testing Methods200
You receive an odor complaint believed to be caused by the restroom.
What is a simple test that can be done to see if the restroom’s HVAC is functioning properly?
Are elevated CO2 levels a health hazard? YES or NO
Investigation /Testing Methods300
Goal for classroom: 1000-1200 ppmDept of L&I 8-hour exposure limit is 5000 ppm
Levels up to 10,000 parts per million can be tolerated without ill effects by healthy people.
If you receive a complaint about IAQ what are some things you
can evaluate?
• Vents are clear/ Check with EMS• Clutter in the classroom/stuffed animals• Recent water damage/stains on ceiling tiles or
walls• Unapproved chemical use• Drain traps• Air fresheners• Check the refrigerator
Investigation /Testing Methods400
Investigation /Testing Methods 500
This is the most important step in identifying a potential IAQ problem.
Visual InspectionOr
Site Visit
CommonSources 100View the image
and name this.
Dust MiteDust Mite
FACTSLive on dead skin shed from humans and pets
Beds, pillows, stuffed animals, upholstery are prime habitats for dust mites
The feces and skin shedding of the dust mites cause the allergic reaction, not the mite itself
Common Sources 200
Name three potential sources or conditions in Mr. H’s classroom that could negatively impact IAQ.
CommonSources 300
Study the photo and identify a condition that could affect IAQ
Air Intakes
CommonSources 400
Ozone generating air cleaners actually do reduce indoor particulate levels and can reduce occupant symptoms.
True or False
However, Ozone is a respiratory irritant and these types of air cleaners should not be used in occupied spaces.
NO
Can these help clean the air?
• Cover up odor by numbing our sense of smell• About 95% of these synthetic compounds are
made from petroleum products• Fragrances can trigger asthma and other
respiratory conditions due to the irritant effect
CommonSources 500
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