ASHRAE's Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is designed for architects, design engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and all other professionals concerned with IAQ. If the complaint can be resolved quickly (e.g., an annoying but harmless odor from an easily identified source) and involves a small number of people, communication can be handled in a straightforward manner without risking confusion and bad feeling among school occupants. Some states have established regulations regarding specific pollutants in schools, such as testing for radon and lead. National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory When construction or remodeling is underway, special precautions should be used to separate work areas from occupied areas. An official website of the United States government. Assuming slow air movement (less than 40 feet per minute) and 50% indoor relative humidity, the . Series of one-page information sheets on all aspects of smoking in the workplace. The first condensing surface in a wall cavity in a heating climate is typically the inner surface of the exterior sheathing. Identify pollutant sources that may affect the complaint area e.g.. Mold growth can occur when temperatures are lowered in buildings with high relative humidity. Primary focuses of this chapter are ASTM methods for indoor air sampling and analysis, emission and material testing, IAQ evaluation and exposure assessment, and the ventilation calculation methods and procedures in ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2. (December 1992) Arthur Wheeler. One common example of mold growth in cooling climates can be found in rooms where conditioned "cold" air blows against the interior surface of an exterior wall. By specifying minimum ventilation rates, ASHRAE 62.2 is a critical enabling innovation that will contribute to DOE's long-term goal of saving the nation $2.2 trillion in energy-related costs through a 50% reduction in building energy consumption. Provides comprehensive information, instructions and guidelines on designing and constructing a new building with radon-resistant features and techniques for radon mitigation that are currently being studied and applied. Mention of any trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. "Best Practices" for equipment maintenance and storage. The panel shares the combined knowledge and experience of over 100 industry professionals. Sources: Biological contaminants are, or are produced by, living things. Healthy Building Design for the Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Marketplace. After the date of the enactment of this Act, no Federal agency shall permit smoking within any indoor facility in the United States operated by such agency, directly or by contract, to provide routine or regular kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children. References from clients who have received comparable services. It is fantastic that ASHRAE is offering the IAQ Guide for free download. Often, this exhaust air is taken from areas that produce air pollutants such as: Modern schools generally use mechanical ventilation systems to introduce outdoor air during occupied periods, but some schools use only natural ventilation or exhaust fans to remove odors and contaminants. Mitigation costs at the high end of the cost range are often associated with a mitigation strategy involving the renovation of school HVAC systems. Examples of objectives for school buildings may include preserving the integrity of building structures or preventing interference with the learning environment of the students. It is possible that poor IAQ is not the actual cause of the complaints. High Performance Schools Best Practices Manual. Mailing Address: During an asthma episode, the airways in the lungs narrow, making breathing difficult. Washington, D.C. 20460. Identifies the major IAQ-related activities directed by Federal agencies, including: and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Train teachers how to minimize potential toxic emissions from the decorations and cleaning materials used in their classrooms. Undertakes investigations at request of: to identify and mitigate workplace problems. Standard 62.1 has not contained an indoor CO2 limit for almost 30 years, and no current ASHRAE standard contains an indoor CO2 limit. See Appendix H: "Mold and Moisture". (1977) Prepared by, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Current Intelligence Bulletin 45: Polychlorinated Biphenyls -- Potential Health Hazards from Electrical Equipment Fires or Failures. Schools can take simple steps to reduce exposure to diesel exhaust pollutants: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool to provide the public with clear and timely information on local air quality and whether air pollution levels pose a health concern. 703-524-8800, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Added layers of clothing reduce the rate of heat loss. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2019 -- Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality >> Purchase print or PDF ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2019 -- Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings >> Purchase print or PDF Standard 84-2020 -- Method of Testing Air-to-Air Heat/Energy Exchangers (ANSI Approved) >> Purchase print or PDF However, some actions may require specialized expertise. Mold problems can be as extensive in cooling climates as they are in heating climates. Studies indicate that students can be exposed to high levels of diesel exhaust when they are inside school buses, near idling school buses and even inside schools (due to exhaust penetration from idling buses). Most air-handling units distribute a mixture of outdoor air and recirculated indoor air. Safety considerations for people, property and the environment. Health Effects: CO is an asphyxiate. Prepared by NHLBI. For example, professional help might be necessary or desirable in the following situations: As you prepare to hire professional services for a building investigation, be aware that IAQ is a developing area of knowledge. Order an additional "outdoor air kit" since manufacturers do not include outdoor air intakes in their standard classroom models. Notices or memoranda can be posted in general use areas and delivered directly to: Newsletter articles, the school Web site, or other established communication channels can also be used to keep the school community up-to-date. The highest RH in a room is always next to the coldest surface. Clarify the responsibilities and activities of each occupant. An investigation strategy based on evaluating building performance can be used to solve a problem without necessarily identifying a particular chemical compound as the cause. The HVAC system includes all heating, cooling and ventilating equipment serving a school: Properly designed HVAC equipment in a school helps to: Not all HVAC systems accomplish all of these functions. Email: nscep@bps-lmit.com Please use the EPA Document Number, which is usually bolded or highlighted, when ordering from NSCEP. An informed media that is aware of your efforts to prevent IAQ problems and that understands the basics of IAQ in schools can be an asset instead of a liability during an IAQ crisis. Finally, planting trellis vines on the bare walls of buildings helps to keep these walls cooler by absorbing the sunlight. An Update on Formaldehyde. The ABCs of IPM: A Modular Video Training Course. (1999) Prepared by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Cincinnati, OH. Concern about IAQ stimulated reconsideration of the standard, so that its most recent version, Standard 62-2001, calls for a minimum of 15 cfm/person in classrooms. Providing safe playing areas and best possible athletic surfaces are sample objectives for school grounds. Once you identify the likely cause of the IAQ problem, or the solution is readily apparent, refer to Section 6: "Solving IAQ Problems" for potential courses of action. Areas where dust collects may accumulate biological contaminants, such as: Standards and Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: There are currently no federal government standards for biologicals in school indoor air environments. Schools can minimize exposure to animal allergens by: Cockroaches and other pests, such as rats and mice, often exist in the school setting. It is important for occupants to understand how their activities directly affect ventilation pathways and sources of pollutants in their school. Pollutants from building materials or from HVAC system itself, may build up during unoccupied periods. Costs for testing depend on the type of measurement device used, the size of the school and whether testing is performed in-house using school personnel or a measurement contractor. Upgrade filters in ventilation systems to medium efficiency when possible and change frequently. Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Training Modules 1 and 2. Stack effect exists whenever there is an indoor-outdoor temperature difference, and the effect becomes stronger as the temperature difference increases. ABCs of Asbestos in Schools. These findings frequently raise more questions than they answer. OSTI.GOV Technical Report: Status of ASHRAE standard 62. The easiest way to reduce vehicle idling emissions is to "Just turn it off!" (1990)* Prepared by U.S. EPA. Complete list of courses that are open for registration. First published in 1973as Standard 62, Standard 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates and othermeasures for new and existing buildings that are intended to provide indoor airquality that is acceptable to human occupants and that minimizes adverse healtheffects. Radiant heat transfer may cause people located near very hot or very cold surfaces to be uncomfortable even though the thermostat setting and the measured air temperature are within the comfort range. National Clean Diesel Campaign - Clean School Bus, Indoor Air Quality and Portable Classrooms, Recommendations for Schools Using Portables, California Advisory on Relocatable and Renovated Classrooms (PDF), Federal Agencies with Major Indoor Air Responsibilities for Public and Commercial Buildings, Professional and Standards Setting Organizations, Environmental/Health/Consumer Organizations, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity-Related Organizations, Organizations Offering Training on Indoor Air Quality, Other EPA Contacts and Programs of Interest, Find Information about Local Radon Zones and State Contact Information, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. Short-term exposure may cause: Control Measures: Effective technologies to reduce PM2.5 include particulate filters and catalysts that can be installed on buses. Please Note: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. Health Effects: NO2 acts mainly as an irritant affecting: Extremely high-dose exposure (as in a building fire) to NO2 may result in pulmonary edema and diffuse lung injury. Wind effects are transient, creating local areas of high pressure (on the windward side) and low pressure (on the leeward side) of buildings. Available for order from NHLBI, P.O. Preliminary findings by staff suggest the need for measurements that require specialized equipment and skills that are not available in-house. On the other hand, lingering complaints may continue after successful mitigation if people are upset over the handling of the problem. Replacing absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, if they are contaminated with mold. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62 specifies levels for ventilation rates and other indoor air quality parameters, such as formaldehyde, lead, and carbon monoxide. Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch (R-9) Clean hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry quickly and completely. 202-462-6272, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association The problem of diesel fuel gelling in cold weather has been resolved by the creation of winter blends of fuel and fuel additives that better withstand colder temperatures. Preventing Indoor Air Quality Problems in New Buildings. If mold is discovered, clean it up immediately and remove excess water or moisture. Resolving IAQ problems involves diagnosing the cause, applying practical actions that either reduce emissions from pollutant sources, remove pollutants from the air (e.g., increasing ventilation or air cleaning), or both. See the Ventilation Checklist. is leaky. (2001). Expanded and revised for 2022, both standards specify minimum ventilation rates and other measures in order to minimize adverse health effects for occupants. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present. An example of this might be the redesign of outside air-handling strategies to improve the performance of an economizer cycle. The CO2 limit was . Answers commonly asked questions about the effect of combustion appliances e.g., Fight Lead Poisoning with a Healthy Diet. Review the data for cyclic patterns of symptoms (e.g., worst during periods of minimum ventilation or when specific sources are most active) that may be related to the HVAC system or to other activities affecting IAQ in or near the school. (Third Edition, December 2003)* Prepared by U.S. EPA. ASHRAE IAQ 2013 reviews the state of knowledge on the balance between environmental health and energy efficiency in the pursuit of low-energy buildings. Remember to communicate as the final step in problem-solving although you may know that the problem has been resolved, the school community may not know, so be sure to provide a summary status report. The decision to take IAQ measurements should be approached with caution. Types of indoor air pollutants and air cleaning devices, Performance of air cleaning devices in removing indoor air pollutants, General information on the health effects of indoor air pollutants, and additional factors to consider when deciding whether to use an air cleaning devic, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.(2000). Add to Alert. If an animal is present in the school, direct exposure to the animals dander and bodily fluids is possible. The 2022 update provides procedures and methods for meeting minimum ventilation and IAQ requirements to engineers, design professionals, building owners, and jurisdictional authorities where model codes have been adopted. The features of the HVAC system in a given building will depend on: The two most common HVAC designs in schools are unit ventilators and central air-handling systems. The selection of a solution is based on the data gathered during diagnostics (Section 5: "Diagnosing IAQ Problems"). The Ventilation Directory. Teachers and administrators often obstruct proper air movement in their classrooms and offices by using ventilation units as bookshelves, unknowingly restricting the pathway for fresh air to enter the area. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants. Not allowing buses to idle, especially not near outdoor air intakes, Not placing garbage in rooms with HVAC equipment, Replacing 2-stroke lawn and garden equipment with lower emitting options (e.g., manual or electrically powered or 4-stroke), Switching to low emissions portable gasoline containers, and implementing technology upgrades to reduce emissions from school buses, and vocational/industrial areas (such as welding booths and firing kilns), Differential cost of alternative materials and supplies. The presence of a variety of pollutant sources, including: A large number of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment place an added strain on maintenance staff. The "Pro-Children Act of 1994" prohibits smoking in Head Start facilities, and in kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools that receive Federal funding from the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, or the Department of Health and Human Services (except Medicare or Medicaid). To assist schools with testing, helpful aids, such as a checklist of the testing procedure, are included in the document. Guidelines for the Assessment of Bioaerosols in the Indoor Environment. Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals. hbbd``b`.+AD V$8 1e $Z@1d= $\l,Frm Q / Source: ASHRAE Standard 62-2001, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, Introduction and distribution of adequate outdoor air; and. Maintaining the relative humidity between 30 and 60 percent will help control mold, dust mites, and cockroaches. Eliminating all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment is impractical -- the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. It is by far the most comprehensive and valuable guide to achieving good IAQ by design and construction in non-residential buildings. ASHRAE's Standards 62.1 (commercial and institutional buildings) and 62.2 (residential buildings) (ASHRAE 2019a, 2019b) intended to support acceptable IAQ have been the Poorly insulated walls can also produce a flow of naturally-convecting air, leading to complaints of draftiness. Stack effect can transport contaminants between floors by way of: The amount of outdoor air considered adequate for proper ventilation has varied substantially over time. Into other spaces through HVAC system ducts. Input from other disciplines such as: If problems other than IAQ are involved, experts in: may be helpful in resolving occupant complaints about the indoor environment. The examples given for each category are not intended to be an exhaustive list. A separate Adobe Acrobat PDF version is also available: Appendix E. Each pollutant is described or analyzed across five categories: Description: Common biological contaminants include: Many of these biological contaminants are small enough to be inhaled. (June 1996)**** Prepared by the U.S. General Accounting Office. The revised 2019 edition of the standardincludes significant changes, including: Available in print or digital formatThere's an app for that: Standard 62.1 for iPad, iPhone or iPod. Diesel exhaust can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular disease and existing asthma. A permanent solution to microbiological contamination involves cleaning and disinfection as well as moisture control to prevent regrowth. Factors such as: vary widely, so the thermal comfort requirements vary for each individual. It also has specific management strategies for 14 common pests and problem sites at schools. * Prepared by U.S. EPA. The revised 2019 edition of the standardincludes significant changes, including: Requests for Field Investigations: A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: A Reference Manual. A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that 19.3 percent of U.S. schools, nearly one in five, have at least one frequently occupied ground-contact room with short-term radon levels at or above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picocurie per Liter) -- the level at which EPA recommends mitigation. Make sure the HVAC system is operating properly, including during extreme weather. What follows are excerpts from the Act, which took effect December 26, 1994. When in doubt consult a professional, experienced remediator. If your building has a radon problem, it is unlikely that every room in your school will have an elevated radon level. In addition, request and contact references. Building codes in effect at the time of the design; Designers and school districts individual preferences; Into adjacent rooms or spaces that are under lower pressure. (Available in Spanish. 1043. Provides a full discussion of IPM concepts, policies and implementation practicalities. Compendium of Policy Documents and Statements. Particulate Matter (PM2.5): 0 - 12 ug/m3 P M2.5 are often referred to as fine dust and are tiny particles suspended in the air with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less . Published by Learning by Design, pp 17-20. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Outdoor emissions can infiltrate through windows and air intakes, resulting in student and staff exposure to pollutants and toxics. An individuals risk of developing lung cancer from radon increases with the level of radon, the duration of exposure and the individuals smoking habits. Presents information on radon to raise awareness among students, teachers and parents for potential radon problems in schools. Selecting HVAC Systems for Schools. Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings (2001)* Prepared by U.S. EPA. Even after the problem is correctly diagnosed and a proper mitigation strategy is in place, it may take days or weeks for contaminants to dissipate and symptoms to disappear. Mold can often be controlled in colder climates by increasing interior temperatures during heating periods. A Citizens Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon* Prepared by U.S. EPA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Public Health Service. However, testing all frequently occupied rooms that have contact with the ground is necessary to identify schoolrooms with elevated radon levels. See: The IAQ diagnostic process begins when a complaint is registered or an IAQ problem is discovered. (Available in Spanish. They tend to be closer to the outdoor temperature than other parts of the building surface for one or more of the following reasons: Sometimes mold growth can be reduced by removing obstructions to airflow (e.g., rearranging furniture). There is generally a time lag between the adoption of new standards by consensus organizations such as ASHRAE and the incorporation of those new standards as code requirements. EPA estimates that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 children with asthma have exacerbated asthma conditions caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. (1986) Prepared by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Office on Smoking and Health. A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers. The Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is designed for architects, design engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and all other professionals concerned with indoor air quality. As heated air escapes from upper levels, indoor air moves from lower to upper levels, and outdoor air is drawn into the lower levels to replace the air that has escaped. Developed in cooperation with the American Institute of Architects, The U.S. Green Building Council, the Builders and Owners Management Association International, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors of North America, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other stressors (e.g., lighting, noise) may be involved. Control Measures: Combustion equipment must be maintained to assure that there are no blockages and air and fuel mixtures must be properly adjusted to ensure more complete combustion. Large schools may have interior ("core") spaces in which year-round cooling is required to compensate for heat generated by occupants, office equipment and lighting, while perimeter rooms may require heating or cooling depending on outdoor conditions. Only one-third of the grass blade should be cut off at one time, and no more than one inch should be cut at one time. Indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants at concentrations that are well below the published occupational standards. These can instigate strong reactions from concerned parents and the general community. (1989) Prepared by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. See: To reduce the health risk associated with radon, EPA recommends that officials test every school for elevated radon levels. Entry of outdoor air contaminants may be intermittent or variable, occurring only when the wind blows from the direction of the pollutant source. The RH increases as the air cools and approaches saturation. 703-684-0084, Phone: 1-800-490-9198 The interior surfaces of exterior corners and behind furnishings such as chalk boards, file cabinets and desks next to outside walls are common locations for mold growth in heating climates. Provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold and moisture problems and how to prevent build-up. Asthma is a chronic disease typically characterized by inflammation of the airways. This means that all of the zones will receive 50% outdoor air and any zone with a lower primary outdoor air fraction than the critical zone will be . endstream endobj 687 0 obj <. These seminars/courses provide high-quality, authoritative and credible technical information and all content is developed through ALIs peer-review process. 301-592-8573, U.S. Department of Energy With more than 50,000 members from over 130+ nations, ASHRAE is a diverse organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Description: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless product of carbon combustion. Available from Eley Associates, 142 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Install an awning over the portables entrance to help prevent rain and snow from blowing directly into classrooms. 703-534-8300, Household & Commercial Products Association Information provides the current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented. Others lack mechanical cooling equipment, and many function with little or no humidity control. and purchasing environmentally preferable cleaning products. can trigger asthma. The Federal government does not regulate ventilation in non-industrial settings. Provides examples for high performance building design. Smoke only in rooms that are properly ventilated and exhausted to the outdoors. Those ASHRAE standards specifically deal with Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. If an IAQ Coordinator has not been appointed already, please refer to Section 2: "Role and Functions of the IAQ Coordinator," in the IAQ Coordinator's Guide. Due to varying sensitivities among school occupants, IAQ problems may affect a group of people or just one individual. However, if even simple progress reports are not given, people will think that either nothing is being done or that something terrible is happening. Appendix E: "Typical Indoor Air Pollutants" contains a list of specific air pollutants with descriptions, sources and control measures. In the past, OSHA focused primarily on industrial worksites, but most recently has broadened its efforts to address other worksite hazards. Rather, it is the result of the following fundamental elements. School employees may be able to obtain advice (in the form of training and information) from their state OSHA office on how to reduce their exposure to potential air contaminants. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, accounting for more than 14 million missed school days in 2001. Protecting Children in Schools from Pests and Pesticides. Guideline for the Commissioning of HVAC Systems. There are six basic control methods that can lower concentrations of indoor air pollutants. Over 4000 specific chemicals have been identified in the particulate and associated gases. Buildings with forced air heating systems and/or room ceiling fans tend to have fewer mold problems than buildings with less air movement.
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