IAQ Indoor Air Quality

What is poor IAQ Excessive pollutants in the air. This would be the same for a residence or work environment. The condition can be controlled by either limiting the pollutants or by dilution of pollutants.

What are pollutants Combustion Sources Deteriorated Building Materials Off gassing of new carpet and furniture Cleaning Products Maintenance Products HVAC/Humidifiers Occupant Products Outdoor Sources

Combustion Sources The combustion of oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, candles, and tobacco products. Devices: gas water heater, kerosene portable heaters, gas stove, gas dryer, etc. CO is the product of concern. CO sensor/alarm cost about $30 and plug into an outlet.

Deteriorated Building Materials Continuously wet surfaces or excessive humidity (>70%). Wet carpet, wet or actively stained ceiling tiles, wet wall bases, etc. Mold is the product of concern Report or investigate suspicious locations.

New Carpet and Furniture Off gassing of new manufactured building products. New carpet and furniture. VOC / Formaldehyde is the product of concern. Purchase low VOC / Formaldehyde containing products or air out products before placement in the space.

Cleaning Products Air fresheners, toilet cleaners, bleach, ammonia, glass cleaner, etc. Unsealed containers and/or use of highly volatile products. All chemicals are the product of concern. Use green cleaning products.

Maintenance Products Pesticides, HVAC cleaning products, parts cleaner. Unsealed containers and/or use of highly volatile products. All chemicals are the product of concern. Use green maintenance products.

Occupant Products Fine Arts, Sciences Labs, Photo Labs, etc. Chemicals, paints, powders, etc. All products that would be harmful in a small confined space are products of concern. Occupants must put on their safety hat and use common sense.

HVAC / Humidifiers Wet dirty surfaces Dehumidification during the late summer to early fall on all cooling coils. Humidifiers during the winter. Mold is the product of concern. Clean coils and UVC lights.

Outside Air and CO 2 Levels Home No automatic outside air. Elevated CO 2 levels Office (SMU) Required outside air SMU monitors return CO 2 and continually adjusts the amount of outside air.

IAQ Complaint Home Owner must investigate or pay a professional to investigate. Office (SMU) All complaints are investigated by certified IAQ personnel. SMU has five.

Pets and Smoke Home Depends on the home owner. Office (SMU) Not possible, SMU is smoke free and pets are not allowed.

Filtration Home Poor to good. Usually MERV 4. Office (SMU) Good to excellent. MERV 8 in most locations.

Chemicals Home Depends on the home owner. Office (SMU) Cleaning chemicals – Housekeeping. Office Chemicals and New Furniture – Purchasing Pesticides – Exterminator New Carpet – CaPaLs Department Chemicals - Occupant

Mold Can grow everywhere For mold to to active, the following conditions are necessary: –Mold Spores (everywhere) –Temperature (40 o F – 120 o F) –Food (most all building materials) –Moisture (even humidity above 70%)

What can be done Get educated on the subject. The EPE has excellent information. When dealing with pollutants, use common sense. Keep them sealed. The HVAC system has a small probability of being the cause of poor IAQ, but almost always assists in spreading pollutants while trying to dilute them.