INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Introduction
Causative agent
Source
Effect
Control method
Legislation
 INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term referring to the air
quality within and around buildings and structures,
especially as it relates to the health and comfort of
building occupants

The National Health and Medical Research Council

(NHMRC- Australia) defines indoor air as air within a
building occupied for at least one hour by people of
varying states of health. This can include the office,
classroom, transport facility, shopping centre, hospital
and home.

Indoor air quality can be defined as the totality of

attributes of indoor air that affect a person's health and
well being
 EPA studies reveal that levels of indoor air
pollutants may be 2 to 5 times, and
occasionally more than 100 times, higher
than outdoor levels.

Most people spend over 90% of their time

indoors.
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
TYPES OF INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANT

1. COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
2. VOLATILE CHEMICALS & MIXTURES
3. RESPIRABLE PARTICULATES
4. RESPIRATORY PRODUCTS
5. BIOLOGICS & BIOAEROSOLS
6. RADIONUCLIDES
7. ODORS
CAUSATIVE AGENTS AND SOURCES
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
Causative agents Sources
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) KEROSENE
HEATERS
OXIDES OF NITROGEN
(NOX) LOADING DOCKS
OXIDES OF SULFUR (SOX) WOOD
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) STOVES/UNVENTED
GAS STOVES
POLYAROMATIC

HYDROCARBONS (PAH) NEARBY TRAFFIC

TOBACCO SMOKE
COMPONENTS
CAUSATIVE AGENTS AND SOURCES
VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS and
Mixture
Causative agents Sources
ADHESIVES &
ALCOHOLS - CAULKING
ISOPROPANOL COMPOUNDS
ALDEHYDES - CARPETING &
DRAPERY
FORMALDEHYDE
PARTICLE BOARD
ALIPHATICS -
FLOOR& WALL
CYCLOHEXANE COVERINGS
AROMATIC
PAINTS,
VARNISHES
HYDROCARBONS AND STAINS
ESTERS - ETHYL UPHOLSTERY
CAUSATIVE AGENTS AND SOURCES
RESPIRABLE PARTICULATES
Causative agents Sources
ASBESTOS ENVIRONMENTAL
TOBACCO SMOKE
CHRYSOTILE (ETS)
AMOSITE
CROCIDOLITE CONSTRUCTION
DEBRIS
FIBERGLASS
INORGANIC DUSTS OUTDOOR AIR
(MINERAL)
PLANTS & PLANT
METALLIC DUSTS
PARTS
LEAD
ORGANIC DUSTS PRODUCTION
PAPER DUSTS PROCESSES
POLLEN
CAUSATIVE AGENTS AND SOURCES
RESPIRATORY PRODUCTS

Causative agents Sources

WATER VAPOR PEOPLE

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) PLANTS

ETIOLOGICAL AGENTS

TOBACCOSMOKE
COMPONENTS
CAUSATIVE AGENTS AND SOURCES
BIOLOGICS & BIOAEROSOLS

Causative agents Sources

MOLDS & FUNGI HVAC SYSTEMS
(heating, ventilation and air
BACTERIA conditioning)
COOLING TOWERS
PROTOZOA
HUMANS/ANIMALS
VIRUSES
STAGNANT WATER
RESERVOIRS
HUMIDIFIERS
CAUSATIVE AGENTS AND SOURCES

RADIONUCLIDES
Causative agents Sources
RADON SOIL
WATER
RADON PROGENY
(DAUGHTERS) BUILDING MATERIALS
NATURAL GAS
Geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca
CAUSATIVE AGENTS

ODORS
ODORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY INDOOR AIR
CONTAMINANT TYPE
INDEPENDENTLY
IN COMBINATION
SOURCES

PARTICULATE PHASE OF
CIGARETTE SMOKE
4-AMINOBIPHENYL NICKEL
ANATABINE NICOTINE
ANILINE PHENOL
BENZ[A]ANTHRACENE POLONIUM-210
BENZ[A]PYRENE QUINOLINE
BENZOIC ACID SUCCINIC ACID
BUTYROLACTONE 2-TOLUIDINE
NITROSODIETHANOLAMINE CADMIUM
SOURCES
VAPOR PHASE OF
CIGARETTE SMOKE
HYDROGEN CYANIDE ACETALDEHYDE
ACETONE ACROLEIN
1,3-BUTADIENE BENZENE
CARBON MONOXIDE FORMALDEHYDE
DIMETHYLAMINE HYDRAZINE
CARBONYL SULFIDE ETHANE
METHYL CHLORIDE PYRIDINE
AMMONIA FORMIC ACID
HEALTH EFFECTS
Sick building syndrome (SBS)
Condition associated with complaints of
discomfort due to indoor air pollution

Symptoms including headache;

nausea; dizziness; dermatitis; eye,
nose, throat, and respiratory irritation;
coughing; difficulty concentrating;
sensitivity to odors; muscle pain; and
fatigue.
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

The specific causes of the symptoms are

often not known but sometimes are
attributed to the effects of a combination of
substances or individual susceptibility to
low concentrations of contaminants.
The symptoms are associated with periods
of occupancy and often disappear after the
worker leaves the worksite.
CAUSE OF SBS
Inadequate ventilation 52%
Contamination from inside building
16%
Contamination from outside building
10%
Microbial contamination 5%
Contamination from building
fabric 4%
Unknown sources 13%1
SOURCES OF INDOOR POLLUTANTS

Base on Specific Building

Combustion activity
Furniture
Chemical
Building materials
Food
Water
Smoking activity
Outdoor air pollution
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON
PEOPLE
Respiratory diseases
Asthma
Lung cancer
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Premature death
EFFECT OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION

Silicosis - Silicosis is a form of

pneumoconiosis caused by the dust of quartz
and other silicates. The condition of the lungs
is marked by nodular fibrosis (scarring of the
lung tissue), resulting in shortness of breath.
Silicosis is an irreversible disease; advanced
stages are progressive even if the individual
is removed from the exposure.
 Black Lung - Black lung is a form of
pneumoconiosis in which respirable coal dust
particles accumulate in the lungs and darken
the tissue. This disease is progressive.
Although this disease is commonly known as
black lung, its official name is coal worker's
pneumoconiosis (CWP).
 Asbestosis - Asbestosis is a form of
pneumoconiosis caused by asbestos fibers.
This disease is also irreversible.
MONITORING FOR IAQ ISSUES

Chemical Hazards
Do Not Use Odor as an Indicator of Hazard
Certain Individuals May Be More Susceptible to
Certain Chemicals
All Chemicals Do Not Have a Permissible
Exposure Limit
RADON SUB-SLAB MITIGATION
A. Permeable gravel layer
B. Plastic
C. Seal air infiltration
D. Vent stack (labeled)
E. Junction boxes for
continuous fan
Test after occupancy;
install blower if needed

27
RADON TESTING
Use state or national-certified kits
Test radon levels in lowest habitable rooms
Follow directions on kit carefully
For levels near 4 picocuries/liter, get professional
testing
If levels are well over 4 picocuries/liter, ventilate
home and consider relocation during remediation

28
RADON MITIGATION BLOWERS

Test for radon

after occupancy
If levels exceed 4
picocuries per
liter, install
continuous blower

29
RADON MITIGATION WITH BLOWER
Basement location pipe
must be well sealed to roof
Blue alcohol manometer
indicates if blower is
working

30
CARBON MONOXIDE
A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from
incomplete combustion of fuels

Household sources: furnaces, gas heaters, motor

vehicles

Most signs and symptoms of CO exposure are

nonspecific (headache or nausea); can be mistaken as
viral illnesses

Undetected or unsuspected CO exposure can result in

death

31
CARBON MONOXIDE

Eliminate combustion appliances, especially

vent-less systems
Use only direct vent isolated air combustion
appliances
Use carbon monoxide monitor and alarm
Test each combustion appliance (gas water
heater, gas furnace, gas range and oven, gas
space heater)

32
HEALTH EFFECTS OF CO LEVELS
Maximum level ASHRAE recommends in an occupied
building is 9 parts per million (ppm)
CO Level (ppm) Symptom
100 Nothing proven
200 Headache, tiredness, dizziness
400 Headaches, life threatening after three
hours

800 Convulsions within 45 minutes, death

within 2-3 hours

1,600 Death within one hour

3,200 Death within one-half hour

33
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC)
Organic compounds (contain carbon and
hydrogen) that vaporize (become a gas) at room
temperature
Examples: adhesives, manufactured woods that
release formaldehyde, carpet, cleaning products
Seal cabinets to prevent off-gassing
In laminated wood, prefer exterior glues to
interior glues
Can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations and
some types can cause cancer

34
VOC EXAMPLES
Rhinitis (nasal membrane inflammation): laser printers,
diesel exhaust
Headaches, panic attacks, and kidney problems:
solvents
Heart arrhythmias: aerosol propellants
Balance and memory difficulties connected to
formaldehyde exposure; asthma to carbonless copy
paper, perfume, and tobacco smoke; and connective
tissue diseases to some fuels, vinyl chloride, and hair
dye

35
FORMALDEHYDE IMPACTS

Formula CH2O
Irritation of eyes nose and
throat
Respiratory problems, lungs
Menstrual disorders and
pregnancy problems
Cancer (long term exposure)

36
HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS

Cleaning products, degreasers,

solvents, paints and finishes
Most made of petrochemicals
Vapor is sometimes toxic
Very dangerous if swallowed
Keep locked up away from children

37
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

Use natural building methods and

materials
Use organic cleaners or steam cleaners
for home and office
Increase other peoples knowledge
Look for products labeled (and certified) as
no VOC or low VOC
PAINT AND SEALANT OPTIONS

Natural paints and finishes made from

ingredients such as water, plant oils and
resins, plant dyes and essential oils, clay,
chalk, talcum, milk casein, natural latex,
bees' wax, earth and mineral dyes
Low VOC

Zero or No VOC

39
LOW VOC FINISHES

Low VOC paints, stains and varnishes use water

as a carrier instead of petroleum-based
solvents.
They have no, or very low levels of heavy
metals and formaldehyde. Lead Mercury- Titanium
To meet EPA standards:
Paints and stains must not contain over 200 grams
of VOC per liter.
Varnishes must not contain over 300 grams per
liter

40
LOW VOC FINISHES

As a general rule, low VOC paints, marketed

by reputable paint manufacturers, usually
meet a 50 g/L VOC threshold.
Paints with the Green Seal Standard (GS-11)
mark are certified lower than 50 g/L (for flat
sheen) or 150 g/L (for non-flat sheen).
Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC
level up to 10 grams/liter, still quite low.

41
ISSUES WITH CARPETING

Regular carpet
ingredients
dyes
pesticides
biocides
chemicals
odors

42
CHEMICALS IN CARPETING

Ethylbenzene - eye irritation

Acetonitrile - respiratory discomfort

Toluene - cough

Benzene - dizziness

Azulene - headaches

43
MORE CHEMICALS
Indene - rash, Dimethyl - sexual
itching dysfunction
Oxarium - muscular
Methylnaphthalene
aches - hair loss, weight
Styrene - unusual
loss or gain
depression
Polyacrylates -
Tetradecene -
respiratory tract abdominal pain
irritation

44
MINERAL ASBESTOS

Pancaketom/Dreamstime
 ASBESTOS
Chrysotile Chrysotile

Amosite

Crocidolite

www.enviraz.co.uk
Robert Grieshaber
 ASBESTOS
Ship insulation

Attic insulation Lamp wicks

Mine www.technicaon-asbestos.co.uk

Fire blanket Home insulation

Pipe insulation

Brake pads

Roofing products
oraclesolutionsltd.co.uk Locomotive insulation
 HEALTH EFFECTS OF ASBESTOS
Lung cancer: 4800 deaths/yr US
Mesothelioma: 2500/yr Cancer of mesothelial membrane lining lungs
Asbestosis: 1400/yr US: Slow, debilitating lung disease
Gastro-intestinal cancer: 1200 deaths/yr

Reports.ewg.org
 LIBBY, MONTANA
Vermiculite mine, which produced 80% of the worlds vermiculite, opened
in 1918. W.R. Grace Co. owned the mine from 1963-1990, during which
192 deaths and 375 lung injuries due asbestos were reported.

Closed Libby vermiculite facility Libby contaminated soil covered

www.bitsofnews.com www.home-air-purifier-expert.com
ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE
Mainstream smoke
Exhaled smoke

Sidestream smoke
Emitted from burning cigarette

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) = second-hand

smoke
Combination of mainstream and sidestream smoke.
Contains more than 4000 particle components and
gases, over 50 of which are known carcinogens. ETS
may cause 17% of lung cancers of nonsmokers.

Concentrations
One pack of cigarettes 20 mg m-3 of particles in room
over 24 hours. Near smoker, concentrations 500-1000
-3
MAINSTREAM/SIDESTREAM SMOKE

R. Kneschke/Henrischmit/Dreamstime
 COMPARISON OF CIGARETTE WITH
AUTOMOBILE EMISSIONS
CO NOx Particles
Avg. cigarette emission (g/cigarette) 0.0464 0.0021 0.058

Avg. automobile emission (g/mi) 4.2 0.07 0.01

Number of cigarettes resulting in same

emission as driving one mile 90.5 33.3 0.17

Est. U.S. cigarette emiss. (tonnes/day) 61 2.7 76

Est. mobile-source emiss. (tonnes/day) 193,000 40,600 12,200

Table 9.3
INDOOR COOKSTOVE

Kacpura/Dreamstime
INDOOR WORKPLACE STANDARDS

www.ipmsafety.com
 INDOOR WORKPLACE STANDARDS
NAAQS apply to outdoor pollution only in the U.S.

No regulations control air pollution in indoor residences.

Standards for indoor workplaces set by Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA).

Recommendations for standards made by National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health (NIOSH) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH).

Permissible exposure limits (PELs) - set by NIOSH

Maximum allowable indoor workplace concentration over 8-h day

Time-weighted average threshold limit value (TWA-TLV)

Similar to PELs, but set by ACGIH
 COMPARISON OF INDOOR WITH OUTDOOR
STANDARDS
Indoor 8-h Outdoor
PEL and Outdoor California
TWA-TLV NAAQS Standard
Gas (ppmv) (ppmv) (ppmv)

Carbon monoxide 35 9.0 (8-h) 9 (8-h)

Nitrogen dioxide 1 (15-m) 0.053 (annual) 0.18 (1-h)

Ozone 0.1 0.075 (8-h) 0.07 (8-h)

Outdoor standards tougher to protect entire population.

Outdoor standards for NO2(g) tougher since ozone forms outdoors, but not
indoors, from NO2(g).

Table 9.4
Control Methodologies
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
PREVENTING IAQ PROBLEMS

SOURCES OUTSIDE THE BUILDING

EQUIPMENT
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
BUILDING COMPONENTS & FURNISHINGS
OTHER SOURCES
VENTILATION TO MEET OCCUPANT NEEDS
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
SOURCES OUTSIDE THE BUILDING
CONTAMINATED OUTDOOR AIR
POLLEN, DUST, FUNGI
INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTS
GENERAL VEHICLE EXHAUST
EMISSIONS FROM NEARBY SOURCES
PARKING LOTS/GARAGES
LOADING DOCKS/DUMPSTERS
RE-ENTRAINED BUILDING EXHAUST
LOCATION OF SUPPLY INTAKES
SOIL GAS
RADON
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (LEAKING)
LANDFILL
PESTICIDE APPLICATION
STANDING WATER
ROOFTOPS
CRAWLSPACES
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
EQUIPMENT
HVAC SYSTEM
DUST/DIRT/GROWTH IN DUCTS
GROWTH IN DRIP PANS
IMPROPER USE OF BIOCIDES
IMPROPER VENTING
NON-HVAC EQUIPMENT
EMISSIONS FROM OFFICE
EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIES (SOLVENTS, TONERS,
ETC.)
EMISSIONS FROM LABS, CLEANING
OTHER MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
PERSONAL ACTIVIITES
SMOKING
COOKING
PERSONAL HYGIENE (BODY ODORS)
COSMETIC ODORS
HOUSEKEEPING ACTIVIITES
CLEANING MATERIALS
CLEANING PROCEDURES
STORED SUPPLIES & TRASH
DEODORIZERS & FRAGRANCES
MAINTENANCE ACTIVIITES
COOLING TOWERS
PAINTS, CAULKS, ETC.
PEST CONTROL
STORED SUPPLIES
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES

BUILDING COMPONENTS & FURNISHINGS

LOCATIONS THAT COLLECT DUST

DAMAGED MATERIALS
UNSANITARY CONDITIONS
WATER DAMAGE
DRY TRAPS - SEWER GAS
CHEMICAL RELEASE OR OFF-GASING
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
OTHER SOURCES
ACCIDENTAL EVENTS
SPILLS
FLOODING
FIRE DAMAGE (PCBS)
SPECIAL USE AREAS
SMOKING LOUNGES
LABORATORIES
PRINT SHOPS
ART ROOMS - GRAPHIC DESIGN
EXERCISE ROOMS
BEAUTY SALONS
FOOD PREPARATION AREAS
REDECORATING/REMODELING/REPAIR
NEW FURNISHINGS
DUST & FIBERS FROM DEMOLITION
ODORS & VOCS (PAINT, ETC.)
MICROBIOLOGICALS FROM DEMOLITION
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
VENTILATION TO MEET OCCUPANT
NEEDS
ASHRAE STANDARDS (ASHRAE 62-
1989)
TEMPERATURE
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MINIMUM OUTDOOR AIR REQUIREMENTS
CO2 LEVELS BELOW 1000 PPM
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
MODIFY VENTILATION SYSTEM
MODIFY PRESSURE RELATIONSHIPS
FILTERS
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
PRECIPITATORS
ION GENERATORS
CONTROL METHODOLOGIES
OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS
POPULATION DENSITY
LIGHTING
NOISE
ERGONOMICS
MANAGEMENT STYLES
MONITORED WORK
STATIONS
RE-ENTRY CRITERIA
NO NEWS IS GOOD
NEWS
 CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION

Industrial Activities
Scrubbers

Precipitators

Filters

Sulfur Removal
Switchto low-sulfur fuel.
Remove sulfur from fuel before use.

Scrubbing gases emitted from smokestack.

SO WHAT IS IN YOUR CARS EXHAUST?
CO
CO2

NOx

VOCs

PM

And can lead to formation of secondary

pollutants
EMISSION REDUCTION
REDUCING MOTOR VEHICLE AIR
POLLUTION
REDUCING INDOOR
AIR POLLUTION
LEGISLATION
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH POINT OF
VIEW
Total Dust
Total dust includes all airborne particles, regardless of
their size or composition.
Inhalable Dust
The EPA describes inhalable dust as that size fraction
of dust which enters the body, but is trapped in the
nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. The median
aerodynamic diameter of this dust is about 10 m.
Respirable Dust
Respirable dust refers to those dust particles that are
small enough to penetrate the nose and upper
respiratory system and deep into the lungs.
OTHER OSHA DEFINITION

Inhalable Particulate Mass

Dust particles having a 50% cut-point of 100 m. These dust
particles are hazardous when deposited anywhere in the
respiratory tract.

Thoracic Particulate Mass

Dust particles having a 50% cut-point of 10 m. These dust
particles are hazardous when deposited anywhere in the lung
airways and gas-exchange regions.

Respirable Particulate Mass

Dust particles having a 50% cut-point of 4 m. These dust
particles are hazardous when deposited anywhere in the gas-
exchange regions.
GUIDELINE

Base on Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality

(DOSH 2005)

Indoor Air Eight-hour time weighted average airborne

Contaminant concentration
Unit ppm mg/m3
Carbon dioxide 1000
Carbon monoxide 10
Formaldehyde 0.1
Respirable particulate 0.15
Total Volatile organic 3
compounds
OSHA (USA) LIMIT FOR AIR
CONTAMINANTS

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp
.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&
p_id=9992

Total dust...........| | ........ | 15 mg/m3|

Respirable
Further explanation byFraction..| | ........ | 5 mg/m3 |
Young, J. M. (2008).
Journal of Air Quality Atmosphere and Health.
 Parameter Air Quality Standard Organization
Carbon Monoxide 35 ppm / 40,000 gm-3/ as 1 hour average EPA NPAAQS
9 ppm / 10,000 gm-3/ as 8 hour average SIAQG
Carbon Dioxide Ventilation rate/air exchange rate to ASHRAE
achieve carbon dioxide level below 1,000 SIAQG
ppm / 1800mg m-3
Total Volatile Organic 4 ppm / 5mgm-3/ for total VOCs AIHA
Compounds 3 ppm SIAQG
Ozone 0.12 ppm / 5gm-3/ as 1 hour average EPA
NPAAQS
0.05 ppm / 100 gm-3/ as 8 hour average WHO
ASHRAE
SIAQG
Respirable Suspended 150 gm-3 as 24 hour average EPA
Particulates 50 gm-3 as annual mean NPAAQS
0.15 mgm-3 as 24 hour average SIAQG
 Parameter Air Quality Standard Organization
Formaldehyde 1 ppm OSHA
0.4 ppm for indoor exposure ASHRAE
0.1 ppm / 120gm-3 SIAQG
Temperature 22C - 24C ASHRAE
22.5C - 25.5C SIAQG
Relative Humidity 40% - 60% ASHRAE
70% SIAQG
Bacteria 500 CFU/ as a maximum value WHO
AIHA
SIAQG
Air Movement 0.25m/s WHO
SIAQG
 CLEAN AIR ACT
(1967, 1970, 1977, 1990)
Series of detailed control requirements the federal
government implements and states administer.
All sources subject to ambient air quality regulation.
New sources subject to more stringent controls.
Visibility reducing emissions regulated.
Since passage, EPA reports air pollution cut by 1/3
and acid rain cut by 25%.
EPA estimates benefits to human and
environmental health outweigh costs 40:1.
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
NAAQS established for six pollutants:
Sulfur Dioxide
Nitrogen Oxides
Particulate Matter
Carbon Monoxide
Ozone
Lead
Experts say two other important pollutants
should be listed:
Volatile Organic Compounds
Carbon Dioxide
SINGAPORE

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/data/cmsresource/20090618385702933220.pdf
HONG KONG

Lee, S. C., 2002

Table 1: IAQ Objectives for Office Buildings and Public Places

a
8-hour average
Parameter Unit Excellent Class Good Class
b b
Room 20 to < 25.5 < 25.5
Temperature C
c
Relative Humidity 40 to < 70 < 70
%
Air movement m/s < 0.2 < 0.3
d e
Carbon Dioxide < 800 < 1,000
(CO2) ppmv
Carbon Monoxide g/m3 < 2,000 f < 10,000 g
(CO) ppmv < 1.7 < 8.7
f h
Respirable g/m3 < 20 < 180
Suspended 8 hrs!
Particulates
(PM10)
g h
Nitrogen Dioxide g/m3 < 40 < 150
(NO2) ppbv < 21 < 80
f g
g/m3 < 50 < 120
Ozone (O3) ppbv < 25 < 61
f f, g
Formaldehyde g/m3 < 30 < 100
(HCHO) ppbv < 24 < 81
f f
Total Volatile < 200 < 600
Organic g/m3
Compounds < 87 < 261
(TVOC) ppbv
i f
Radon (Rn) Bq/m3 < 150 < 200
j, k j, k
Airborne Bacteria < 500 < 1,000
cfu/m3

http://www.iaq.gov.hk http://www.iaq.gov.hk/tables.html
HIGH PRIORITY "WORST IN CLASS" CHEMICALS

Persistent Bioaccumalitive Toxics (PBTs):

pvc, paints, finishes, etc.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):

subset of PBTs
Dioxins, furans and PCBs are the prime POPs connected
with building materials.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

formaldehyde

86
HIGH PRIORITY "WORST IN CLASS" CHEMICALS
CONT. 1) Chlorinated building materials:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) often referred to as
vinyl"
pipes and conduit
water proofing
siding
roof membranes
door and window frames
resilient flooring
carpet backing
wall covering
signage
window treatments
furniture
wire
cable sheathing

87
HIGH PRIORITY "WORST IN CLASS" CHEMICALS
CONT.
Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)
Geomembranes
wire and cable jacketing
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
water pipes
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE)
roof membranes
electrical connectors
sheet membrane for pond liners
Polychloroprene (CR or chloroprene rubber, also brand name Neoprene)
Geomembranes
weather stripping
expansion joint filler
water seals
other gaskets and adhesives

88
HIGH PRIORITY "WORST IN CLASS" CHEMICALS
CONT.
2) PBT based material treatments
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs),
particularly PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl
ether)
Furniture foam and fabrics
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) (most notably
PFOA)
Furniture & dividers - stain and non-stick
treatments, including Scotchguard, Teflon,
Stainmaster, Scotchban, and Zonyl

89
HIGH PRIORITY "WORST IN CLASS" CHEMICALS
CONT.

3) Heavy metal additives and components.

Heavy metals are inherently persistent and
often bio-accumulative, including:
Mercury
thermostats
thermometers
switches
fluorescent lamps

90
HIGH PRIORITY "WORST IN CLASS" CHEMICALS
CONT.
Lead
flashing
terne, copper and other roof products
solder
wire insulation jacketing (most PVC wiring
but apparently you can now buy even PVC
wire without lead)
Cadmium
Paint (use GreenSeal paints to avoid)
Some PVC products (as a stabilizer)

91
WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE?
Untreated chemical-free wool
carpets
no pesticides
no dyes
no biocides
Green Label carpeting
Carpet and Rug Institute program
Green Label Plus carpeting

92
GREEN LABEL CARPETING
Carpets are tested by an independent, certified
laboratory and meet stringent criteria for low
chemical emissions.
Green Label Plus is designed for architects,
builders, specifiers and facility managers who want
assurances that carpet and adhesive products
meet the most stringent criteria for low chemical
emissions.
Green Label Plus represents the fourth time the
carpet industry has voluntarily enhanced the IAQ
standard for its products.
http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/green-label-plus/index.cfm

93
AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVES
Criteria for GreenSure Designation (Sherwin-
Williams)
Products that offer maximum performance and long-term
durability
Have the highest indoor air quality ratings for low VOC
and low odor
Meet or exceed the GS-11 criteria for coatings used in
LEED-certified buildings (LEED certification means that
certain "green building" standards are met, such as
energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality)

94
THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION ORGANIZATIONS

95
GREEN BUILDING MATERIAL RESOURCES

96
ACTIVITY

Describe
causative agent
Effect on health

Control method
 March 2009 UCOP Safety Meeting

INTRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS &

CONTAMINANTS INTO THE BUILDING
Building Remodeling - Adhesives, Paints
Select Low Volatile/Low Toxicity Products
Schedule Work on Weekends/After Hours

Allow Remodeled Area to Off-Gas Prior to Re-

Occupation
Temporarily Relocate Employees

Old Food - Forgotten Lunches/Snacks

 March 2009 UCOP Safety Meeting

INTRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS &

CONTAMINANTS INTO THE BUILDING
Cleaners
UCOP Uses Green Seal Cleaning Supplies
Non-Toxic
Nota Skin Sensitizer
Does Not Contain Substances Which Contribute to
Poor Indoor Air Quality
If
Using a Cleaner - Be Aware of How Your
Actions May Impact Your Co-Workers
Building Air Inlet - Auto Exhaust
Carbon Monoxide
 March 2009 UCOP Safety Meeting

INTRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS &

CONTAMINANTS INTO THE BUILDING
Personal Hygiene Products
Perfumes, Deodorants, Cologne
Be
Aware of How Your Actions Can Impact Your
Co-Workers
Water Leaks/Water Damage
Mold or Mildew
Air Cleaners - Some Use Ozone
May Affect Persons with Pre-Existing
Respiratory Problems
 March 2009 UCOP Safety Meeting

INTRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS &

CONTAMINANTS INTO THE BUILDING
Printers/Copying Machines
Can Generate Particulates and Ozone
Ozone Eye & Respiratory Irritation

Do Not Place in Room with Poor Ventilation

Do Not Point Printer Exhaust at Individuals

Study on Printers:
Ozone Levels: <0.001 ppm to 0.016 ppm
 March 2009 UCOP Safety Meeting

INTRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS &

CONTAMINANTS INTO THE BUILDING
Animal Dander
Brought
into the Office on Clothing
Some Persons have Allergic Reactions

Third Hand Smoke

Recent Studies Tobacco By-Products Can
Cling to Hair, Clothing, & Furniture
Be Sensitive to the Needs of Co-Workers
 SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Kerosene heater Gas stove

www.chemistryland.com www.sispropane.ca

Fireplace

Gas heater Car exhaust from garage

www.homeinteriorszone.comSims2.puskala.org www.3planesoft.com
 SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Particle board Plywood Paneling

www.vgtrading.com.ar www.cof.orst.edu

www.germes-online.com

www.californiapaints.com www.vintageagainsoutheast.com Img.epinions.com

 Dust mites

Aura.gaia.com

Dust Mite Feces

www.buttercuppuppies.com www.sciencephoto.com Enhs.umn.edu

DUST MITE

S. Kaulitzki/Dreamstime
 Pollen Fungal spores

specialcomment.wordpress.com

www.,materials.drexel.edu

Viruses
Bacteria

www.scharfphoto.com www.healthinitiative.org Static.howstuffworks.com