INDOOR AIR QUALITY

1. INDOOR AIR QUALITY OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT LOSS PREVENTION UNIT

2. INTRODUCTION Keeping your workplace healthy is good business for employees AND CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

3. MOLD Causes & Routes of Exposure ASBESTOS Location & Health Hazards

4. MOLD Definition: Organic substance that requires oxygen & water to grow. Mold breaks down plant matter by digesting for food.

5. WITHOUT MOLD: • We would be struggling w/large amounts of dead plant matter. • We would not have penicillin

6. MOLD cont. • All mold spores cannot, practically, be eliminated indoors • Can be managed by controlling indoor moisture

7. MOLD cont. Growth Factors: • Moisture • ALL Surfaces • Temperature

8. MOLD cont. • Moisture: • Leaks in pipes, roof, windows, etc. • HVAC systems

9. MOLD cont. 2.Any Surfaces: Mold can exist on any surface!!! Examples include • Wood • Paper • Carpet • Food • Plastic • Rock

10. MOLD cont. 3. Temperature: • Decreased temperature--air holds less moisture; promotes condensation • Increased temperature--air retains more moisture; promotes humidity

11. MOLD cont.ROUTES OF EXPOSURE Sources that allow mold indoors: - Ventilation Systems - Papers & Books - Leaks • Attics • Behind Walls • Ceilings • Under Carpeting • Behind Furnishings

12. MOLD--ROUTES OF EXPOSURE cont. Routes of Indoor Exposure

13. MOLD Preventing/Reducing Mold Growth: • Find/repair internal leaks ASAP • Watch for condensation & wet spots • Prevent moisture/ condensation - Increase temperature or reduce humidity (below 60%) • Roof/window inspections–repair leaks ASAP

14. 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

23. If you only remember one thing: NEVER IGNORE A COMPLAINT-- DO SOMETHING!

24. ASBESTOS

25. ASBESTOS • Mineral fiber used in construction of insulation AND as a fire retardant • Found in: • Older buildings • Pipe & furnace insulation • Millboard • Floor tiles

26. ASBESTOS cont. DANGEROUS ASBESTOS FIBERS ARE TOO SMALL TO BE VISIBLE If inhaled, can remain, accumulate in lungs & can cause: Lung cancer Mesothelioma Asbestosis

27. 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

28. POSSIBLE ASBESTOS/LEAD EXPOSURE Identify aspects of projects: • Redecorating, renovation, remodeling • Relocation of personnel or functions • New construction

29. ASBESTOS cont. If you suspect presence of asbestos: DO NOT DISTURB!!!!

30. ASTHMA

31. ASTHMA Indoor environmental asthma may be triggered by: - Secondhand smoke - Dust Mites - Mold

32. ASTHMA cont. Environmental factors that stimulate asthmatic conditions: • Air we breathe • Surfaces we touch

33. INDOOR AIR QUALITY IAQ Standards Good Indoor Air Quality Poor Indoor Air Quality Resolving/Correcting

34. IAQ STANDARDS • Climate controlled environments can improve indoor air quality

35. GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) • Introduce/distribute adequate air ventilation • Control airborne contaminants • Maintain acceptable temperature and relative humidity

36. 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.

37. 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

38. 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

39. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY--Indoor Sources of Poor IAQ (cont.) Use of Building: Portions used for specialized purposes - Restaurants - Print Shops - Dry Cleaning

40. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY cont. • Neglect of Maintenance -Basic custodial duties -Reports of Hazards -Basic maintenance duties

41. EQUIPMENT -HVAC Dust/dirt in ductwork Microbiological growth Improper use of cleaning compounds Improper venting Refrigerant leakage POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

42. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY External Sources : • Pollen, dust, fungal spores • Industrial pollutants • General vehicular contamination • vehicle exhaust • fumes and gases

43. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY External Sources (cont.) • Emissions from nearby sources: • Dumpsters • Parking areas or garages • Loading docks • Roads

44. RESOLVING, CORRECTING, & REMEDIATION

45. RESOLVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS • SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS • HVAC UNIT • PATHWAYS • DUCTWORK • OCCUPANTS

46. 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

47. 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.

48. 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

49. OCCUPANTS Employees, clients, visitors • Groups possibly more susceptible: • Allergic or asthmatic individuals • Individuals with respiratory disease • Individuals w/suppressed immune systems

50. 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