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Indoor Air Quality Awareness

Indoor Air Quality Awareness. Outline . IAQ Definition Mold Basics Moisture Sources The OEHS Mold/IAQ Management Plan Mold/IAQ Investigation How You Can Help. What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA):

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Indoor Air Quality Awareness

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  1. Indoor Air Quality Awareness Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  2. Outline • IAQ Definition • Mold Basics • Moisture Sources • The OEHS Mold/IAQ Management Plan • Mold/IAQ Investigation • How You Can Help Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  3. What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): Indoor air quality (indoor environmental quality) describes how inside air can affect a person's health, comfort, and ability to work.   Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  4. What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Acceptable Indoor Air: Air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations and which a substantial majority (usually 80%) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction -ASHRAE 62-1999 Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  5. IAQ • Most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors • Many spend most of their working hours in an office environment • Pollutants in an indoor environment can increase the risk of illness • May include temperature, humidity, lack of outside air, exposure to chemicals, or mold Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  6. Mold Basics • Diverse group of organisms that are present everywhere – soil, water, and air • Some are beneficial such as Yeast and Medicines • May or may not produce odors • Some species reproduce by means of spores

  7. Mold Basics • Spores may or may not cause health problems in individuals • Symptoms are vague and include runny nose, eye and skin irritation, headache, flu-like symptoms, fatigue • Immune suppressed and the young and elderly immune systems may be more susceptible to adverse health effects • Large counts indoors vs. outdoors or extensive growth constitutes a problem • Grow on food and other surfaces that contain sufficient moisture when right conditions exist Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  8. Moisture Sources Water and Potential Mold Pathways • Roof and Building Envelope • Pipe Chases • HVAC Systems • Air Handlers • Ducts • Leaks from Hot Water Tanks • Sewage Backflows • Condensation • Broken Water Lines • Infiltration Through Building Construction Materials Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  9. The OEHS Mold/IAQ Management Plan IAQ Problems are Identified By: • Building Occupant Complaint • First Report of Occupational Injury/Illness • Routine Inspections • Facilities Services Request Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  10. Mold/IAQ – Investigation Protocol Overall Objectives • Gather information (interviews, questionnaires, and surveys) to locate potential causes • Determine symptoms of those with health issues or possible work related illness • Determine control measures and remediate the problem • Conduct preventive maintenance • Be proactive to prevent issues Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  11. Mold/IAQ Investigation Initial Assessment • Documentation of Complaint • Gathering background information through: - An interview with individual(s) knowledgeable about the problem • An IAQ questionnaire to obtain pertinent data about the problem, particular circumstances or activities surrounding the problem • A review of a First Report of Occupational Injury/Illness and any other correspondence provided Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  12. Mold/IAQ Investigation Building Characterization • Gathering Information on: • - Building Composition • - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems • - Building Blueprints/Diagrams Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  13. Mold/IAQ Investigation Walkthrough Survey • To ensure that the information collected is accurate • Provide an assessment of the overall condition of the building and its systems • Determine if building systems are functioning properly • Identify Specific Problem Areas - Specific pollutant sources or pathways (equipment, chemicals) - Improper cleaning procedures - HVAC problems (cleanliness, location of intakes, moisture problems) Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  14. Mold/IAQ Investigation Intermediate Assessment – Sampling • If visible mold growth is present: • SAMPLING IS NOT NECESSARY • Sampling is very complex & hard to quantify molds • Sampling only performed: • For documentation of remedial efforts to include conditions before, during and after remediation • 20-25% of individuals are experiencing adverse health effects that are believed to be due to work environment conditions Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  15. Problems With Quantifying Molds • No established exposure limits for molds • Human Responses • Range from none to serious for a mold • Exposure limit for one mold/bioaerosol may be entirely inappropriate for another • Not possible to collect and evaluate all bioaerosol components using a single sampling method Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  16. Mold/IAQ Investigation Control Strategy • Control/fix water intrusion or moisture • Dry out wet materials ASAP • Decisions about appropriate remediation strategies often can be made on the basis of a visible inspection. • Establish plan to prevent future leaks and water episodes Follow-up Assessment • Assess complaints after problem has been corrected Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  17. WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP? • Increase Your Awareness • Immediately report potential problems to Facilities Services to ensure prompt clean up and dry out of water intrusion • Properly Maintain Existing Building Systems • Do Not Open Windows • Do Not Change Thermostats • Do Not Block Vents • Clean Up Spills • Contact the OEHS and Facilities Services Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

  18. Tulane UniversityOffice of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) Kim ChapitalManager – Occupational Health (504) 988-5486www.tulane.edu/oehs Take Quiz Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OHS)

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