Concerns with Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ) have increased since energy conservation measures were
instituted in office buildings during the 1970s, minimizing the
infiltration of outside air and contributing to the buildup of indoor air
contaminants. IAQ generally refers to the quality of the air in an office
environment. Other terms related to IAQ include Indoor Environmental
Quality (IEQ) and "Sick Building Syndrome." Complaints about IAQ
range from simple complaints such as the air smelling odd to more complex,
where the air quality causes illness and lost work time. It may not be
easy to identify a single reason for IAQ complaints because of the number
and variety of possible sources, causes, and varying individual
sensitivities.
Related
Safety and Health Topics
Recognition
 | IAQ problems can be caused by ventilation system deficiencies,
overcrowding, tobacco smoke, microbiological contamination, outside
air pollutants, and off gassing from materials in the office and
mechanical equipment. Related problems also may include comfort
problems due to improper temperature and relative humidity conditions,
poor lighting, and unacceptable noise levels, as well as adverse
ergonomic conditions, and job-related psycho-social stressors. Typical
symptoms may include headaches, unusual fatigue, itching or burning
eyes, skin irritation, nasal congestion, dry or irritated throats, and
nausea.
| | Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. EPA (2001,
March). This document presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup
of mold and moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings;
these guidelines include measures designed to protect the health
of building occupants and remediators. It has been designed
primarily for building managers, custodians, and others who are
responsible for commercial building and school maintenance. It should
serve as a reference for potential mold and moisture remediators.
Using this document, individuals with little or no experience with
mold remediation should be able to make a reasonable judgment as to
whether the situation can be handled in-house. It will help those in
charge of maintenance to evaluate an in-house remediation plan or a
remediation plan submitted by an outside contractor. Contractors and
other professionals who respond to mold and moisture situations in
commercial buildings and schools may also want to refer to these
guidelines.
| | Indoor
Air Quality Investigation, OSHA Technical Manual (TED 1-0.15A),
Section III - Chapter 2 (1999, January 20), 19 pages. Contains
guidelines for IAQ investigations, recommendations on sampling
instrumentation and methods, as well as guidelines for employers to
prevent or alleviate IAQ problems. Discusses acute health effects of
major indoor air contaminants.
| | EPA’s
Indoor Air Quality Home Page. Introduction to IAQ; common
pollutants; IAQ in homes, schools, and offices; IAQ publications; IAQ
hotlines; and IAQ links.
| | Indoor
air Quality Information Clearing House. The Indoor Air Quality
Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO) is an easily-accessible, central
source of information on indoor air quality. It is created and
supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
| | EPA
Fact Sheet – Ventilation and Air Quality in Offices (1990,
July), 2 pages. Overview of sources of indoor air pollution, health
problems and ventilation, control, ventilation standards and building
codes, ventilation system problems and solutions, air cleaners,
economic considerations, and resolving problems.
| | The
Inside Story – A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. EPA Document
#402-K-93-007 (1995, April), 8 pages. Comprehensive online booklet on
indoor air quality concerns.
| | CPSC
Publications – Indoor Air Quality. Index of Consumer Product
Safety Commission publications related to IAQ.
| |
NIOSH/Fact
Sheet/Indoor Environmental Quality Provides
an overview of indoor environmental quality issues.
|
Evaluation
| Methods used in an IAQ investigation may include: identification of
pollutant sources; evaluation of the heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system performance; observation of production
processes and work practices; measurement of contamination levels and
employee exposure; medical testing or physical examinations; employee
interviews; and review of records of medical tests, job histories and
injuries and illnesses.
| | Investigating
Office-Related Complaints. OSHA Technical Manual (TED
1-0.15A), Section III - Chapter 2, Appendix III:2-1
(1999, January 20). The synergistic effect of multiple stressors
appears to indicate that building-related problems may be
more than an air quality problem.
| | Sampling
and Analytical Methods. OSHA Technical Manual (TED 1-0.15A),
Section III - Chapter 2, Appendix III:2-2 (1999, January 20).
Analytical methods for potential IAQ contaminants.
| | Also see the Safety and Health Topics for:
|
Control
| NIOSH/EPA
Building Air Quality (BAQ) Action Plan. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication
No. 98-123 (1998, June), EPA Publication No. 402-K-98-001. An
easy-to-use 8-step BAQ action plan for use by building owners and
managers. Should be used in conjunction with Building
Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 91-114 (1991, December), EPA Publication
No. 400/1-91/003.
| | Ventilation
Investigation. OSHA Technical Manual (TED 1-0.15A),
Section III - Chapter 3 (1999, January 20), 31 pages. Guidelines for
investigation of ventilation systems including health effects,
standards and codes, investigation guidelines, and prevention and
control. |
Compliance
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