Solutions for Indoor Air Quality Problems

Question: What are some Solutions for Indoor Air Quality problems?

Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome usually include combinations of the following:

Pollutant Source Removal: This is an effective approach to resolving an IAQ problem when sources are known and control is feasible. Examples include routine maintenance of HVAC systems, e.g., periodic cleaning or replacement of filters; replacement of water-stained ceiling tiles and carpeting; institution of smoking restrictions; venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors; storage and use of paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well ventilated areas, and use of these pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy; and allowing time for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas pollutants before occupancy. Several of these options may be exercised at one time.

Increasing Ventilation Rates and Air Distribution: This often can be a cost effective means of reducing indoor pollution levels. HVAC systems should be designed, at a minimum, to meet ventilation standards in local building codes. However, many systems are not operated or maintained to ensure that these design ventilation rates are provided. In many buildings, IAQ can be improved by operating the HVAC system to at least its design standard, and to ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 if possible. When there are strong pollutant sources, local exhaust ventilation may be appropriate to exhaust contaminated air directly from the building. Local exhaust ventilation is particularly recommended to remove pollutants that accumulate in specific areas such as rest rooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities. (For a more detailed discussion of ventilation, read Indoor Air Facts No. 3R, Ventilation and Air Quality in Office Buildings.)

Education and Communication: These are important elements in both remedial and preventive indoor air quality management programs. When building occupants, management, and maintenance personnel fully communicate and understand the causes and consequences of IAQ problems, they can work more effectively together to prevent problems from occurring, or to solve them if they do.

Energy Conservation: Re-examine energy conservation practices with regard to indoor air quality considerations, employee health, and productivity costs.

Air Cleaning: Air cleaners may be an important part of an HVAC system, but cannot adequately remove all of the pollutants typically found in indoor air. Air cleaners should only be considered as an adjunct to source control and ventilation. Air cleaners that have a high filter efficiency and are designed to handle large amounts of air are the best choice for use in office buildings.

Air cleaners include the simple furnace filter, the electronic air cleaner,and the ion generator. Mechanical filters, either flat or pleated, are generally effective at removing particles. Flat filters collect large particles and pleated filters such as the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters collect the smaller particles. Electronic air cleaners and ion generators use an electronic charge to remove airborne particles. These devices may also produce ozone, a lung irritant. All air cleaners require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly.

In addition to removing particles, some air cleaners may remove gaseous pollutants. This is possible only if the air cleaner contains special material, such as activated charcoal, to facilitate removal of harmful gases. Although some of the devices which are designed to remove gaseous pollutants may be effective in removing specific pollutants from indoor air, none are expected to adequately remove all of the gaseous pollutants typically present in indoor air. Information is limited on the useful lifetime of these systems. They can be expensive and require frequent replacement of the filter media.

HVAC System Operation and Maintenance: Operate the ventilation system in a manner consistent with its design. Perform maintenance and inspections on a regular basis, as prescribed by the manufacturer.

Occupant Activities: Eliminate practices which may restrict air movement (e.g., furniture placement relative to air vents).

Building Maintenance: Increase ventilation rates during periods of increased pollution, e.g., during painting, renovation, and pesticides use;schedule use of pollutant sources to minimize the impact on indoor air quality.

Record Keeping: Maintain records of all HVAC system problems, as well as routine maintenance and inspection activities. Document the nature of complaints concerning the indoor air environment, as well as steps taken to remedy each complaint. These records may be useful in solving future problems.

Ventilation Standards & Codes: Keep acquainted to revisions of ventilation standards and building codes affected by those standards. Doing this will ensure that you maintain up-to-date on all of your HVAC Systems codes and safety.

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