State University of New York at Geneseo
OP-5: Indoor Air Quality

1. Purpose: The purpose of this program is to inform the University community about indoor air quality (IAQ). 2. Scope: University wide. The University recognizes the impact that indoor air quality has in the workplace. In an effort to provide the University Community with the optimum level of indoor air quality, Environmental Health and Safety has developed an indoor air quality program. Symptoms arising from poor indoor air quality often mimic those symptoms commonly associated with a cold, flu or allergies. These symptoms may include upper respiratory irritation, congestion, headaches, nausea, fatigue and itchy or watery eyes. Through our indoor air quality program of occupant interviews, building inspection and air quality testing, Environmental Health and Safety is often able to determine the cause of indoor air quality problems. The objectives of this program include the following: ➢ To prevent illness and adverse health symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality ➢ To respond to indoor quality complaints effectively and to make recommendations for improvement; ➢ To maintain indoor air quality within acceptable levels according to consensus guidelines. References: (a) ASHRAE, American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, as presented in standard 62-1989. (b) General Duty Clause of the OSH Act of 1970, section No. 5 3. Definitions: Building Material Contamination: Building components treated with a variety of chemicals and preservatives are common sources of indoor air quality problems. Glues and adhesives from new carpeting, and formaldehyde from new particleboard and upholstery may off gas and become sources of contamination. Policy No.: Approved by: Title: Indoor Air Quality Date: 4-28-08 Revision No.: Page 2 of 6 Prepared by: Darlene Necaster Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2), a major product of human respiration, is used as an indicator to evaluate the performance of ventilation systems. Ordinary outside air in urban areas normally contain about 350 to 500 parts per million (ppm). ASHRAE standard 62-1989 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) recommends that CO2 levels be maintained below 1,000 ppm. Contamination From Inside the Building: Contaminants commonly found inside the building include: ➢ Ozone from copiers ➢ Cleaning agents ➢ New furniture and carpets ➢ Sewer gas from dry traps ➢ Appliances not properly maintained ➢ Pesticides ➢ Cosmetics ➢ Humidification devices Contamination From Outside the Building: Contamination commonly found outside of buildings include: ➢ Exhaust from motor vehicles ➢ Fumes from construction or renovation activities Inadequate Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation occurs when an insufficient amount of fresh outside air is supplied to the interior environment. Microbial Contamination: Microbial Contamination occurs in buildings that are susceptible to water leaks and other sources of moisture. Contaminants can also be introduced into buildings from stagnant water in HVAC air distribution systems and cooling towers. In general, prevention of microbiological contamination is accomplished by eliminating standing water and other sources of moisture ((draft) Mold and Water-Damaged Building Materials Management Policy). Relative Humidity Relative humidity levels can affect the release rate of many indoor contaminants, their concentrations in the air, and the potential growth of microbial organisms. Humidity can also have a direct effect on worker comfort. In ASHRAE 55-1981, a “comfort chart” shows an acceptable range of humidity to be from 20 to 60%. Policy No.: Approved by: Title: Indoor Air Quality Date: 4-28-08 Revision No.: Page 3 of 6 Prepared by: Darlene Necaster Temperature Temperature ranges of 73 degrees F to 79 degrees F during the winter months, and 69 to 75 during the summer months are recommended by ASHRAE. These guidelines are intended to achieve thermal conditions in a given environment that at least 80% of persons who occupy that environment will find it acceptable or “comfortable”. 4. Related Documents: (draft) Mold and Water-Damaged Building Materials Management Policy 5. Responsibilities: Environmental Health and Safety investigates indoor air quality complaints and distributes written final reports to affected parties. 6. Procedures: IAQ Investigation Phase I Assessment The first step in a typical IAQ investigation is a Phase I or preliminary assessment. Phase I assessments include interviewing occupants using an employee questionnaire and occupant diary (see appendix) and performing a walk-through inspection of the building or area of complaint. The questionnaire is used to obtain information about the nature of the employee complaints and symptoms and also to determine the magnitude of the problem. During the walk-through, building ventilation systems are evaluated and potential sources of contamination are identified. If the immediate cause or source cannot be found, a Phase II assessment is required. Phase II Assessment During a Phase II assessment, common indoor air quality parameters including temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are measured. The most commonly cited quantitative measurements of indoor air quality are provided by ASHRAE, American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, as presented in standard 62-1989. Phase III Assessment A Phase III Assessment is performed when a definitive cause for the symptoms cannot be determined during the Phase II Assessment of the investigation. Policy No.: Approved by: Title: Indoor Air Quality Date: 4-28-08 Revision No.: Page 4 of 6 Prepared by: Darlene Necaster Phase III Assessments consists of extensive and more specific monitoring and sampling for chemical and/or microbial contaminants. Environmental Health and Safety often contracts Phase III Assessments to Professional Indoor Air Consultants. In our final report for a Phase III investigation, our office will typically recommend that the occupant seek the services of an occupational health physician.