| The
recent increase in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) complaints can
be attributed to a decrease in building ventilation and a
higher level of indoor-generated pollutants. Poor building
ventilation is a result of more energy-efficient construction
and the use of mechanical ventilation instead of natural ventilation,
such as windows.
In addition, the indoor pollutant level has increased from
the use of synthetics in building materials and office furniture,
the use of chemical cleaning products and the increased use
of office equipment - all of which contribute to chemical
and particulate contamination of the indoor air.
Water damage to building materials can significantly increase
the growth of toxic molds such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus,
and Cladosporium. Mechanical ventilation equipment
can also contribute to indoor air contamination and can be
a source of dust, mold, bacteria and viruses. Improperly located
air intake ducts can bring outside pollutants into the indoor
environment. Building materials are a source of many different
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde that add
contaminants to the indoor air.
California School Districts treat IAQ complaints seriously
and deal with them promptly even though these situations are
often difficult to diagnose and solve. The National Institute
for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that up to
52 percent of IAQ problems results from insufficient or ineffective
ventilation.
MSES Industrial Hygienists understand that IAQ problems are
difficult to diagnose and solve because of the large number
and many types of contaminants or building stressors that
can cause problems. The cumulative effect of many stressors
(chemical, biological and physical) is often the most difficult
to identify.
MSES IAQ diagnostics are conducted in accordance with ASHRAE
62-1989 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Quality; which
specifies minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality
needed to avoid adverse health effects to human occupants.
In addition, our Industrial Hygienists have a solid understanding
of ASHRAE 55-1981 - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy; which specify minimal indoor thermal parameters
(air temperature, humidity, movement) needed to avoid adverse
health effects to human occupants.
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