MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Measuring Indoor Air Quality in Commercial Facilities Robert Salmon and Garrett Strong Brigham Young University June 4, 2010

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Abstract Past studies show Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is an important factor in a facility because it affects the health of the occupants. This study examines facility organizations and the research previously performed to find the different methods and tools of measuring IAQ. Although findings show that there are several methods to measure IAQ, these methods are not very efficient for everyday protocol.

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Question Ho: There is one tool to effectively measure all aspects of Indoor Air Quality in commercial facilities. H1: There is no tool that effectively measures all aspects of Indoor Air Quality in commercial facilities.

Problem Statement Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is universally important in commercial facilities. Numerous studies performed prove IAQ affects facilities occupants. Since IAQ is an important factor in facilities management, a method of measurement is also important. This study is an attempt to find the methods and tools for measuring IAQ currently available for facility managers. Key Words: Indoor air quality, sick building syndrome, HVAC, indoor air measures.

Methodology The methods of measuring IAQ are established by various facility management organizations. These organizations provide useful information regarding the subject. Another useful source of information was the multiple studies performed by researchers. The studies published contained individual methods to measure IAQ so the researchers could measure the data.

Findings While the government monitors and issues warnings for outdoor air conditions, no such standard exists for indoor air. The outdoor air conditions are measured with the Air Quality

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Index (AQI). This determines the different pollutants in the air and gives a rating from the least (0) to the most pollutants (500). Through this standard we know what to expect from the outdoor air quality (AIRnow, 2010). The National Safety Council performed research on Sick Building Syndrome in their efforts to create awareness for this condition. Many people are not aware that Sick Building Syndrome is a problem and therefore most ignore the signs and symptoms. The symptoms include: headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, a dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors. These are generally the first indicators of pollutants in a building. Monitoring IAQ ensures proper measurement and determines air and surface pollutant problems. If the building is insufficiently clean, the facility manager will be notified and appropriate action can be taken to reduce the possibility and symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome. Dr. Michael Berry, a research professor at the University of North Carolina and private indoor environmental quality consultant, participated in several different studies directly connected to IAQ. There is a way to measure air borne particles and Dr. Berry (2001) explains how particles can be reduced. During his time with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Berry was involved in some research which concluded, an organized cleaning program contributes to reductions in particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological pollutants in excess of 50% (Berry, 2001). These studies performed on the indoor air environment measure the IAQ by the presence of harmful microbes in the air: mold particles, bacteria, dust, and other microbes. In Dr. Berrys case study about the effects of facilities on the learning outcomes of students, Dr. Berry measures the IAQ by the presence of lead, toxic VOCs, excessive dust and mold, bio pollutants, bacteria, and allergens (Berry, 2002). He measured these

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

things on many different types of surfaces with the unit CFU (colony-forming unit)/m3. These measures were effective in the study performed, but may be too specific to measure in everyday work. One study, in which the researchers used certain instruments to measure the amount of Ergosterol in the air, came from The Industrial Hygienist Journal. The study was conducted in 400 homes in Ontario, Canada in the 1990s to determine levels of this compound in the fungal cell wall. By determining its presence in indoor air, one can prove the existence of different types of fungi in buildings. This study has helped lead the way in IAQ measurements concerning fungal properties, but more importantly, it showed the importance of being able to measure air quality. Fungal spores are a major concern with IAQ and though dangerous to people in general, the spores are extremely harmful to young children and the elderly (Miller, 1997). The alternative method used to determine IAQ in other studies was a simple survey. The surveys in most studies were generally accurate according to the different amount of pollutants introduced during the experiment. One such study is Perceived Air Quality, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms and Productivity in an Office with Two Different Pollution Loads. In this study, the different experimental groups were asked to rate the air quality while they were working (Wargocki, 1999). The subjects surveyed gave accurate answers to how many pollutants were introduced to their experimental group. Kerry Smith, an Industrial Hygienist for Brigham Young University, mentioned different sampling measures to determine whether the indoor environment is clean. The first measure is a simple technique. Use clear scotch tape to lift particles off surfaces and a lab will determine the elements present. Whether dust, skin flakes, hair, dirt or other particles, this method is simple and works well. The second method he explained was using an instrument called a TSI Q-Trak.

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

This instrument will test for some of the most basic conditions in indoor environments. It determines the temperature, relative humidity, the presence of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Lastly, the Air-O-Cell Cassette method traps particles in the air on the sampling substrate. It will trap fungal spores, skin cell fragments, pollen, insect parts, fibers and inorganic particulates. This is a technique designed for a broad test of indoor air. However, Kerry Smith made it clear that generally when one tests an indoor environment, one should have an idea for what they will be testing. It is possible that the air contains millions of different particles, and a search that is too broad will yield ambiguous results (Smith, 2010). The company 3M has several products that test the presence of harmful bacteria and microbes on surfaces and in substances. These products test the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is present in living organism like mold, yeast, bacteria, plants, and animals. As a preferred method of measurement, it yields quick results.

Conclusions and Recommendations These methods of measurement are the best available. It is difficult to measure every particle in the air because there are just too many. Many professionals use surveys for collecting data to determine possible health risks associated with IAQ. Researchers conclude there is not a singular method or tool to effectively measure all aspects of IAQ. Dr. Berry uses a collection of tools and method to accurately measure IAQ by tediously measuring the amount of different pollutants in the air and on building surfaces. This is impractical for everyday use. Though there is a need to efficiently measure IAQ, currently, there is no technical solution.

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

References Berry, M.A. (2001). Educational Performance, Environmental Management, and Cleaning Effectiveness in School Environments. Retrieved from http://www.carpetrug.org/pdf_word_docs/0104_school_environments.pdf

Berry, M.A. (2002). Healthy School Environment and Enhanced Educational Performance: The Case of Charles Young Elementary School Washing, DC. Retrieved from http://www.carpet-rug.org/pdf_word_docs/020112_Charles_Young.pdf

Meklin, T., Nevalainen, A., Moschandreas, D., Hyvrinen, A., Halla-Aho, J., Koivisto, J., Vahteristo, M., Husman, T., and Vepslinen, A. (2002). Indoor Air Microbes and Respiratory Symptoms of Children in Moisture Damaged and Reference Schools. Indoor Air 12.3: 175-83.

Mendell, Mark J., and Heath, Garvin A. (2010). Do Indoor Pollutants and Thermal Conditions in Schools Influence Student Performance? A Critical Review of the Literature. Indoor Air 15.1: 27-52.

Miller, David J., and Young, Christopher J. (1997). The Use of Ergosterol to Measure Exposure to Fungal Propagules in Indoor Air. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 58.1: 39-43.

MEASURING INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

AIRNow. (2010). Air Quality Index (AQI)A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health. Retrieved from http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

National Safety Council. (2009). Sick Building Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Sick_Building_Syndrome.pdf

Schirnding, Yasmin Von, Smith, N., Ballard-Tremeer, G., Ezzati, M., and Lvovsky, K. (2002). Addressing the Impact of Household Energy and Indoor Air Pollution on the Health of the Poor: Implications for Policy Action and Intervention Measures. Washington, D.C.: World Health Organization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/H&SD_Plaq_no9.pdf

Smith, Kerry. "Measures for Cleaner &Healthier Indoor Environments." Personal interview. 18 May 2010.

Spengler, JD, and Sexton, K. (1983). "Indoor Air Pollution: a Public Health Perspective." Science Magazine 221: 9-17. American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved from http://scienceonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/221/4605/9

Wargocki, Pawel, Fanger, P. Ole, Clausen, Geo, Baik, Yong K., and Wyon, David P. (1999). "Perceived Air Quality, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms and Productivity in an Office with Two Different Pollution Loads." Indoor Air. 1999 Sept 9(3):165-79.