Indoor Air Quality Awareness
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Outline
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IAQ Definition
Mold Basics
Moisture Sources
The OEHS Mold/IAQ Management Plan
Mold/IAQ Investigation
How You Can Help
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
According to the Occupational Safety &
Health Administration (OSHA):
Indoor air quality (indoor environmental quality)
describes how inside air can affect a person's
health, comfort, and ability to work.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Acceptable Indoor Air:
Air in which there are no known contaminants
at harmful concentrations and which a
substantial majority (usually 80%) of the people
exposed do not express dissatisfaction
-ASHRAE 62-1999
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
IAQ
• Most Americans spend up to 90% of their time
indoors
• Many spend most of their working hours in an
office environment
• Pollutants in an indoor environment can
increase the risk of illness
• May include temperature, humidity, lack of
outside air, exposure to chemicals, or mold
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold Basics
• Diverse group of organisms that are present
everywhere – soil, water, and air
• Some are beneficial such as Yeast and
Medicines
• May or may not produce odors
• Some species reproduce by means of spores
Mold Basics
• Spores may or may not cause health problems in
individuals
– Symptoms are vague and include runny nose, eye and skin
irritation, headache, flu-like symptoms, fatigue
– Immune suppressed and the young and elderly immune
systems may be more susceptible to adverse health effects
• Large counts indoors vs. outdoors or extensive
growth constitutes a problem
• Grow on food and other surfaces that contain
sufficient moisture when right conditions exist
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Moisture Sources
Water and Potential Mold Pathways
– Roof and Building Envelope
– Pipe Chases
– HVAC Systems
• Air Handlers
• Ducts
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Leaks from Hot Water Tanks
Sewage Backflows
Condensation
Broken Water Lines
Infiltration Through Building Construction Materials
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
The OEHS Mold/IAQ Management Plan
IAQ Problems are Identified By:
• Building Occupant Complaint
• First Report of Occupational Injury/Illness
• Routine Inspections
• Facilities Services Request
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold/IAQ – Investigation Protocol
Overall Objectives
– Gather information (interviews, questionnaires, and
surveys) to locate potential causes
– Determine symptoms of those with health issues or
possible work related illness
– Determine control measures and remediate the problem
– Conduct preventive maintenance
– Be proactive to prevent issues
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold/IAQ Investigation
Initial Assessment
• Documentation of Complaint
• Gathering background information through:
- An interview with individual(s) knowledgeable about
the problem
• An IAQ questionnaire to obtain pertinent data about the
problem, particular circumstances or activities surrounding
the problem
• A review of a First Report of Occupational Injury/Illness
and any other correspondence provided
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold/IAQ Investigation
Building Characterization
• Gathering Information on:
- Building Composition
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Systems
- Building Blueprints/Diagrams
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold/IAQ Investigation
Walkthrough Survey
• To ensure that the information collected is accurate
• Provide an assessment of the overall condition of the
building and its systems
• Determine if building systems are functioning properly
• Identify Specific Problem Areas
- Specific pollutant sources or pathways (equipment,
chemicals)
- Improper cleaning procedures
- HVAC problems (cleanliness, location of intakes,
moisture problems)
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold/IAQ Investigation
Intermediate Assessment – Sampling
• If visible mold growth is present:
SAMPLING IS NOT NECESSARY
• Sampling is very complex & hard to quantify molds
• Sampling only performed:
– For documentation of remedial efforts to include conditions before,
during and after remediation
– 20-25% of individuals are experiencing adverse health effects that are
believed to be due to work environment conditions
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Problems With Quantifying Molds
• No established exposure limits for molds
• Human Responses
• Range from none to serious for a mold
• Exposure limit for one mold/bioaerosol may be entirely
inappropriate for another
• Not possible to collect and evaluate all bioaerosol
components using a single sampling method
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mold/IAQ Investigation
Control Strategy
• Control/fix water intrusion or moisture
• Dry out wet materials ASAP
• Decisions about appropriate remediation strategies often
can be made on the basis of a visible inspection.
• Establish plan to prevent future leaks and water episodes
Follow-up Assessment
• Assess complaints after problem has been corrected
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
WHAT CAN WE DO TO
HELP?
• Increase Your Awareness
• Immediately report potential
problems to Facilities Services to
ensure prompt clean up and dry out
of water intrusion
• Properly Maintain Existing Building
Systems
• Do Not Open Windows
• Do Not Change Thermostats
• Do Not Block Vents
• Clean Up Spills
• Contact the OEHS and Facilities Services
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Tulane University
Take Quiz
Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Kim Chapital
Manager – Occupational Health
(504) 988-5486
www.tulane.edu/oehs
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OHS)