Periconi, LLC Environmental Law Blog

Posted By James J. Periconi, Esq. on July 20, 2008

Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) usually include combinations of the following.  First, pollutant source removal or modification is an effective approach to resolving an IAQ problem when sources are known and control is feasible.  Examples include routine cleaning and replacement of air filters in HVAC systems; replacement of water-stained ceiling tile and carpeting; venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors; storage and use of paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well-ventilated areas, 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.  Second, increasing ventilation rates and air distribution can often be a cost-effective means of reducing indoor pollutant 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.  Third, when there are strong pollutant sources, local exhaust ventilation may be appropriate to remove 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.

Education and communication 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 problems that do occur.

Categories: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Tags: air quality management, ASHRAE standard 62-1989, contaminant source, emissions, HVAC systems, IAQ problem, IAQ problems, local exhaust ventilation, pollutant sources, SBS, sick building syndrome, well-ventilated