 |
I.A.Q.
- Indoor
Air Quality
Source |
HVAC | Pathways |
Occupants |
| |
IAQ Contaminant Sources |
|
Indoor air contaminants can originate
within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. If contaminant sources are
not controlled, IAQ problems can arise, even if the HVAC system is properly
designed and well maintained. It may be helpful to think of indoor air
pollutant sources as fitting into one of the following categories. The
examples given for each category are not intended to be a complete list. |
|
Air Quality Sources Outside the Building |
|
Contaminated Outside Air |
- pollen, dust, fungal spores
- industrial pollutants
- general vehicle exhaus
|
|
Emissions From Nearby
Sources |
- exhaust from vehicles on nearby
roads or in parking lots or garages
- loading docks
- odors from dumpsters
- re-entrained (drawn back into the
building) exhaust from the building
- unsanitary debris near the outdoor
air intake
|
|
Soil Gas |
- radon
- leakage from underground fuel
tanks
- contaminants from previous uses of
the site (e.g., landfills)
- pesticides
|
|
Moisture or Standing Water Promoting
Excess Microbial Growth |
- rooftops after rainfall
- crawlspace
|
|
Equipment |
|
HVAC System |
- dust or dirt in ductwork or other
components
- microbiological growth in drip
pans, humidifiers, ductwork, coils
- improper use of biocides,
sealants, and/or cleaning compounds
- improper venting of combustion
products
- refrigerant leakage
|
|
Non-HVAC Equipment |
- emissions from office equipment
(volatile organic compounds, ozone)
- supplies (solvents, toners,
ammonia)
- emissions from shops, labs,
cleaning processes
- elevator motors or other
mechanical systems
|
|
Human Activities |
|
Personal Activities |
- smoking
- cooking
- body odor
- cosmetic odors
|
|
Housekeeping Activities |
- cleaning materials and procedures
- emissions from stored supplies or
trash
- use of deodorizers and fragrances
- airborne dust or dirt (e.g.,
circulated by sweeping and vacuuming)
|
|
Maintenance Activities |
- microorganisms in mist from
improperly maintained cooling towers
- airborne dust or dirt
- volatile organic compounds from
paint, adhesives, or other products
- pesticides from pest control
activities
- emissions from stored supplies
|
|
Building Components and Furnishings |
|
Locations That Produce or Collect
Dust or Fibers |
- textured surfaces such as
carpeting, curtains, or other textiles
- open shelving
- old or deteriorated furnishings
- materials containing damaged
asbestos
- Unsanitary Conditions and Water
Damage
- microbiological growth on or in
soiled or water damaged furnishings
- microbiological growth in areas of
surface condensation
- standing water from clogged or
poorly designed drains
- dry traps that allow the passage
of sewer gas
|
|
Chemicals Released from Building
Components or Furnishings |
- volatile organic compounds or
- inorganic compounds
|
|
Other Sources |
|
Accidental Events |
- spills of water or other liquids
- microbiological growth due to
flooding or to leaks from roofs or piping
- fire damage (soot, PCBs from
electrical equipment, odors)
|
|
Special Use Areas and Mixed Use
Buildings |
- smoking lounges
- laboratories
- print shops, art rooms
- exercise rooms
- beauty salons
- food preparation areas
|
|
Redecorating or Remodeling and Repair
Activities |
- emissions from new furnishings
- dust and fibers from demolition
- odors and volatile organic and
inorganic compounds from paint, caulk, adhesives
- microbiological released from
demolition or remodeling activities
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