Clearing the Air on Indoor Air Quality
22nd Annual Meeting
January 14-16, 2019
Join the Celebration at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis!
Presentation Descriptions
Click on the presentation name to view the slides.
Hurricanes, Floods, and Mold A Federal Perspective
Ginger L. Chew, ScD, MSPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Keynote Address
From Hurricane Katrina through the most recent series of hurricanes, recovery efforts have changed. However, observations from past hurricanes have informed current recommendations for mold clean-up. In 2013, The White House Hurricane Sandy Task Force sought to harmonize flood clean-up guidance across federal agencies to preclude mixed messages to the public. This led to the development of the National Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Indoor Environmental Pollutants Work Group. In 2015, we completed the harmonized federal agency guidelines for mold remediation (i.e.,Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Clean-up after Disasters). This document was the culmination of several interagency meetings and a comprehensive review of supporting literature for recommendations. This presentation will highlight improvements in messaging after major flood events; describe complicated issues not addressed in the interagency clean-up document; and discuss ongoing barriers that stakeholders encounter in mold cleanup of homes.
Resolving the Negatives Update on ASTM Draft PRV Standard
Lisa Rogers, Mycometer, Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
In 2017, a presentation was made to discuss the first attempts by ASTM subcommittee D22.08, to write a consensus standard guide that would provide a framework for minimum standard of care for Post Remediation Verification (PRV) of fungal contamination removal. The objective of the committee is to put together the essential elements necessary to provide a minimum practice for consistency and best outcomes. After 2 years, a committee draft was balloted with a framework for the standard. This presentation will discuss what the negative comments were that must be resolved, update on new content, and the strategy for going forward. The objective for the presentation is to continue the dialogue to be able to create a truly consensus standard.
EMFs, The Hidden and Persistent Irritant
Sal La Duca, Environmental Assay Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
EMFs, short for Electromagnetic Fields, are as ubiquitous as air. While much has been learned from the study of Air and its Quality, clearly defined guidelines have been long in the making, and EMFs have followed a similar pattern, with industry interests pitted against consumer need for truth. ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) are emerging as causative agents of Leukemia, while UHF (Ultra High Frequency, as used for TV, cellular, and WiFy) are emerging as causative agents of Tumors. While simple measures such as distance or duration of exposure can lessen the impact, most people are lulled into a false sense of security by slick marketing. While not expecting IAQ professionals become EMF gurus, basic familiarization can enhance their survival and their value to customers.
The Dating Game Tips and Strategies for Assigning Time Frames to Environmental Damages
Derrick Denis, Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Instructional Level: Advanced
As an IEQ investigator, you may be tasked to opine on the duration a particular environmental condition has existed at a site. You may have to determine if the issue was present for hours, days, weeks, months or years? Or more specifically, you may be asked to opine to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty that the issue is less than 2 weeks old? The temporal relationships associated with certain environmental conditions may make a significant difference to the outcome of your client’s insurance claim or ongoing litigation. Often substantial sums of money hang in the balance of your opinion. Come see a few real-world examples and pick up a few tools to assist you in better quantifying the duration.
ROI of Improving Indoor Air Quality – A Case Study
Louie Cheng, PureLiving China
Instructional Level: Introductory
Ventilation is important but often overlooked or is an undersized component of a facilities’ HVAC system due to perceived costs associated with providing more clean outdoor air. Recent studies from the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health have shown significant increases in productivity when increased ventilation is applied to learning environments, resulting in higher test scores and levels of student engagement. In this presentation, the presenter will guide the audience through research and best practices for implementing higher rates of ventilation while keeping costs down, and will detail through a real life case study how an academic facility achieved a positive ROI while increasing occupant productivity and satisfaction.
IOT & IAQ for a Healthy Lifestyle
Kevin Ham, Refresh Smart Home, Don Ham, Refresh Smart Home
Instructional Level: Entry Level
WHO’s director general recently stated that air pollution is the “new tobacco” killing 7 million people a year and harming billions more. How can we educate the average person on the importance of creating a clean indoor air environment that makes sense to them? A Healthy Philosophy and Lifestyle as it pertains to indoor air quality is the overarching theme which will include ways on exactly what poor air quality is doing to our health and what actions to take to combat its negative effects on the body. The presentation will also touch on how the latest IoT hardware can be used to help people optimize their Indoor Air Quality helping lead to an increased level of health and wellness.
Controlling Mold Exposure During a Renovation Project of an Upscale Hotel in Singapore
Andreas Wagner, Golder Associates Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Outside North America, mold contamination within buildings may not be considered a significant concern. This presentation will discuss how a major international developer of hotels throughout Asia had to deal with mold contamination during a multimillion dollar renovation project of an upscale hotel, located in downtown Singapore. The hotel had to stay open which, resulted in some unique challenges. In addition, the local mold remediation industry is still developing, with most contractors having very little experience with mold remediation protocols. The presentation will highlight how on-site assessment tools, such as the Mycometer, were utilized successfully to manage the remediation project in a multi-stakeholder environment and also save the client significant amounts of money and time to complete the project.
Manufactured Stone Veneer – Performing Assessments, Moisture Probing and Remedies for Construction Defects
Daniel Stih, Healthy Living Spaces; Stanley Yeskolski, Investigative Inspection Services Inc
Instructional Level: Introductory
Adhered masonry veneer (AMV), also known as Manufactured Stone Veneer (AMSV), type wall systems are being constructed across the United States with increased frequency. Stone facades are becoming popular and common on both residential and commercial buildings. Due to the variety of assembly options, they can be vulnerable to failures. Failures can lead to moisture penetration, rot, and mold on both the exterior cladding and interior. Those attending will learn how to identify the type of stone veneer a building is constructed with, how to perform moisture probing, examples of improper and proper construction details to keep water and moisture out of a building, and the recommended remedial actions for repairing buildings that have defects.
A Dozen Fake Words
Carl Grimes
The accusation of “Fake News” shouldn’t be limited to the national news. Our own industry is over populated with “fake words” – or at least how legitimate words are used in a fake manner. Here are a dozen presented with multiple choice responses. I’m sure most will agree with some answers, but also certain many will disagree. In no particular order:
Remediation – Clearance – Mold – Mycotoxin – Certified – Exposure – Concentration – VOCs – ERMI – CIRS – HEPA – RH
The audience will have a rapid-fire chance to vote both before and after each explanation.
Evaluation of Steam Cleaning in AHU Coil Sanitization and Energy Efficiency
Frank Santini, Pure Air Controls.com
Instructional Level: Introductory
HVAC systems are one of the most important components of modern buildings. HVAC is not only important for indoor environments and human health but significant from an energy conservation point of view. Growing energy demands, cost, and associated environmental concerns directly impact the building HVAC system. Optimization of the system is important not only for environmental comfort but also in reducing energy consumption in buildings. Studies have been performed to analyze steam as a mechanism of cleaning HVAC coils to enhance performance by removing latent debris and microbial growth from on or within evaporator coils that restricts air flow and causes poor IAQ. The outcomes of various studies demonstrate both optimized IAQ and energy efficiency.
It’s More Than Just Blood A Look into the Bio Hazard Field
Scott W. Vogel, MS, CEOP, CBRM, Emergi-Clean, Inc.
Its more than just blood: A Look Into the Bio Hazard Field explores the mitigation field through real life examples. Not only are we going to focus on rules and necessary training, but go through the necessary Personal Protective Equipment required in our field. We will also discuss the important of illegal drugs and how this is now affecting the way we do business. Finally we will go over the development and implementation of the an Exposure Control Plan.
Chemical Dependency
Joe Medosch, Hayward Score
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Not a literal addiction, builders are not snorting OSB, but we cannot build or live in a home that does not have an excessive amount of chemicals. This session will cover the existing chemical disclosure policies, red list, California’s prop 65 requirements, and more. I will include the top 10 chemicals commonly found in newer home materials, how to test for them and the studies that document the health impacts. There is a case study where the material data sheets (SDS) were evaluated for every building material that was installed in a newly constructed home. Only the “healthiest” low chemical products were selected. After the home was completed, it was tested and the results were… (you need to come to the session to see). This session will demonstrate why ventilation is the only treatment for chemical dependency. Homes are getting tighter and people are spending more time indoors with more chemicals. It’s time for an intervention!
Consider Surrogate Allergens for that Unsolved IAQ Mystery
Jeffrey May, May Indoor Air Investigations
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Corn-starch granules that have acquired latex allergen from gloves are recognized surrogate allergens; inhalation of such granules can cause symptoms in a latex-allergic individual. Many cat owners use corn-starch-based kitty litter; the air in their homes is full urine-coated starch granules. Dander particles consist of keratin, a non-allergenic protein, but dander is allergenic because of the salivary and skin-secreted proteins coating the particles. Labs do reports on corn starch. Respirable, inorganic particles such as rust and gypsum (from drywall) can also become coated with allergens if they were in contact with microbial growth and are then aerosolized. This presentation is based on case studies, will include photomicrographs of surrogate allergens, and will stress the importance of microscopy in identifying particulate matter.
Bust the Dust-Mite Myth
Jeffrey May, May Indoor Air Investigations
Instructional Level: Intermediary
“The weight of the average mattress doubles after ten years due to dust mite infestation, and the weight of the average pillow increases 10% after one year.” “Freeze pillows and stuffed animals for 24 hours.” Should anyone believe these? The Internet contains a great deal of bad advice in general and incorrect information regarding dust mites. This talk is intended to provide useful and scientific information about mites, mite ecology, symptoms, and exposures. My mite experience is based on my observations of several dust mite colonies I nurtured and the dust mite literature that have followed. I have taken thousands of samples from mite-infested household items and will illustrate my findings through photos and micrographs.
Correlating Particles, Health, and Microbial Growth
Richard Johnson, Air Allergen & Mold Testing, Inc.; Thomas Grillo, Particles Plus
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Multiple evidence based studies suggest higher levels of particulate in the indoor air can have an adverse effect on the health of the occupants. This presentation will discuss: 1. How the statistical sampling of particulate from spore traps relates to the use of particle measuring equipment. 2. How the count varies between indoor locations within a home or business. 3. How particulate counts correlate to otherwise identified microbial issues. 4. How the particulate count relates to health concerns (respiratory, allergy, headaches, etc.) expressed at the time the inspection is scheduled.
Diversity of Fungi Isolated from Over 17,000 Homes across the United States and Potential Implications on Human Health
Zeljko Jurjevic, EMSL Analytical, Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Fungi are very adaptable microorganisms that have a worldwide distribution and occur on a large variety of substrates (e.g. soil, various food and feeds). It is well documented that fungi can cause damage to the built environment, and it is equally well documented they have been implicated in many health issues of humans (e.g. fungal infections, asthma, and allergic reaction). In this study, samples (viable fungi) were randomly collected from over 17,000 homes across the United States during the course of a 4 year survey. The frequency of twenty different dominant genera was recovered, with the main emphasis on Aspergillus species. The most dominant genera recovered from USA homes were Cladosporium spp., Penicillium/Talaromyces spp., Aspergillus spp., and Alternaria spp.
Using Your Eyes – How to do a Visual Mold Assessment of a House or Office
Michael Meyer, Mold Testing Services, LLC
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Emphasis is often focused on mold testing methods and field meters. Yet the key to solving most problems begins with a visual assessment. Based on 19 years at >3000 sites, we offer an overview of doing the visual assessment. Begin with the outside – emphasis on surface drainage, roof gutters, and attic ventilation. Basements are the most prone to problems. Visual assessment should include corners, rim joists and behind washers and water heaters. Carpet corners can be pulled back and baseboards slightly opened to check for mold. Many kinds of spotting may occur that is mistaken for visible mold – such as mineral efflorescence. A systematic approach should be used, including a site sketch, field notes, and photos.
The Rise of Invasive Fungal Infection (IFI) Science Behind Invasion and Infection
Francina Thadigiri, EMLab P&K
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Increased use of a broad spectrum of antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents, antineoplastic, and surgeries have made way to pathogenic fungi causing Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs), which are on the rise. It’s been identified as a major cause of death in immunocompromised patients. A comprehensive look into the route it uses from becoming superficial to systemic infection and the distinction between mere colonization and invasion. The best methods of lab identification, the virulence of causative fungi, its manifestation, and consequence will be outlined. Timely diagnosis and management is critical for such patients. Guidelines laid out by the international organizations and the standards followed will be discussed.
Venting on Ventilation
Henry Slack, Slack Engineering
Instructional Level: Intermediary
People need ventilation. Outside air ventilation was found to be critical for workers in mines 150 years ago, then in hospitals and factories. Outside air amounts were even set into state laws. Current ASHRAE requirements are reduced from those levels, to balance energy needs. Some devices are sold to reduce outside air even further, claiming energy savings for customers (often school systems) from shutting off outside air. However, multiple studies have shown that more outside air makes us healthier and more productive, and even raises test scores. Other studies show carbon dioxide may affect decision-making at levels as low as 1000 parts per million. Productivity gains just from use of economizers are possibly greater than the energy savings. We need ventilation!
IAQ 101 What People Don’t Know About IAQ (but can learn from us)
Henry Slack, Slack Engineering
Instructional Level: Inttroductory
Most of the public doesn’t know a lot about IAQ. They recognize bad odors or awful messes, but they focus mostly on what they see and smell. We experts have to explain things to them: Mold growth is always caused by a water problem. Odors are sometime very hard to track down. An office probably brings in outside air, even if the windows don’t open. Stuff you can’t see, like chemicals and particulates, can hurt you, and invisible odorless gases like radon and carbon monoxide may even kill you. The solutions are pretty simple to talk about, and maybe to do. Control the source. Ventilate more if you can. Use a better filter or an air cleaner. Move the people away from the problem. It’s that easy!
Understanding Moisture Penetration of the Drainage Plane A Building Science Principle
Ralph Moon, GHD Services Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
All elements of the built environment are in motion, both inside and outside the structure. Motion, driven by moisture absorption and diurnal temperature changes, causes materials to expand and contract and eventually to crack, separate, or deteriorate. This presentation will examine research based findings of material deterioration that leads to moisture penetration and impact to the indoor environment. The presentation will begin with roof assembly materials and proceed to the wall assembly, paint, windows, and finally to the foundation. The intent of the presentation is to acquaint the attendee with method to recognize elements of material failure and moisture penetration to better advise their clients on why moisture penetraiton occurs.
Assessing and Mitigating Legionella in Building Water Systems of Assisted Living Facilities
Andreas Wagner, Golder Associates Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Legionella amplification in building water systems continues to pose challenges to many building owners, especially for Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) where the resident population are at higher risk to develop Legionellosis. Traditionally, the focus of Legionella control has been on cooling towers, whirlpools, spas, and decorative fountains but actual Legionellosis outbreaks in ALFs are more often linked to the potable water systems, especially showers. This presentation will discuss some of the unique challenges that are involved in assessing building water systems for the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens for ALFs and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various mitigations systems, including installing secondary disinfections systems.
Panel Debate Best Practices for Mold PRV Air Sampling
Ian Cull, Indoor Sciences; John Lapotaire, Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS; Derrick Denis, Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC); Donald Weekes, InAIR Environmental, Ltd.; Michael Pinto, Wonder Makers Environmental; Martin Schwan, EHS-Alaska
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Mold experts will be debating contentious topics related to air sampling for post-remediation verification (PRV). The panel debate will address the following questions: “What should I do with air filtration devices before sampling?” and “How should I interpret finding one spore of Stachybotrys?” Each of the experts will argue their position and have time to offer a rebuttal. This lively debate will help attendees formulate their opinion on topics for which there are no regulations or standards.
Legionella Diagnostics to Detection
Rajiv Sahay, Pure Air Control Services, Inc.
Instructional Level: Introductory
Legionella: Diagnostics to Detection outlines and defines the potentially deadly bacteria, why it is important from a building health perspective, where the bacteria is commonly found, the scientific/laboratory methods involved in speciation and quantificiation, and how to address an outbreak. The session also will touch on the recent CMS mandate, and preventative maintenance through the development of a water management plan.
When a Mold Issue Is Not the Issue
Robert Mulcahy, GHD
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Homeowners located in South Florida filed an insurance claim for suspected mold growth in the air conditioning system. Contributing factors that initiated the claim included extended power loss after Hurricane Irma, suspected microbial growth on the outside of the air handler unit, and an adverse respiratory condition. A standard cause and origin forensic assessment would not satisfy the scope of work needed to succeed on this project. An indoor air quality assessment that expanded to dust characterization, suspended particulate, and sanitary conditions was required. Air sampling provided some answers and presented new questions. First, mold was not the issue. Second, suspended particulate of 0.3 microns was extraordinary. Why? What was the source and how can it effect the occupants?
Particle Counters Could Leave Your Business in the Dust
Henry Slack, Slack Engineering
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Ultrafine particles (PM2.5) were rated to have the greatest health impact in a 2011 Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) study by Jennifer Logue. Now inexpensive particle counters give PM2.5 “counts” to parents, employees, and everyone. Levels of PM2.5 may be high outdoors from industry or wildfires, or indoors from cooking or other sources. But is there a health risk? While US EPA sets 35 micrograms per cubic meter as a 24-hour standard, no agency has a health-based standard for number of particles. LBNL has also found many particle counters give varied results. Still, how does your business respond when someone reports a high particle count in his/her home? Or TV newscaster makes a claim? How much can air cleaners or HVAC filters help? Come to learn and discuss!
A Review of HEPA filters and Newer Air Purification Technologies for their Effectiveness and Health Impacts by Yogi Goswami
D. Goswami, University of South Florida, Nikhil Rao, Javon Bea
Instructional Level: Introductory
In the engineering literature, indoor air purification has been mostly considered synonymous with air filtration. Therefore, HEPA filters have become the de facto standard for air purification. However, published medical studies have increasingly questioned the capability of HEPA filters to prevent the spread of disease causing microbes that should otherwise be filtered by HEPA filters because of their equivalent particle size. Newer air purification technologies such as Photo-electrochemical oxidation (PECO) technologies have been introduced in the market to address the health impact needs of people. The presentation will review the effectiveness and their health impacts of HEPA and newer air purification technologies. It will also propose testing protocols and methodologies for air purification technologies that especially address their health impacts.
Forensic Water Damage and Mold Assessments A Logical and Common Sense Approach
Jeremy Beagle, SDII Global
Instructional Level: Introductory
The intent of this presentation is to provide the participant with a common sense and logical approach to conducting a water damage and/or mold assessment. The focus will be on how to apply the scientific method to the strategy, data to collect, and presenting a clear and concise opinion. We will look at how the Daubert and Frye standards can affect your reporting from a litigation perspective. Additional focus will be placed on equipment use, document review, site observations, and research/references to substantiate opinions. Case studies will be presented throughout to provide specific examples of the information provided.
HVAC Microbial Growth
Nolan Wells, GHD
Instructional Level: Advanced
Microbial growth in a residential HVAC system is both a common and expected occurrence. A frequent misunderstanding is the position that the identification of any mold inside an HVAC air handler poses a threat to air quality. This presentation on the proliferation, succession and nutrient requirements of mold offers a valuable perspective on the occurrence of microbial growth inside an HVAC system. Excessive mold growth, as demonstrated in case histories, often indicates irregular HVAC system operation and maintenance. Normal HVAC operations are recognized as dust accumulation, local condensation and mold growth on papered surfaces. The complexities involved with HVAC operation that influence mold growth on integral mechanical parts and their influence on indoor air quality will be presented.
Solving the Indoor Environmental Industry’s Messaging Dilemma
Bob Krell, Healthy Indoors/IAQnet LLC
Instructional Level: Intermediary
The indoor environmental industry has been challenged by the need to effectively frame a message in a way that resonates with clients. Speaking technical can be off-putting, but over-simplifying and dumbing-down can be equally ineffective. Attempting to capitalize on fear-based marketing tactics (i.e. “Deadly Toxic Black Mold”), only serves to damage the industry’s credibility. Bridging the communication gaps between the industry and consumers is not a simple matter. The key is better understanding the needs and underlying motivations that drives these consumers in the first place. You need to step back and analyze these consumer wants and needs, then frame both offerings, and subsequent messages, accordingly. This session will discuss how to get to the core message about your offerings.
Societal Consequences of Poor IAQ Goes Well Beyond Individual Health
Richard Johnson, Air Allergen & Mold Testing, Inc.; Michael Lucas, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Instructional Level: Intermediary
The majority of the hundreds of landlord/tenant cases handled annually by the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation involve properties with Indoor Air Quality issues. The impact goes well beyond the health of the occupants. In the first year of their ‘Standing With Our Neighbors’ initiative, AVLF’s efforts to improve housing conditions contributed to a 36% reduction in a neighborhood school’s class turnover rate, lower absenteeism, and higher test scores. Michael Lucas, deputy director of AVLF, will share their experiences about how issues such as mold, roach infestations, poor ventilation, filtration, and moisture have impacts far beyond the health of the occupants, including educational performance, and how neighborhood-based strategies to address those issues can improve education and beyond.
ASHRAE’s Indoor Air Quality Procedure in Ventilation Design
James Dennison, Century Environmental; W. Elliott Horner, UL Environment
Instructional Level: Intermediary
The Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP) in ASHRAE’s ventilation standard has been in existence for several years. The designer sets outdoor air (OA) intake rates at a level sufficient to maintain indoor air contaminants, such as formaldehyde, at a level meeting some definition of acceptability. Currently, the standard does not specify the contaminants to use for calculating OA. There are obvious challenges in determining which air contaminants should be included in the design package as well as the control limit. The 2019 revision for the design standard is attempting, for the first time, to provide a minimum list of contaminants and control limits. This presentation will provide an overview of the design standard as well as the currently proposed updates.
Preparing Yourself for Litigation
Stanley Yeskolski, Investigative Inspection Services Inc
Instructional Level: Intermediary
In today’s litigious society, anyone who does work that involves other people’s property, money, and health can be at risk for a lawsuit. Even the most diligent, good-faith inspectors can find themselves in this unpleasant situation. This presentation will help you navigate a lawsuit against you in a way that reduces stress and readies you for the litigation process. Learn what to expect from subpoenas, depositions, and the trial so that you feel confident and prepared.
Category 3 Property Loss Clearing Murky Waters
Jeffrey Wilemon, GHD
Instructional Level: Intermediary
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) categorized water at three levels based on range of contamination, but due to subjective language, this is less of a distinction and more of a continuum. Category 3 water poses the greatest health risk and legitimately warrants the highest degree of precaution, but some have taken liberties in the interpretation and used this designation to augment invoice line items and expand scope of work. The potential for septic release underscores the IAQ professional’s need for a fundamental understanding of bacteriology, field sampling techniques, laboratory analytical methods and interpretation of results to allow clients to make informed, defensible decisions.
Best Practices from the Front Lines
Louie Cheng, PureLiving China; Barun Aggarwal, Breathe Easy Consultants Pvt Ltd
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Cities in India and China rank among 8 of the world’s top 10 most polluted. Yet, as in medicine, many of the advances and breakthroughs emerge from the front lines. In this session, two veterans of India and China with experience from nearly 2000 projects share their lessons learned, many of which can apply to practicioners anywhere. Specific tactics covered: Comparison of filtration technologies for particulate matter. Use of photocatalytic oxidization (PCO) to reduce post-remediation VOCs. Maximizing opportunities to pass green building certification. IAQ testing requirements. Earning 9 points through the pilot IAQ credit for LEED EB Managing IAQ during restacking projects — renovations in occupied areas. Selecting monitors — how to evaluate hardware and software. Utilizing real-time monitoring to validate solutions, provide pollution leakage, and manage client expectations.
Cutting through the Confusion LEED vs. WELL vs. RESET
Yujiao Jiang, PureLiving Indoor Environmental Solutions
Instructional Level: Introductory
With prevalence of emerging green building certifications, more and more top enterprises realize that brand identity, health of employees, and other potential value after investing in improving indoor air quality (IAQ) will bring asset increment. This trend changes requirement patterns and business development of IAQ consulting nowadays. The requirement to measure, monitor, and manage IAQ is driven by referred international standards, which have more rigorous limit. With the right IAQ solutions integrated during design stage, in-depth monitoring and measurement analysis throughout construction period, and full pre-verification testing prior to final assessment, IAQ specialist firm can help client to achieve all LEED, WELL and RESET superlative certification, even with the 9 points IAQ Pilot Credit as an emerging new option.
Using Big Data from Air Quality Monitors to Evaluate Indoor PM2.5 Exposure in Buildings
Liam Bates, Kaiterra
Instructional Level: Intermediary
This study is the first attempt to employ big data from commercial air monitors to evaluate indoor PM2.5 exposure and risk in Beijing, which may be instrumental to indoor PM2.5pollution control. Due to the time- and expense- consuming process of conventional indoor PM2.5 sampling, the sample size in previous studies was generally small, which lead to high heterogeneity in indoor PM2.5exposure assessment. Based on 4403 indoor air monitors in Beijing, this study evaluated indoor PM2.5 exposure from 15th March 2016 to 14th March 2017. A significant correlation between indoor and ambient PM2.5 was evident. Finally, the adjusted PM2.5 exposure level integrating the indoor and outdoor impact was calculated to be approximately 42% lower than estimation only relying on ambient PM2.5 concentration.
Investigating IEQ Problems with Questionnaire Tools
Atze Boerstra, BBA Binnenmilieu BV
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Traditionally, IAQ specialists focus on measurements of sustances. Occupant questionnaires, however, can also be an invaluable source of information when investigating problem buildings. Questionnaires allow you to objectively gauge how a building performs (is perceived to perform) in terms of not just IAQ but also eg. thermal and visual comfort. Furthermore, occupants can be asked to estimate whether their IEQ affects their productivity and incidence of building related symptoms. BBA Binnenmilieu has developed a new web-based questionnaire tool. The new tool is quick, inexpensive, and involves all building occupants. The outcomes can be used to determine what IAQ substances to measure. It also provides direct building users’ feedback that can be supplemented with measurement and Building Management System data.
What’s that Void – A Case Study
Ivi Sims, Mould Squad
Instructional Level: Introductory
Two former dwellings previously occupied the same site as a current home. Remnants of the older dwellings were incorporated into the new structure. The new home has insufficient drainage which has allowed surface and/or ground waters to penetrate the structure, accumulating in subfloor and other cavity spaces and resulting in widespread mould damage. The largest cavity which is 1 – 1.5m high and more than 100m² in area, acts as a subfloor plenum connecting the contaminated subfloor areas and allowing mould to be disseminated to many of the occupied spaces. Investigation incooprated: Colour dye test; tracer gas – cinnamaldehyde; and 20 containment structure setup investigation.
Overcoming the Barriers to Establishing Quantitative Health Guidance Values for Airborne Mold
William Sothern, Microecologies, Inc.
Instructional Level: Intermediary
The major systematic reviews have concluded there is “sufficient evidence of an association” between exposure to dampness and mold in indoor environments and significant risk of asthma and other respiratory symptoms. However, the authors of these reviews have concluded there is insufficient evidence on which to base quantitative health guidance values (HGVs) for airborne mold. The absence of authoritative HGVs leaves the decision making to the environmental practitioner, leading to inconsistent interpretations that lack credibility in the eyes of clients, physicians, and the courts. This presentation discusses the current research on this topic, the results of two studies that our research group has conducted, and the need for additional research using study methods that will inform both practice and policy.
Exposure Risk of Laboratory Fume Hoods
Lawrence Meisenzahl, Vortex Hoods, LLC
Instructional Level: Advanced
Vortex ventilation is a new technology that improves air quality in laboratory space. Laboratory hoods are safety devices that protect individuals from harmful substances at arms-length from the users breathing zone. The vortex hood, using a constant volume of air (12 air changer per minute) while in use, is a dilution process that absorbs contaminants into the exhaust air stream by mixing. The vortex hood is unique because performance is characterized by a dilution ratio (1/190). The concentration (ppm) of a substances detected outside of the hood is (Co). The concentration of a substance inside the hood is (Ci). Therefore (Co/Ci) = (1/190). This enables air quality specialists to quantify exposure by direct reference to published Threshold Limit Values (TLVs).
Fundamentals of Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Analysis
Stephen Froelicher, Prism Analytical Technologies
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Formaldehyde exposure is one of the leading causes of respiratory irritation in indoor settings. Formaldehyde is impossible to avoid as it is a component of ambient outdoor air. Indoor levels are further elevated due to the wood infrastructure of many buildings and due to materials of construction. Formaldehyde sources will be described, and methods for reduction and remediation will be described. Understanding exposure levels is confusing due to the many agencies that suggest exposure levels. Finally, several methods will be described for analysis of formaldehyde in indoor environments. Comparative data and pros and cons of each method will be discussed.
Air Infiltration=Contaminant Pathway
Joe Medosch, Hayward Score
Instructional Level: Intermediary
Air leakage is so common it’s indirectly built into buildings through poor design and construction. You’ve heard the phrase Buildings “Need to Breath” – not true! Buildings that breath cause issues for the occupants that do breath. The pathways that allow air leakage also provide pathways for moisture and numerous contaminants. This session will cover how small gaps expose occupants to contaminants that enter from outside and/or from interior interstitial spaces. These conditions have a direct impact on the health and cognitive function of the occupants. This presentation will cover how to perform pressure differential mapping and locate these failures in residential and commercial structures.
Government Affairs Update
Cole Stanton, ICP Construction
Instructional Level: Introductory
The Government Affairs Committee exercises a broad mandate to discover, investigate, report and monitor policy developments impacting the spectrum of IAQ issues. Outreach is an emphasis, and when member feedback indicates consensus, we are empowered to advocate for the best interests of our members and communities. Our work includes close cooperation with the ASHRAE Grassroots Government Affairs Committee. We intend to report on activity in diverse geography including New York, California, Florida, DC and Texas. New initiatives include silica, lead paint, and legalized marijuana. The Government Affairs Committee exercises a broad mandate to discover, investigate, report and monitor policy developments impacting the spectrum of IAQ issues. Outreach is an emphasis, and when member feedback indicates consensus, we are empowered to advocate for the best interests of our members and communities. Our work includes close cooperation with the ASHRAE Grassroots Government Affairs Committee. We intend to report on activity in diverse geography including New York, California, Florida, DC and Texas. New initiatives include silica, lead paint, and legalized marijuana.