According to our research and study most occupant complaints relating to IAQ are attributable to the following factors:

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Aubrey Cox
5 years ago
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2 Report pertaining to the Duct Cleaning of ICU! &ICU2 at Hospital 5 th & 6 th Floor. The IAQ Report documents by Photograph (at random) photo shots of the various ducting systems & AHU Systems for work carried out over May IAQ INDUSTRY BACKGROUND IAQ has become one of the nation s fastest growing areas of heath concern for industrial, commercial, health care and marine Industry, and government facilities worldwide. Good IAQ enhances occupant health and comfort and increases workplace productivity. The operation and maintenance (O & M) of the mechanical system that distributes air to occupied spaces is a major factor in maintaining good IAQ. According to our research and study most occupant complaints relating to IAQ are attributable to the following factors: INDOOR AIR QUALITY COMPLAINTS Ventilation System 48.3% Indoor contamination of air (other than smoking) 17.7% Contamination from outside air source 10.3% Poor Humidity Control 4.4% Contamination from building materials 3.4% Other or Unknown causes 15.9% A significant number of IAQ problems appear to be directly related to the accumulation of microbial contamination dirt and particulate, Carbon from fuel emissions and increased CO2 in enclosed occupied areas, Contamination in filters, and in the duct work. When moisture and dirt combine, it provides a habitat for microorganisms to flourish. When air passes over this buildup, some of it is likely to become airborne and be circulated throughout the occupied space. What are the consequences that may result from poor IAQ? Increased health problems such as coughing, eye irritation, headaches and allergic reactions, and, in some rare cases, potentially life-threatening conditions (e.g. Legionnaire s Disease, carbon monoxide poisoning and many influenza based diseases); Reduced productivity because of discomfort or increased absenteeism: Accelerated deterioration of furnishing and equipment, especially magnetic storage media and electrical equipment. Strained relations between landlords and tenants or employers and employees. Creation of negative publicity that could put rental properties at a competitive disadvantages. (1) Potential legal liability (insurance policies tend to exclude pollution-related claims); Excessive dust in occupied areas and increased housekeeping requirements and odour. Why should you be concerned about debris in your HVAC system?

3 When indoor levels of carbon monoxide exceed 9ppm, they are usually traced to the infiltration of vehicle exhaust fumes or fumes leaking from poorly ventilated areas in According to the EPA, a small amount of dust on duct surfaces is normal and inconsequential. However, when the following conditions exist duct cleaning is recommended: Water damage or biological growth observed in ducts. Debris in ducts that restrict airflow; or Dust discharging from supply diffusers. What other benefits are there to a properly operating and clean HVAC system? Recent studies have indicated that a clean HVAC system, including the ductwork, can increase the efficiencies of the system. Accumulation of debris in ductwork systems can constrict airflow to designated areas. This reduction of airflow can cause air distribution, air changes, and comfort levels within the building to be compromised. Some research has also been conducted to determine whether any energy savings are attributable to a clean HVAC system. Initial results indicate that clean ductwork, air handling units and heating and cooling coils can yield energy savings because the entire system will be running at a higher efficiency. Preamble (2) Carbon Dioxide Efforts to maximize energy conservation have increase, and building construction has been modified to eliminate operable windows and construct air-tight buildings. Experience has since indicated that certain minimum infusions of outdoor air are necessary to dilute the indoor air pollutants present, including the carbon dioxide exhaled by building occupants. ASHRAE has recognized the importance of carbon dioxide as a surrogate indicator of the effectiveness of overall ventilation. ASHRAE adopted a maximum level of carbon dioxide of 1,000ppm (parts per million) when it raised its overall recommended ventilation rate for office buildings, as per ASHRAE Standard OH&S, in conjunction with the EPA, is proposing an acceptable upper limit for carbon dioxide concentrations of 800ppm. When carbon dioxide levels rise above 1,000ppm in an indoor environment, many occupants may complain of stale and stuffy air as well as experience Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and general lethargy. Even at levels between 800 and 1,000ppm, a portion of people are likely to be adversely affected. Generally, it is accepted that these symptoms are not he result of the lack of sufficient oxygen, or even an accumulation of carbon dioxide, but rather by the sum or interaction of all the indoor air pollutants present. It is now generally accepted that a certain minimum amount of outdoor air is required to be taken into a building during times of occupancy. The outdoor ambient concentration of carbon dioxide is usually 350 to 450ppm. If indoor carbon dioxide levels are more than 1,000ppm (three to four times the ambient outdoor concentration), ventilation is probably inadequate. Carbon Monoxide Indoor carbon monoxide levels should generally mirror those of outdoor background levels, which range from 1 to 3 PPM for rural areas and 3 to 6 PPM for metropolitan areas. Indoor levels should never exceed the 9-ppm limit set by the EPA for prevailing outdoor levels.

4 the building with combustion sources, such as furnaces, stoves and boilers. Because carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, the only way to ensure it is not present in buildings is through routine monitoring and testing. Temperature One of the main purposes of any HVAC system is to maintain temperatures in the occupied spaces it controls within the temperature comfort zone. The temperature comfort zone can be defined as the temperature level at which a majority of individuals dressed in typical clothing and involved in light sedentary activity are satisfied. ASHRAE recommends indoor temperature comfort ranges of 21 C (+/- 1 C) for Winter and 24 C for (+/- 1 C) for Summer. (3) It should be noted that air temperature can have a large impact on how overall IAQ is perceived: recent studies suggest that IAQ is judged (subjectively by the occupant) to be worse as temperatures rise above 24 C regardless of the actual air quality with respect to other IAQ parameters. Relative Humidity Acceptable relative humidity levels are a major topic of debate among health and IAQ professionals. The acceptable range recognised by ASHRAE is between 30% and 60%. Relative humidity below this range, and especially below 20%, can produce discomfort to the building occupants because the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat passages may begin to dry out. This may increase the occupant s susceptibility to colds or other upper-respiratory problems. Conversely, relative humidity levels above 60% provide favorable conditions for the growth of mould, mildew, and fungus. HVAC MICROBIAL TESTING Microorganisms are a normal part of our environment and can be found on almost any surface, including HVAC system surfaces. Concerns associated with the presence of bacteria and fungi in an indoor environment focus on their levels and their specific types. In general, levels of microbes indoors should be quantitatively similar to outdoor levels. Inspection of the units showed there were high levels of microbial contamination. Microbial testing was carried out as it was part of the contract it was carried out on AHU s before cleaning & after cleaning and on 1 grill of each line. Overview Job has been completed all systems as clean as per the photographs supplied. The Hospital Staff have been advised that GermXit treatment should be used as we can see Bacteria & Mould counts were high before cleaning. This report will follow within 1 week as cultures are now being incubated. The systems were long over due for cleaning and we advise that the AHU s should be cleaned a minimum period of every year and GermXit treatment should continued on a monthly basis as filters can not stop this type of growth. There was present very high levels of bacteria for this situation to occur. Carl Straub Managing Director IAQ Technologies Thailand Co., Ltd