The 411 on emitting materials Designing Healthy Interiors A. Costello, P.E., LEED-AP

Transcription

1 The 411 on emitting materials Designing Healthy Interiors A. Costello, P.E., LEED-AP September 21, 2011

2 Learning Objectives 1. Understand low emitting materials (Volatile Organic Compounds) and associated health effects. 2. Identify standards and regulations associated with emissions 3. Review market claims and tools related to low emitting materials including identifying the differences between content and emissions claims. 4. Identify steps for designing healthier indoor environments 1

3 Indoor Environmental Quality Green building design, construction, and operations means indoor environmental quality material use energy performance site planning water management using practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of a building on its occupants and the environment. Indoor Environmental Quality is an key component. 2

4 Indoor Environmental Quality indoor environmental quality Indoor Air Quality indoor environmental quality Thermal Control Acoustics Lighting The average American spends 65-90% of their time indoors (source: US EPA) IEQ addresses the human component of high performance buildings 3

5 Indoor Air Quality Pollution inside is 2-5x worse than air outdoors indoor environmental quality Exposure to indoor pollutants causes health effects 4

6 Learning Objectives 1. Understand low emitting materials (Volatile Organic Compounds) and associated health effects. 2. Identify standards and regulations associated with emissions 3. Review market claims and tools related to low emitting materials including identifying the differences between content and emissions claims. 4. Identify steps for designing healthier indoor environments 5

7 Low Emitting Materials Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are compounds that evaporate into the atmosphere. VOCs often have noticeable odors. For example, gasoline, kerosene, paints, stains, perfumes, building materials, sealants and adhesives. Thousands of chemicals, synthetic & natural, can be called VOCs. Of these, over 900 have been identified in indoor air. Wide range of human health impacts Smog formation Respiratory illness Cancer 6

8 Indoor Air Quality Indoor Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants: Building materials Perfumes Carpets and furnishings Cigarette smoke Office machines Microbial growth Cleaning products Outdoor pollutants 7

9 Types of VOCs Low Emitting Materials WHO Classification: VVOC : Very Volatile Organic Compounds VOC : Volatile Organic Compounds SVOC : Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds POM : Particulate Organic Matter Not all VOCs are harmful to human health it depends on toxicity and length of exposure. 8

10 Learning Objectives 1. Understand low emitting materials (Volatile Organic Compounds) and associated health effects. 2. Identify standards and regulations associated with emissions 3. Review market claims and tools related to low emitting materials including identifying the differences between content and emissions claims. 4. Identify steps for designing healthier indoor environments 9

11 VOC Product Related Standards Product Emissions Chamber Test Methods Standards Exposure Limits Systems Codes & Regulations ISO Series CDPH CA OEHHA LEED IgCC ASTM D5116 GreenGuard GreenGuard Green Globes CALGreen ASTM D 6803 BIFMA (Furniture) OSHA CHPS CARB-ATCM AgBB (Germany) AgBB Blue Angel Blue Angel AFSSET (France) AFSSET Building rating systems and code reference the standards. 10

12 Product Evaluation Process Emission Factor Contaminant Concentrations Chamber Emissions Test Methods Exposure Scenario Standards Toxicological and Sensory Evaluation Age of source (rate of emission) Temperature Humidity Ventilation rate (accumulation) Concentration of pollutants in outdoor air 11

13 Example: Formaldehyde Emissions AgBB/DiBT (German)- Limit is 120 μg/m 3 after 28 days AFSSET (French) - Limit is 10 μg/m 3 after 28 days Blue Angel - Limit is 60 μg/m 3 after 28 days Finnish M1 - Limit is 0.05mg/ m 2 hr after 28 days California - Limit 9 μg/m 2 hr after 14 days (2010) Globally, exposure limits and standards for formaldehyde emissions have not been harmonized. 12

14 Composite Wood Regulations California s Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products [17 Cal. Code Regs. sections ] Regulation enacted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Applies to composite wood products (CWPs) and finished goods containing CWPs that are sold, offered for sale, supplied, used, or manufactured for sale in California Federal Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act Adopts the California emission standards and takes them NATIONAL (EPA must promulgate by January 1, 2013) 13

15 Benefits: Low Emitting Material Standards Reduce the health risks of building occupants, installers and contractors Contribute to improved air indoor quality 14

16 Learning Objectives 1. Understand low emitting materials (Volatile Organic Compounds) and associated health effects. 2. Identify standards and regulations associated with emissions 3. Review market claims and tools related to low emitting materials including identifying the differences between content and emissions claims. 4. Identify steps for designing healthier indoor environments 15

17 Types of Claims: Zero VOC No added formaldehyde Formaldehyde free Low VOC content Content Claim Low emitting Zero emitting Meets CA Section Meets CARB Emissions Claim Generally, content claims are associated with liquid and composite wood products. 16

18 Low emitting material claims Content Claims - Based on content of the product 17

19 Low emitting material claims Emissions Claims are dependent on: Age of sample Temperature Humidity Ventilation rate So, standard test methods must define test parameters: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method V Emissions Claim - Based on the product emissions 18

20 Verification of Claims: Low emitting material claims Typically, a standard defines laboratory testing requirements For Example, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method V requires: Independent laboratories Mandatory Quality Management System ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification Collaborative of High performance Schools offers a website for placing laboratory certifications: Many companies offer third party certification labels 19

21 Example: Product Laboratory Certification 20

22 Low emitting / low VOC Claims currently in market place Means that the product meets the industry accepted definition of low-emitting for the product category. For example, low emitting ceilings meet Section or Low emitting adhesives meet SCAQMD 1168 requirements Zero emitting/zero VOC Product with nominally zero emissions. This type of claim is not held in high regard by the scientific community because it usually is referring to a very low or trace level. No Added Formaldehyde = Formaldehyde Free Formaldehyde is not used as a raw material. Product is not formulated with formaldehyde. Most commonly used phrase for products that do not contain formaldehyde (ex. Composite wood products with non-formaldehyde resins) Formaldehyde free Less commonly used because of naturally occurring formaldehyde in many products. No added urea formaldehyde Almost exclusively used for composite wood products that are formulated with phenol formaldehyde instead of urea formaldehyde. No applicable regulatory definition that covers all products; therefore, manufacturer s claims are inconsistent. 21

23 Learning Objectives 1. Understand low emitting materials (Volatile Organic Compounds) and associated health effects. 2. Identify standards and regulations associated with emissions 3. Review market claims and tools related to low emitting materials including identifying the differences between content and emissions claims. 4. Identify steps for designing healthier indoor environments 22

24 Step 1. Source Control Select & specify materials that prevent the introduction of hazardous materials into the building. Step 2. Ventilation Increase the amount of air into your space to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. Step 3. Air Filtration Steps to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution Source: US EPA 23

25 Steps to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution REDUCE INDOOR SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTANTS Choose low VOC construction & finish materials, and furnishings Locate printers, photocopy machines in negative pressure zone with exhaust fans Purchase safer cleaning products & art supplies, and provide guidance on proper use Control fumes and dust during remodeling conduct work during unoccupied periods Ensure adequate ventilation with clean outside air Provide exhaust fans/fume hoods and personal safety equipment in labs and art rooms Use water-soluble markers and non-solvent cleaners on white boards Consider products that actively remove formaldehyde in buildings KEEP POLLUTANTS OUT Prevent vehicle exhaust and other pollutants from entering outside air intakes Avoid pesticide use indoors, in crawl spaces, or near buildings Seal air leaks from crawl spaces, garages, utility tunnels, storage areas, etc. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE FOR GOOD IAQ Ensure adequate ventilation during occupied periods with clean outside air Monitor air flow directions (pressures) - air should move from "clean to dirty" 24

26 Conclusions Many sources, natural and artificial, of VOCs exist Some VOCs can present health hazards VOC emissions can be measured VOC emissions are being regulated Products VOC emission levels can be tested and certified To reduce exposure to harmful VOCs, design a building and choose finishes appropriately. The building then needs to be operated and maintained in a way that minimizes the exposure of the occupants to any harmful emissions. 25

27 Thank You! 26