Indoor Air Quality Assessment Report For M&W Business Centre At Unit B, 19/F, Kyoto Plaza, 491-499 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: 3896 0399 Attn: Melody Ko Tested and prepared by: Carman Lam CleAir Group Limited Technical Specialist (Environmental Division) Ref: AT170712_MWBC 13 th July 2017 2
1 Scope The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) measurement for M&W Business Centre was performed by CleAir Group Limited on 12 th July 2017. A short-term measurement of Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP) and Formaldehyde (HCHO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Temperature (T) and Relatively Humidity (RH) were measured at a designated location. 2 Measuring Equipment The particle counter, ParticleScan was used to measure the concentration of the particles with size 0.3µm/liter. The TSI 7575-X was used to measure the Temperature (T) and Relatively Humidity (RH). The MulitRae Pro was used to measure the concentration of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and the formaldehyde (HCHO). 3
3 Measurement Result The measurement was conducted at various locations, and the results are presented in the following table: Location RSP PM 2.5 PM 10 HCHO TVOC CO 2 T RH 0.3um/liter ug/m3 ug/m3 ppm ppb ppm o C % Office 900 5 7 0.01 230 796 23.9 44.5 Suggested Level according to Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objective (HKIAQOs) Good Class - <75 <180 <0.08 <260 <1000 <20-25 <70 Excellent Class - <35 <20 <0.02 <87 <800 20-25.5 40-70 Suggested Level according to World Health Organization (WHO) Good Class <50000 <25 <50 - - - - - Excellent Class <10000 <10 <20 - - - - - 4
4 IAQ Measurement Result Analysis 4.1 Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP) level Particulate matter (PM), is also known as particle pollutants, which is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets, such as dust particles, mould spores, bacteria and viruses, etc. Among all these pollutants, dust particles, especially fine dust, have the most prolonged effect to our health. They can penetrate deep into the lungs and can stay for a long period of time or even settle. Indoor air quality is highly affected by outdoor air pollution level. Any changes in outdoor environment such as weather, wind and pressure, as well as the amount of pollutants emitted will also cause large daily variation in outdoor pollution. These outdoor pollutants can enter into the premise through ventilation ductwork, windows gaps or other openings. In the meantime, indoor air pollutants are generated mainly due to occupants activities, such as vacuum cleaning or sweeping. These two will inevitably exacerbate the level of indoor air pollution. According to the statistics, air pollution in winter is more serious than that in summer due to the seasonal change of the airflow direction. In summer, the air current is mostly directed from the ocean to Hong Kong, so the airborne particles are brought away by wind. On the contrary, the air current flows in reverse direction in winter, bringing air pollutants from South China to Hong Kong and worsening the air pollution in Hong Kong. The particle count measure is contributed by several factors. 1. Inefficient filtration by the air conditioning system 2. Large number of occupants activities stirring up airborne particles such as dust, bacteria and viruses originally stuck on the objects, raising the RSP level. High particle level contributes to the accumulation of bacteria and virus and leads to many health problems such as irritations of respiratory tract, coughs, and headache. It is crucial to control the RSP to a lower level. The RSP levels measured at office is within the excellent class range according to the World Health Organization. 5
4.2 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Level CO2 level reveals the adequacy of fresh air ventilation within the premise. Elevated level implies that fresh air is inadequate or there are too many people staying within the area, as CO2 is mainly emitted from the respiration process of human beings will easily accumulate in the indoor environment. Bacteria and viruses can accumulate and spread easily at indoor environment with high CO2 concentration. It can lower the effectiveness of work from the staffs with not enough fresh air also. The CO2 levels measured at office is within the good class range according to the Hong Kong IAQs (below 1000ppm). 4.3 Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) High TVOC concentration may be emitted from some commonly used renovation materials, such as paints, adhesives, varnishes, etc. and could still exist in the indoor environment even though the renovation work had been completed. Apart from the above-mentioned emitting sources, TVOC can also be emitted from disinfectants, printing material, cleansing agents, furnishings especially plywood furniture, carpets, essential oil and so on. Basically, the amount of TVOC emitted from the sources and how long the emission lasts for will very much depend on the raw materials used in the manufacturing process. If poor quality materials are used, some of them can keep emitting TVOC over years. The VOCs levels measured at office is within the good class range according to the Hong Kong IAQs (below 260ppm). 6
4.4 Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a kind of TVOCs, which is also a chemical ingredient widely used in building materials and fabrics. High level of formaldehyde is present if there are records of renovation and/or refurbishment (e.g. carpets, particleboard, fabrics, adhesives, carpets, floor coverings and so on) within one year of the survey, or locations where substantial volume of cleaning fluids and adhesives are being used. It could last for a very long period of time, and also cause health problems such as eye and throat irritation, and headaches. It is also found to be a cause of Leukemia. Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde may induce adverse effects on human health. Besides, formaldehyde may also increase the risk of cancer. As a result, it is desirable to reduce the overall exposure to formaldehyde. The formaldehyde measured at office is within the excellent class range according to the Hong Kong IAQs (below 20ppb). 4.5 Temperature (T) and Relative Humidity (RH) Overall measurement of the temperature and relative humidity recorded at office is within the excellent class range of the Hong Kong IAQOs. 7
Appendix End 8