| Q: What does IAQ stand for? |
| A: Indoor Air Quality
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| Q: Why is Fluke getting involved in IAQ? |
| A: We have gotten involved because many of you have been asking us to do so, and we believe in the importance of this issue and think we have a lot to contribute with our knowledge of HVAC/R and electrical issues and products.
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| Q: What is Indoor Air Quality? |
| A: Common indoor air pollutants include tobacco smoke; biological agents like animal dander, bacteria and mold; airborne particulates; volatile organic compounds like glue, solvents, cleaning agents; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; and pesticides.
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| Q: What is Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)? |
| A: Typically a much larger category that not only includes the parameters measured in IAQ, but also "comfort factors" such as noise, light, temperature, humidity, and odor.
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| Q: I thought the only people involved in IAQ were highly qualified personnel who are highly trained. Given this, how can I possibily consider doing IAQ work? |
| A: It is correct that there are people with titles such as IAQ Specialist, Certified Hygienist, Mold RemidiatorRemediator, etc. who are specially trained, however there are some IAQ tests that HVAC/R specialists can be performing as they're doing their predictive maintenance and installation work. These job functions are complimentary and you should be able to help one another provide both of your clients with the healthiest building possible. As an HVAC/R professional you should be able to provide an IAQ assessment that at least includes temperature, humidity, and particulate counts. Depending upon those results you may be able to fix the problem or you may need to call in someone who specializes in these issues.
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| Q: Why is IAQ an issue? |
| A: Many of these materials are found in minute amounts in most indoor environments. Add humidity and temperature to the mix and pollutant concentrations can rise excessively. That's poor IAQ, and it can get expensive.
A 1997 study by William Fisk and Art Rosenfeld estimated that the potential annual savings and productivity gains from reduced sick building syndrome were $10 to $20 billion.
A lawsuit over air quality problems allegedly caused by the HVAC system in the Polk County, Fla. courthouse led to a 1995 jury award of $25.8 million.
In 2002, Hilton closed 453 guest rooms at its $95 million Hilton Hawaiian Village resort and spent $55 million to rectify a mold problem, then sued its contractors for flawed construction.
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| Q: What are some risks of poor indoor air quality? |
| A: It can cause discomfort, lost productivity, illness and even, for some victims of Legionnaire's disease, death.
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| Q: What causes IAQ problems? |
| A: Many IAQ problems are actually caused by building and HVAC systems design. An air intake located above a loading dock, for instance, could draw in vehicle exhaust and distribute carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and diesel soot to every cubicle. Systems without sufficient fresh air exchange can allow CO2 and volatile organic compounds to build up. The wrong construction materials can emit excessive chemicals from glue and paint.
Another big factor is system operation and maintenance. Air pressure, temperature, humidity and operating cycles must all be properly adjusted to balance operating efficiency with the comfort of building occupants.
Leaving systems off until occupants arrive in the morning might save money, for instance, but it will also allow pollutants to build up in the air. Better to start systems early and condition the air before people show up. Leaving doors or windows open between office space and a shop floor could virtually guarantee IAQ problems.
The third big IAQ determinant is system maintenance. Even the best building and HVAC design won't deliver the results it should if electrical systems or vents fail, fan and compressor motors malfunction or controls fail to perform.
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| Q: As an HVAC/R professional how do I perform IAQ tests? |
| A: An IAQ investigation is the first step in an ongoing maintenance program or in responding to complaints potentially associated with air quality. In either case, the methodology is similar. See the application note: Evaluating Indoor Air Quality with the Fluke 983 Particle Counter for more information.
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| Q: What are particulate pollutants? |
| A: They are things such as animal dander, smoke, airborne bacteria, fiberglass, combustion particles, mold, etc.
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| Q: How do these impact indoor air quality? |
| A: Large particles will typically settle out of the atmosphere and contaminate surfaces. Smaller particles, however, may be respirated into the lungs and cause discomfort or illness. In the case of asthmatics, certain particulates will act as "triggers" for an attack. Discomfort and/or illness are often symptoms of sick building syndrome, impacting workers' health and performance. Some studies show that indoor air in some commercial settings is 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
The third big IAQ determinant is system maintenance. Even the best building and HVAC design won't deliver the results it should if electrical systems or vents fail, fan and compressor motors malfunction or controls fail to perform. |