Air Flashcards
What are some symptoms to exposure to indoor air pollutants
Less Severe: headaches, dry throat, runny nose, eye irritation
More Severe: Asthma attacks, infection and carbon monoxide poisoning
What are the most common air contaminants
Combustion sources (candles, tobacco, fireplaces, etc) that release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and small particles into the air
What are VOC’s and SVOC’s
Volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile organic compounds. These are commonly emitted from building materials, furnishings, fabrics, cleaning products, personal care products, and more
Household air pollution was rated as the _____ most important cause of ill health for the world’s population
Tenth
A01 Air Quality | Precondition
What is the intent
Provide a basic level of indoor air quality that contributed to the health and well-being of building users
exposure to air pollutants such as VOC’s, ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and others increase risk of
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
What increases risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
VOC’s, ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and others
What are the 2 leading causes of lung cancer
Tobacco and radon exposure
Option 1: acceptable thresholds
Following thresholds are met in occupiable spaces
PM2.5: 15ug/m^3 or lower
PM10:50ug/m^3 or lower
Option 2: modified thresholds in polluted regions
for projects where the annual outdoor PM2.5 level is 35ug/M^3 or higher
PM2.5: 25ug/m^3 or lower
PM10: 50ug/m^3 or lower
Option 3: dynamic thresholds in polluted regions
for projects where the annual average of outdoor PM2.5 level is 35 ug/m^3 or higher
PM2.5 less than or equal to 30% of the 24-48 hour average of outdoor levels
PM10 less than or equal to 30% of the 24-48 hour average of outdoor levels
Option 1: Acceptable thresholds for commercial kitchen space and industrial
PM2.5:35ug/m^3 or lower
Option 2: for commercial kitchen spaces and industrial what is the dynamic threshold in polluted regions:
For projects where the annual average ambient PM2.5 level is 35 ug/m^3 or higher
PM2.5 equal to 30% of the 24-48 hour average
PM10 equal to 30% of the 24-48 hour average
Meet threshold for organic gases
Lab-based VOC’s
Benzene (CAS 71-43-2): 10 ug/m^3 or llower
Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0): 50 ug/m^3 or lower
Toluene (CAS 108-88-3) 300 ug/m^3 or lower
A01: Ar quality
VOC monitoring reqirements
a. sensors to measure total VOC at least once per hour are installed with a density of at least one per hour every 3500 ft
b. Data covering at least the previous one month demonstrate total VOC levels of 500 ug/m^3 or lower at least 90% of regularly occupied hours of all sensors
For all spaces except commercial kitchens
what are the carbon monoxide and ozone thresholds?
CM: 10mg/m^3 (9ppm) or lower
OZ: 100 ug/m^3 (51 ppb) or lower
For commercial kitchens
what are the thresholds for carbon monoxide and ozone
CM: 34 mg/m^3 (30 ppm) or lower
OZ: 100 ug/m3 (51 ppb) or lower
For regularly occupied spaces at or below grade, one of the following requirements is met:
a. The radon is 0.15 Bq/L [4 pCi/L] or lower, as tested by a professional demonstrated not to have a conflict of interest with the WELL project. One test is conducted per 25,000 ft (2300 m ) of regularly occupied space at or
below grade.
b. All regularly occupied spaces at or below grade meet Feature A03, Part 1, Option 1.
Monitor Air Parameters:
For All Spaces except Dwelling Units:
The following requirements are met:
a. The pollutants listed in Parts 1-3 of this feature are monitored in regularly occupied spaces at intervals no longer than once per year, and the results are submitted annually through the WELL digital platform.
b. The number and location of sampling points for on-going monitoring complies with the requirements outlined in the Performance Verification Guidebook.
What are the Preconditions associated with Air?
Air Quality, Smoke-Free Environment, ventilation Design, Construction Pollution Management
what is the intent of the Smoke Free Environment precondition
Deter smoking, minimize occupant exposure to secondhand smoke, and reduce smoke pollution
The average life expectancy of a smoker is ______ years less than a non smoker
10
Define Thirdhand smoke
Residual chemicals left on indoor surfaces.
Clings to walls, furniture, clothing, bedding, carpets, etc.
What are health issues associated with tobacco smoke
asthma attacks, respiratory infections, coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and sudden infant death syndrome.
What is the safe level of cigarette smoke exposure
No safe level
what is the requirement for indoor smoking
Smoking and us of e-cigarettes is prohibited in indoor spaces
what are the requirements for outdoor smoking
A. prohibited (with signage) to smoke or use e-cigarettes at ground level within 25’ of entrances operable windows, and building air intakes. Signage must be present
b. in outdoor areas that allow smoking signs are placed along walkways that describe the hazards
c. Prohibited on decks, patios, balconies, rooftops, and occupiable outdoor areas above ground level
The intent of Ventilation Design Precondition
Minimize indoor air quality issues through the provision of adequate ventilation
Poorly ventilated areas contribute to what symptoms
Headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, cough, sneezing, shortness of breath, and eye, nose, throat and skin irritation.
Known as SIck Building Syndrome (SBS)
Poorly ventilated area increase rates of
employee absence, operation costs, poor productivity in students
Requirements for mechanically ventilated spaces
a. Newly installed ventilation systems are designed to meet the supply and exhaust rates set in one or more of the following ventilation guidelines, which must describe ventilation rates for at least 90% of the project area. The ventilation system is scheduled to be tested and balanced after project occupancy:
12 1. ASHRAE 62.1-2010 or any more recent versions (Ventilation Rate Procedure or IAQ Procedure).
13 2. ASHRAE 62.2-2016.
14 3. EN 16798-1 (for Category IV buildings).
15 4. AS 1668.2-2012 or any more recent version.
16 5. CIBSE Guide A: Environmental Design, version 2007 or any more recent version.
b. Existing ventilation systems have been tested and balanced to meet supply and exhaust rates set in one or more ventilation guidelines listed above within the last five years.
Requirements for naturally ventilated areas
a. One or more of the following design criteria, which must describe ventilation rates for at least 90% of the project area:
12
1. Natural Ventilation Procedure in ASHRAE 62.1-2010 or any more recent version.
2. CIBSE AM10: Natural Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings (2005 or any more recent version) Section 2.4
17
4. Any reference in Option 1, which describes natural ventilation procedures.
b. Vents and windows used to meet the ventilation requirements in one of the standards mentioned above are permanently open or have controls to prevent their closure during periods of occupancy. (Operable windows not used in ventilation calculations may be user operated.)
c. Outdoor air meets the following thresholds as an average for the previous year:
PM2.5 less than 15ug/m3
PM10 less than 30 μg/m3.
requirements for naturally ventilated spaces in areas with elevated particulate matter
For naturally ventilated projects with no mechanical ventilation, the following requirements are met:
a. One or more of the following design criteria, which must describe ventilation rates for at least 90% of the project area:
1. Natural Ventilation Procedure in ASHRAE 62.1-2010 or any more recent version.
2. CIBSE AM10: Natural Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings
4. Any reference in Option 1, which describes natural ventilation procedures.
b. Vents and windows used to meet the ventilation requirements in one of the standards mentioned above are permanently open or have controls to prevent their closure during periods of occupancy. (Operable windows not used in ventilation calculations may be user operated.)
c. Outdoor air meets the following thresholds as an average for the previous year:
PM2.5 less than 35 μg/m3.
PM10 less than 70 μg/m3.
if a project has both a mechanical and natural ventilation system how should it be scored
Mixed mode projects must meet the requirements set for naturally ventilated spaces when mechanical system is not in use and the requirements for mechanical ventilation when the mechanical system is in use. The project must use mechanical ventilation when outdoor PM2.5 levels are above 15 μg/m3, based on a measuring device within 2.5 mi(4 km) of the project.
Intent of Construction pollution Management
Mi imize the introduction of construction-related pollutants into indoor air, remediate construction-related indoor air contamination for human health and protect building products from degradation
Requirement to mitigate construction pollution
A. Ducts are maintained by being sealed properly from possible contamination and are cleaned prior to installing registers, grills, and diffusers
b. if the ventilation system is installed prior to construction filters must meet the following:
1. Media Filters with a PM10 removal rating of at least 70% are used to filter return air
2. all filters are replaced prior to occupancy
c. moisture and dust management are followed:
1. carpets, acoustical ceilings, fabric, insulation, upholstery, etc are stored separately
2. all active areas are isolated with sealed doorways or windows
3. walk-off mats are used in entryways to reduce dirt transfer
4. saws and similar tools use dust guards to capture generated dust
Intent of Enhanced Air Quality Optimization
Encourage and recognize buildings with enhanced levels of indoor air quality that promote the health and wellbeing of people
An average of ____% of productivity loss could be attributable to health issues related to poor indoor air quality in office buildings
10
The premature mortality rate could be reduced by up to 15% if PM10 is reduced from _____ to ______
70 to 20ug/m3
Intent of Enhanced ventilation Design Optimization
Expel Internally generated pollutants and improve air quality in the breathing zone through an increased supply of outdoor ar or increased ventilation efficiency
The risk of sick building syndrome decreases significantly when CO2 concentrations are less than ________
800 ppm
Intent of operable window optimization
Increase the supply of high quality outdoor air and promotee a connection to the outdoor environment, by encouraging building users to open windows when outdoor air quality is acceptable
Inhalation of harmful indoor substances is correlated with what?
adverse health outcomes such as infectious diseases, cancer, asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections
pro and con to opening wndows
pro: positive human experience
Con: challenging to maintain control over air quality
true or false - mechanically conditioned buildings have fewer people reporting sick building syndrome compared to naturally ventilated buildings
false
What projects qualify to have operable windows
projects where the average outdoor PM2.5 level is 35ug/m3 or higher
projects with operable window requirements are:
a. at least 75% of the regularly occupied spaces have exterior operable windows
b. for each floor the openable window area is at least 4% of the net occupiable floor area
If a building has windows what must be monitored
a. Outdoor levels of PM2.5 temperature and humidity at intervals of at least once per hour based on a data-gathering station located within 2.5 miles of the building
What is added to windows to notify occupants when outside conditions are suitable
Indicator lights notify
Suitable window conditions are:
1.PM2.5 15ug/m3 or lower
- dry bulb temperature within 15 degrees f of indoor air temperature setpoint
- relative humidity is 65% or lower
The intent of air quality monitoring and awareness Optimization
Monitor air quality issues as well as inform and educate individuals on the quality of the indoor environment
How can we monitor air quality fluctuations
Installing air quality sensors and detectors in every building
Install indoor air monitors - The project deploys monitors that measure at least three of the following parameters:
- PM2.5 or PM10 (accuracy 25% at 50 μg/m3).
- Carbon dioxide (accuracy 10% at 750 ppm).
- Carbon monoxide (accuracy 1 ppm at values between 0 and 10 ppm).
- Ozone (accuracy 10 ppb at values between 0 and 100 ppb).
- Nitrogen dioxide (accuracy 20 ppb at values between 0 and 100 ppb).
- Total VOCs (accuracy 25% at 500 μg/m3).
- Formaldehyde (accuracy 20 ppb at values between 0 and 100 ppb).
How often should air monitors be used
monitor density is at least once sensor for 3500 sqft
How often should air quality measurements be taken
every 10 minutes for CO2 and every 1 hour for other pollutants
Requirements for reporting and maintenance of air quality
A. Data must be submitted annually through the well digital platform
b. monitors are recalibrated or replaced annually and documaents must be submitted proving these calibrations and chamges
How to promote air quality awareness
a. data is presented through display screens positioned 3’-6” - 5’-6” with at least one display every 3500 sqft.
b. Data is hosted on a website or phone accessible to occupants. Signs are present indicating where data may be accessed of at least one sign every 3500 sqft
c. data presented includes either concentrations of the parameters measured or qualitative results
Intent of air pollution infiltration management
minimize the introduction of pollutants into the indoor air through the building envelope and at building entrances
What percent of air particle inhalation occurs indoors?
65%
requirements for design healthy entryways in regards to entryways
- all regularly used entrances to the building that are open to the pedestrian network include an entryway system comprised of grilles, grates, slots, or roll out mats the width of the entrance and 10ft long in the direction of travel
- either a vestibule with 2 closed door ways or a revolving door is used to slow the movement of air from outdoors to indoors
requirements for designing healthy entryways in regards to entry maintenance
entry must be wet cleaned at least once a week and vacuumed once a day
All facilities adjacent to outdoor sports fields need a what to capture moisture and debris
staging area that separates the playing field from internal areas
What are the requirements for building envelope commisioning
a. the project uses a facade engineer that is responsible for defining the building envelope performance metrics at the design concept stage
b. the building envelope performance requirements are included in the basis of the design document and reflect on the owner’s project requirements
c. the commissioning process included envelope commissioning for air filtration and leakage
d. The building envelope commissioning process is executed as outlined in the commissioning plan
e. The envelope commissioning plan is included un the project operation and maintenance manual
Intent of Combustion Minimization
Reduce human exposure to combustion-related air pollution from heating and transportation services
what are major overlooked sources of indoor air pollution
space heating, cooking, and transporation
Exposure to fine particles, nitrogen diode, and carbon monoxide can cause
nausea, loss of consciousness and death , inhalation of elevated levels of carbon monoxide is linked to headaches, visual impairment, reduced cognitive functioning and the ability to perform complex tasks.
How can we manage combustion
- Combustion based fireplaces, stoves, space heaters, ranges, and ovens are not used in occupiable spaces
- equipment used in the project for heating, cooling, water heating, power generation within the building or project site must either comply with California’s south coast air quality management emissions rule, be electric, or are supplied with heating or cooling
- vehicle idling for more than 30 sec is prohibited in all pickup, drop off, and parking areas. No idling sign must be present
Intent of source separation
preserve indoor air quality and maximize olfactory comfort in occupied spaces through isolation and proper ventilation of indoor pollution sources and chemical storage areas
Copy rooms contribute to Ozone which has been associated with what symptoms
Lung inflammation, chest pain, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses
Cleaning products contribute to VOC’s which are linked to
cancer, organ, and central nervous system damage
Bathrooms encourage mold and mildew growth which lead to
aggravation of lung diseases and allergic reactions
particulate matter, VOC’s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are all linked to
kidney inflammation
Requirements to manage pollution in bathrooms, kitchens, cleaning storage rooms, and printing rooms (meet one of the following)
- a. separate from all adjacent occupiable spaces with self-closing doors or vestibules
b. negatively pressurized compared to adjacent regularly occupied spaces - Use exhaust fans so the return air is vented out and not recirculated
For commercial kitchens how can we manage pollution and exhaust
- Canopy hoods have side panels
- Type II hood overhangs and setbacks comply with ASHRAE 154-2011 on all open sides, measured in the horizontal plane from the inside edge of the hood to the edge of the top horizontal surface of the appliance.
- The vertical distance between the front lower lip of the hood and the cooking surface is less than or equal to 4’
- Makeup air velocity near (or directed at) the hood is less than 75 fpm(0.38 m/s).
- Replacement air introduced directly into the exhaust hood cavity does not exceed 10% of the hood exhaust airflow rate.
- At least 50% of the air that replaces the exhaust air is conditioned transfer air, rather than makeup air.
- Appliances are grouped under exhaust hoods according to effluent production and associated ventilation requirements, as specified in ASHRAE 154-2011, per hood type
- Appliances have a rear seal between the appliance and the wall
- Appliances located at the end of a cook line requiring exhaust airflow rates greater than 300 cfm/ft(460 L/s/m) have a full side panel or an end wall.
For dwelling units, ovens, burners, and stovetop cooking appliances that use a range hood must meet the requirements:
- exhaust air is vented outdoors
- exhaust air outlets are separated from air intakes by at least 10’
- min operating exhaust airflow rate is greater of 100 cfm per linear foot of range hood width
- range hood device when in operation coveres 75% of burner area
