Air (A01 - A04) Preconditions Flashcards
What is the acceptable air quality threshold for particulate matter in occupiable spaces? (PM2.5 & PM10)
A01 - Air Quality
a. PM2.5: 15 µg/m3 or lower
b. PM10: 50 µg/m3 or lower
15
50
List common air pollutants. What does exposure do to you?
A01 - Air Quality
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) ozone particulate matter carbon monoxide radon
They increase risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, asthma, and cancer. Common symptoms include headaches, dry throat, eye irritation, and runny nose that may worsen over time.
What is the modified air quality threshold in polluted regions for particulate matter in occupiable spaces? (PM2.5 & PM10)
(for projects where the annual avg. outdoor PM2.5 level is 35 µg/m3 +)
A01 - Air Quality
a. PM2.5: 25 µg/m3 or lower.
b. PM10: 50 µg/m3 or lower. (same as acceptable threshold)
25
50
What is the DYNAMIC air quality threshold in polluted regions for particulate matter in occupiable spaces? (PM2.5 & PM10)
(for projects where the annual avg. outdoor PM2.5 level is 35 µg/m3 +)
A01 - Air Quality
a. PM2.5 < than or = to 30% of the 24-hr or 48-hr avg. of outdoor levels.
b. PM10 < than or = to 30% of the 24-hr or 48-hr avg. of outdoor levels.
How do you verify the different types of thresholds for particulate matter?
A01 - Air Quality
a. performance test for acceptable thresholds.
b. technical documents + performance test for modified and dynamic thresholds.
What are types of VOCs?
A01 - Air Quality
benzene
formaldehyde
toluene
What is the air quality thresholds for benzene in occupiable spaces?
A01 - Air Quality
10 µg/m³ or lower
What are the air quality thresholds for formaldehyde in occupiable spaces?
A01 - Air Quality
50 µg/m³ or lower.
What are the air quality thresholds for toluene in occupiable spaces?
A01 - Air Quality
300 µg/m³ or lower.
What are two ways you can meet air quality thresholds in occupiable spaces for VOCs?
A01 - Air Quality
- performance testing for laboratory-based VOCs
2. VOC monitoring through sensors verified by technical document
What are the required minimum frequency and accuracy of VOC sensor monitoring in how big of a space?
A01 - Air Quality
minimum: measure at least once/hr with 25% accuracy covering every 3,500 SF
What are the threshold requirements for monitoring VOCs over __ period of time?
A01 - Air Quality
1 month data
total VOC levels of 500 µg/m³ or lower for at least 90% regularly occupied hours for ALL sensors
Who provides the total VOC sensor conversion factor and gas mixture reference?
A01 - Air Quality
the manufacturer
What are some inorganic gases?
A01 - Air Quality
carbon monoxide
ozone
What are the air quality thresholds for occupiable spaces for carbon monoxide?
A01 - Air Quality
10 mg/m³ [9 ppm] or lower.
verified through performance testing.
What are the air quality thresholds for occupiable spaces for ozone?
A01 - Air Quality
100 µg/m³ [51 ppb] or lower
verified through performance testing.
What are the methods to meet air quality thresholds for occupiable spaces for RADON* and how are they verified?
*at or below grade only.
A01 - Air Quality
- radon testing (technical document) per 25,000 SF of regularly occupied space
- mechanical ventilation (letter of assurance by Engineer)
What are the air quality threshold requirements for occupiable spaces for TESTING RADON?
A01 - Air Quality
0.15 Bq/L [4 pCi/L] or lower
tested per 25,000 SF of regularly occupied space
a. List the air quality threshold guidelines for occupiable spaces for new MECHANICALLY VENTILATED spaces which must cover at least ___% of the project area. What inorganic gas does this combat?
b. Existing ventilation systems are expected to be balanced and tested within the last ___ years?
A01 - Air Quality
All regularly occupied spaces at or below grade meet the supply and exhaust rates set in one or more of the following guidelines:
- ASHRAE 62.1-2010
- ASHRAE 62.2-2016
- EN 16798-1
- AS 1668.2-2012
- CIBSE Guide A: Environmental Design, 2007
a. New systems must meet 90% of project area.
HELPS ADDRESS: RADON
b. Existing systems must be tested within the last 5 years.
How often should air quality be measured in occupiable spaces?
Note: exclude dwelling units.
A01 - Air Quality
monitored at intervals no longer than once per year…
and must be submitted annually to the WELL digital platform (verified by ongoing data report)
How many compound ingredients are in cigarettes and how many of them are carcinogenic?
A02 Smoke-Free Environment
7,000 compounds
69 carcinogenic
How many years less do smokers live in comparison to a nonsmoker?
A02 Smoke-Free Environment
10 years less
Define third-hand smoke.
A02 Smoke-Free Environment
Residual chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke that clings to walls, furniture, clothing, bedding, carpets, and other surfaces… long after smoking has occurred.
What are some health issues associated with tobacco smoke?
A02 Smoke-Free Environment
Asthma attacks Respiratory infections Coronary heart disease Stroke Lung cancer Sudden infant death syndrome
What percent of the world is not protected by 100% smoke-free regulations?
80% of the global population
Where is smoking and the use of e-cigarettes prohibited and how is this verified?
A02 Smoke-Free Environment
All interior spaces of project boundary.
Verified by Policy and/or Operations Schedule.
What are two methods to prohibit outdoor smoking?
- no smoking signage
2. having no applicable outdoor spaces that applies to having signage
What are the ground and above-ground requirements and verifications for no-smoking signage?
Ground: No Smoking signage within 25 ft of all entrances, operable windows, and building intakes and placed along walkway at minimum every 100 ft between signs.
Above ground: place signs on decks, patios, balconies, rooftops, etc.
Verified by photographs and letter of assurance from Owner.
What is sick building syndrome (SBS)?
A03 Ventilation Design
When someone experiences headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, cough, sneezing, shortness of breath, and eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation due to poorly ventilated spaces.
One U.S.-based study reported that the sick leave attributable to insufficient provision of fresh air in buildings is estimated to be ___ of total absenteeism.
A03 Ventilation Design
35%
Why is addressing SBS important apart from health benefits?
The economic costs of SBS in under-ventilated buildings are significant and far exceed the energy-related cost savings.
What are the different environmental circumstances that change requirements for adequate air ventilation?
A03 Ventilation Design
- Mechanically ventilated spaces
- Naturally ventilated spaces
- Naturally ventilated spaces in areas with elevated particulate matter
List the guidelines for naturally ventilated spaces without mechanical ventilation.
A03 Ventilation Design
- Natural Ventilation Procedure in ASHRAE 62.1-2010.
- CIBSE AM10: Natural Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings (2005) Section 2.4 – and Ch 4
- AS 1668.4-2012
- Previous guidelines from A01 that describes natural ventilation
If your project has only vents and windows, what do the requirements for ensuring adequate natural ventilation?
A03 Ventilation Design
Keeping windows open permanently and preventing closure during occupancy.
Outdoor air must meet ___ thresholds for particulate matter (PM) and ___ thresholds for elevated levels of PM as an average for the previous year.
A03 Ventilation Design
PM2.5 less than 15 μg/m³
PM10 less than 30 μg/m³
15
30
Elevated PM levels:
35
70
What does Construction Pollution Management address and what are some of the strategies?
A04 Construction Pollution Mgmt
Requires projects to protect indoor air quality during building construction and renovation.
Strategies include:
- duct protection
- moisture
- dust management
- chemical vapor/ debris mgmt
- filter replacement
- proper equipment selection
Who does air pollution during construction and demolition affect the most? What are the associated health implications?
A04 Construction Pollution Mgmt
Affects workers on-site and residents living nearby, but also future residents living on-site since the indoor air quality can be compromised during building construction.
Associated increased mortality, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, increased emissions of PM10, respiratory diseases.
How is DUCTS maintained during the construction/rehab period?
A04 Construction Pollution Mgmt
- Ducts are sealed and protected from possible contamination
- Ducts are cleaned prior to installing
How are DUCTS maintained during the construction/rehab phase?
A04 Construction Pollution Mgmt
- Ducts are sealed and protected from possible contamination
- Ducts are cleaned prior to installing
How are FILTERS maintained during the construction/rehab phase if there are permanently installed ventilation systems onsite already?
A04 Construction Pollution Mgmt
- Media filters with a PM10 removal rating of at least 70% (e.g., MERV 8) are used to filter return air.
- All filters are replaced prior to occupancy!
What are four MOISTURE and DUST management strategies used during the construction/rehab phase?
A04 Construction Pollution Mgmt
- All absorptive materials (carpets, acoustic ceiling panels, fabric wall coverings, insulation, upholstery, etc.) should be stored separately to protect against moisture damage.
- Isolate active work spaces by sealing doors or windows through temp barriers.
- Use walk off-mats at entryways
- Use dust guards on saws and other tools
Note: this is verified by contractor’s letter of assurance.
