CHAPTER 8 VENTILATION AND IAQ

Question 1

What is ventilation?

Answer 1

A system in a building that brings in fresh air and removes contaminated indoor air to ensure adequate oxygen levels and prevent contaminant build-up.

Question 2

What are the two main methods of ventilation?

Answer 2

Natural ventilation (wind/breeze) and Mechanical ventilation (using electric fans).

Question 3

Name the two types of exhaust ventilation systems.

Answer 3

General (dilution) ventilation and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).

Question 4

When is general ventilation effective?

Answer 4

When contaminants are low in toxicity, released in small quantities,
workers are at a sufficient distance from the source.

Question 5

What are the five main components of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)?

Answer 5

Hood,
Ducting,
Air Cleaner (filter),
Fan,
Stack.

Question 6

What is the purpose of the hood in LEV?

Answer 6

To capture and retain contaminants, ensuring they do not spread into the workplace.

Question 7

Describe the role of ducting in LEV.

Answer 7

It carries air and contaminants from the hood to the treatment or disposal point.

Question 8

Why is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) important?

Answer 8

Poor IAQ can lead to health risks as people spend around 90% of their time indoors,
where pollution levels may be higher than outdoors.

Question 9

What are common sources of poor IAQ?

Answer 9

Occupants,
inadequate building materials, combustion gases,
cross-contamination,
improper product use.

Question 10

List some health effects of poor IAQ.

Answer 10

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS),
Building-Related Illnesses (BRI) like asthma and Legionnaire’s Disease.

Question 11

What is Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?

Answer 11

A condition where occupants experience acute health issues linked to time spent in a particular building, without a specific identifiable cause.

Question 12

What causes Legionnaire’s Disease?

Answer 12

Legionella bacteria growing in warm water systems, often found in water-cooling towers and building plumbing.

Question 13

What are VOCs and where are they commonly found?

Answer 13

Volatile Organic Compounds, often found in cleaning products, disinfectants, and paints, which can contribute to indoor air pollution.

Question 14

How can VOCs be controlled in indoor environments?

Answer 14

Use products as directed,
in well-ventilated areas,
avoid extra-strength batches,
keep products in original containers.

Question 15

What are the primary building comfort parameters?

Answer 15

Oxygen supply,
temperature,
relative humidity,
lighting,
airflow.