Theme 3 - Indoor Air Quality

Question 1

Mould Hotspots

Answer 1

Moisture + Nutrients + Safe place to grow

Question 2

Moisture sources

Answer 2

leaks, rising damp, breath, perspiration, condensation

Question 3

Nutrient sources

Answer 3

Cellulose (wood, chipboard, cardboard)
Organic matter (skin cells, fabrics)

Question 4

Safe place

Answer 4

warm, not ventilated, not disturbed

Question 5

Optimum Relative Humidity range (for prevention of proliferation & contaminants)

Answer 5

• RH has direct influence on spread & growth of airborne
• range of 40-60% has least effect on proliferation & contaminants
• low & high RH levels results in spread of bacteria, viruses & respiratory infection
  *growth of fungi & mites can be attributed to high RH levels

Question 6

Health effects of danger level 1

Answer 6

Nose & throat
Irritation
Runny nose
Congestion
Sneezing
Cough & wheezing
Asthma flares

Question 7

What is danger level 1

Answer 7

Allergens & particulates

Dust & pollen
Mold & fungi
Mildew
Tobacco smoke
Wood smoke
Vehicle exhaust
Dust mite feces
Pet allergens
Insect debris

Question 8

What id danger level 2

Answer 8

Infectious agents

Bacterial infections (Streptococcus, Pneumococcus, Legionella, Tuberculosis)

Viral infections
(Influenza & RSV, Pneumonia, Cold viruses, SARS)

Question 9

What is danger level 3

Answer 9

Toxic compounds

Formaldehyde
Carbon Monoxide
Methylene Chloride
Nitrogen Dioxide
Pesticides
Toluene & Benzone
Tobacco smoke
Mold Mycococcus

Question 10

Acceptable indoor quality is:

Answer 10

Air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by recognized authorities &

Air to which, if exposed, a substantial majority (80% +) of people do not express dissatisfaction

Question 11

Air quality is improved by:

Answer 11

Diluting pollutants by introducing fresh air (SANS 10400 Part O, specifies minimum fresh air requirements & air change rates)

Removing pollutants by means of filtration.

Question 12

Dilution ventilation

Answer 12

Ventilation needed to prevent accumulation of a contaminant in air space

Question 13

Filtration

Answer 13

Filters are used to reduce/ eliminate particles present in the air, introduced to a space by HVAC system

Question 14

Filter bank monitoring

Answer 14

Magnehelic pressure differential guage
Digihelic pressure differential guage