Consider the Facts  The EPA lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat  Poor indoor air quality can cause rot in walls, attics, and window framing due to excess moisture.  Common pollutants can enter our facilities through air leaks in the structure.  Common building problems or failures that occur in our facilities include: musty odors and mold growth, window condensation, structural rot, peeling paint, back-drafting appliances, damp basements and ice dams, or build-up of ice on the roofs edge, and high utility costs.

Common Types of Air Pollutants: For More information visit EPA Awards $1.2 Million to Improve Indoor http://www.fic.nih.gov/researchtopics/Pages/IndoorAirPollution.aspx Air Quality: Thirty-two assistance http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/links.htm agreements, totaling approximately $1.2 million, were selected and funded by the 10 http://www.pollutionissues.com/Ho-Li/Indoor-Air-Pollution.html EPA Regions through a competitive grant.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body.  Can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death  Symptoms sometimes confused with the flu or food poisoning. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown, irritating odor gas that irritates the eye, nose, and throat. It can cause shortness of breath after exposure to high concentrations.  Can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.  Can cause shortness of breath, respiratory infections, and lung disease Radon (Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.  The most common source of indoor radon is uranium in soil or rock  The health issue with exposure to elevated levels of radon is lung cancer. Formaldehyde is an important chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products.  Colorless, pungent-smelling gas; can cause watery and burning eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. Pesticides used in and around the building include products to control insects (insecticides), termites (termiticides), rodents (rodenticides), fungi (fungicides), and microbes (disinfectants).  They are sold as sprays, liquids, sticks, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers.  These products can be dangerous if not used properly. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant.  EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products.  Most commonly found in older buildings; pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and coating materials, and floor tiles. Lead (Pb)  There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead: through air, drinking water, food, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust.

Sources: EPA - ( http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html#Carpet) (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html) Medline Plus - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/indoorairpollution.html#cat11) American Lung Association - (http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/keep-pollution-out-of-your-home.html)

Sources and Causes: Sources:

 Combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products  Building materials and furnishings, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products, and formaldehyde and lead  Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies  Gases such as carbon monoxide or nitrous dioxide  Outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution  Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices

Sources of Office Air Pollution  Commonly found office pollutants and their sources include o Environmental tobacco smoke o Asbestos from insulating and fire-retardant building supplies o Formaldehyde from pressed wood products o Carpet o Cleaning materials and activities o Restroom air fresheners o Paints Information from the Huffington Post says that 3.5 o Adhesives million people die early annually from indoor air o Copying machines pollution and 3.3 million from outdoor air pollution. o Photography and print shops o Dirty ventilation systems or water-damaged walls, ceilings, and carpets o Pesticides from pest management practices.

Causes:  Inadequate ventilation o Indicated by moisture/condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cooling equipment, and areas where mold develops  High temperature and humidity levels  Age of source is and whether it is properly maintained  Building materials, furnishings, and household products, release pollutants continuously

Effects:  Sick building syndrome occurs when several people are affected, but no specific source of the illness is found.  Indoor air quality problems usually only cause discomfort, and most people feel better as soon as they eliminate the source of the pollution. o Some pollutants can cause diseases that show up much later

Immediate effects  Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. o Include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue o Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. o Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified. o Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases . It is important to pay attention to the time and place symptoms occur. Sources: EPA - ( http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html#Carpet) (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html) Medline Plus - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/indoorairpollution.html#cat11) American Lung Association - (http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/keep-pollution-out-of-your-home.html)

Long-term effects  Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after long or repeated periods of exposure. o Include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. o People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants

Prevention:  Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms and vent clothes dryers outdoors.  Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.  Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials  Keep the building clean.  Clean and disinfect the basement floor drain regularly.  Do not finish a basement below ground level unless all water leaks are patched and outdoor ventilation and adequate heat to prevent condensation are provided  Increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors to reduce indoor air pollution  Have central air handling systems inspected annually.  Read the label and follow the directions. It is illegal A building/facilities manager can to use any pesticide in any manner inconsistent with designate an indoor air quality the directions on its label. representative. They have authority,  Learn how asbestos problems are created in facilities. and possess knowledge to carry out  Do not cut, rip, or sand asbestos-containing materials the air quality management plan.  Do not remove lead paint yourself What to Do if You Suspect a Problem

If you or others at your office are experiencing health or comfort problems that you suspect may be caused by indoor air pollution, you can do the following:

 Talk with other workers, your supervisor, and union representatives to see if the problems are being experienced by others and urge that a record of reported health complaints be kept by management, if one has not already been established.  Talk with your own physician and report your problems to the company physician, nurse, or health and safety officer.  Call your state or local health department, or air pollution control agency to talk over the symptoms and possible causes.  Building investigations: These investigations may start with written questionnaires and telephone consultations in which building investigators assess the history of occupant symptoms and building operation procedures. In some cases, these inquiries may quickly uncover the problem and on-site visits are unnecessary.  Investigators will need to come to the building to conduct personal interviews with occupants, to look for possible sources of the problems, and to inspect the design and operation of the ventilation system and other building features..  If a professional company is hired to conduct a building investigation, select a company on the basis of its experience in identifying and solving indoor air quality problems in non-industrial buildings.  Work with others to establish a smoking policy that eliminates involuntary nonsmoker exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Sources: EPA - ( http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html#Carpet) (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html) Medline Plus - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/indoorairpollution.html#cat11) American Lung Association - (http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/keep-pollution-out-of-your-home.html)

When Building a New Facility

 Express your concerns about indoor air quality to your architect or builder  Talk about purchasing building materials and furnishings that are low-emitting and provide an adequate amount of ventilation.

There are many actions an owner can take to select products that will prevent indoor air problems from occurring:

 Use exterior-grade pressed wood products made with phenol-formaldehyde resin in floors, cabinetry, and wall surfaces.  Consider using solid wood products.  If installing wall-to-wall carpet on concrete in contact with the ground, create an effective moisture barrier prior to installation of new carpet.  Do not permanently adhere carpet to concrete with adhesives so that the carpet can be removed if it becomes wet.  Provide proper drainage and seal foundations in new construction.  Become familiar with mechanical ventilation systems and consider installing one.  Feature mechanical systems that bring outdoor air into the office. o Some of these designs include energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators  Ensure that combustion appliances, including furnaces, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heaters, are properly vented and receive enough supply air.  Carbon monoxide, and other combustible gases and particles can be back-drafted from the chimney or flue into the living space if the combustion appliance is not properly vented or does not receive enough supply air. o Back-drafting can be a particular problem in weatherized or tightly constructed offices. o Installing a dedicated outdoor air supply for the combustion appliance can help prevent back drafting.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution 5% 15% Benzo-a-pyrene

Inside contamination 13% 10% Outside contamination 4% Inadequate ventilation

53% Building products Unknown causes

Adapted from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Sources: EPA - ( http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidestory.html#Carpet) (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html) Medline Plus - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/indoorairpollution.html#cat11) American Lung Association - (http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/keep-pollution-out-of-your-home.html)