Too often, indoor air quality (IAQ) problems result from poor planning, improper design, or inadequate construction methods and materials. If design and construction teams work together to incorporate good IAQ strategies from the start, many of the common pitfalls can be avoided.
The Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning is a collaboration between the American Society of Refrigerating, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Institute of Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association International, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors of North America, and the United States Green Building Council, which awards the internationally recognized LEED green building certification system.
The book outlines specific strategies for achieving eight critical IAQ objectives relative to moisture management, ventilation, filtration and cleaning, and source control.
A 198-page summary of the guide can be downloaded free of charge at www.ashrae.org/iaq. The full publication, including a CD, is also available through ASHRAE for $29.
Within the summary, Objective 2 - Control Moisture in Building Assemblies and Objective 4 - Control Moisture and Contaminants Related to Mechanical Systems offer strategies to limit water and moisture intrusion, which directly impact the growth of fungal (mold) species.
The summary guide states in Objective 2 that "Moisture in buildings is a major contributor to mold growth and the poor IAQ that can result. Wetting of building walls and rainwater leaks are major causes of water infiltration."
There is also significant attention in this section given to controlling indoor humidity levels. High humidity supports the growth of mold, dust mite populations, and other biological contaminants indoors that may cause allergies or other health problems for building occupants.
Low humidity levels can dry out mucous membranes. Either way, "humidity conditions also affect people's perceptions of the IAQ."
Objective 4 starts out explaining the important role of mechanical systems in providing good IAQ. It then states "However, since many mechanical systems carry water or become wet during operation, they can also amplify and distribute microbial contaminants." Detailed strategies are discussed for each component of the mechanical systems.
Considering IAQ from the initial design process through the building occupancy will ensure that everyone breathes a little easier.
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
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