Consulting-Specifying Engineer - December 2007 - (Page 20) M/E Roundtable (Continued from page 16) and elimination of the source of water damage is essential. The second thing is to make sure that there is enough air moving through the air handling system to keep the air purified. Most people perceive that if we shut down the air handling system, the situation will get better. But that is wrong. All that means is the un-purified air stays in the environment longer. FISK: Some of these health effects are allergens such as inflammatory agents. One clear link between allergens and HVAC is filtration. There is evidence of fragments and small particles that are allergenic from outdoor allergen sources. In theory, the more efficient filter systems in the midrange category reduce our exposure to the outdoor allergens. There has been a lot of research on asthma, most associated with residential buildings. There has been less awareness of the role workplaces and schools play on asthma. OUELLETTE: The sick-building syndrome is a result of mold spores. Fiberglass ducts make for transportation highways of dry, warm, and free-flowing air for the aller- turely, before proper medical and structural analysis is complete. BRENNAN: Dust mites are the most frequent and thus the most dangerous allergen found in a business setting. Dust mites and mold are the two most potent aller- Research shows that schools have less ventillation or outdoor air supply than prescribed in minimum standards. But higher ventilation rates have been associated with reduced student absences. gens. The medical community’s thinking has to evolve in the manner the allergies have. These are no longer classic allergies, and we need to work in conjunction with building designers to fight the source and the symptoms. There are two source controls I would recommend: Use 2008 building science in the construction of new buildings, and do not make the mistake of moving into a building premagens affecting the U.S. workforce today, followed by paper and mineral fiber circulating in the air. The import of home allergens is also a contributor to poor IAQ. Tobacco smoke, cat dander, and fragrances infiltrate the building on an employee’s clothes and person. The best control is to the keep everything as dry as possible. Have quick-drying rugs in the doorways and an enclosure that keeps the moisture on rainy days out as much as possible. In addition, the places that do not stay dry, such as custodial closets, should be encased, and mold-resistant materials should cover the tiles and certain kinds of fabrics. CSE : How can an improved IAQ in a school benefit the students medically, and the school’s budget financially? FISK: Most of our research shows that schools have less ventilation or outdoor air supply than prescribed in minimum ventilation standards. Higher ventilation rates have been associated with a reduction in absences. The other class of problems prevalent in schools is moisture from water leaks. The financial impact for schools is a two-sided argument. Ventilation systems are major energy expenses for schools. As a result, there are increased energy costs and higher equipment costs for more ventilation. On the other hand, some districts receive funding based on attendance. If the ventilation is higher, more kids will attend school, and the schools will receive money for higher attendance rates. OUELLETTE: The advanced age of most schools in the United States means Input #213 at csemag.com/quickResponse 20 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • DECEMBER 2007 http://solaronicsusa.com http://solaronicsusa.com http://solaronicsusa.com http://csemag.com/quickResponse
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