Consulting-Specifying Engineer - December 2007 - (Page 21) M/E Roundtable that concrete slabs were used along with brick to build the foundations. The lack of moisture barriers causes a respiratory nightmare. The schools lay dormant all summer, with relatively stagnant air and little vacuuming, and then when school starts up again, the janitors begin to vacuum the carpeted floors. The irritants that piled up on the carpets re-circulate into the air and enter a student’s respiratory system. Disbelief that such a thing is happening is a problem as well. The EPA program, Indoor Air Quality: Tools for Schools, takes a holistic approach to the problem by educating school personnel in practicing the proper structural maintenance. The inhibitor is a lack of a national standard for IAQ levels. The different climates of the country make protocols safe in one area and dangerous in another. CSE: How does exercise affect asthma and how can school gymnasiums and workout facilities improve IAQ? BRENNAN: Allergic reactions occur more frequently when a child or adult is exercising. The worst-case scenario is in school gyms where we find concrete blocks with spaces in the middle, used for acoustic reasons. We find concrete blocks have mineral fibers inside them to reduce noise, but in gyms where children are running around and breathing heavily, the fibers are stirred into the air and they are too small for filtration by the mechanical system. This is a case where building designers and architects need to be on the same page when deciding what materials need to be used. The mechanical side of the problem would be to make sure to keep the gym mats and surrounding areas as dry as possible and as mold-free as possible. STREIFEL: We have had situations where swimming pool areas cannot control the moisture and it seeps through the walls, condenses, and creates mold growth throughout the school building. CSE : What educational programs can help employers spread the word about the dangers of poor IAQ and asthma-related sicknesses? BRENNAN: Through the International Facility Management Assn., building operators can save owners as much as $20,000 by having their buildings and stationary engineers pass a building efficiency and job skills certification class. Those who are certified learn skills to run their buildings in a more efficient and eco-friendly manner. The program is offered through the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. SIGNALS SPEAKERS EVACUATIONSYSTEMS CONTROLPANELS INITIATINGDEVICES ACCESSORIES Explosion Proof Notification Devices Model FSEX Explosion-Proof Strobe ·24VDC operation ·Corrosion resistant cast aluminum ·3/4” tap wiring conduit included ·Approved for marine visual signaling ·Indoor or outdoor mounting ·NEMA 4X rated enclosure ·Fire Listed ·850 candela Model SPHX Explosion-Proof Speaker ·Listed for Class I, Div. I hazardous locations ·Operates on 25Vrms or 70Vrms signal lines ·NEMA 3 rated enclosure with indoor or outdoor mounting Model FHEX Explosion-Proof Horn ·24VDC polarized operation ·Rugged corrosion-proof cast aluminum housing ·Fire listed for hazardous / explosion-proof atmospheres ·High dB output Call CPG SIGNALS now for more information at 1-800-577-5758 or visit us on the web at www.cpgsignals.com Input #214 at csemag.com/quickResponse Consulting-Specifying Engineer • DECEMBER 2007 21 http://www.cpgsignals.com http://www.cpgsignals.com http://csemag.com/quickResponse
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