Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/630729
6 Section 2 Non-HVAC equipment ■ emissions from office equipment (vola- tile organic compounds, ozone) ■ supplies (solvents, toners, ammonia) ■ emissions from shops, labs, cleaning processes ■ elevator motors and other mechanical systems Human Activities Personal activities ■ smoking ■ cooking ■ body odor ■ cosmetic odors Housekeeping activities ■ cleaning materials and procedures ■ emissions from stored supplies or trash ■ use of deodorizers and fragrances ■ airborne dust or dirt (e.g., circulated by sweeping and vacuuming) Maintenance activities ■ microorganisms in mist from improp- erly maintained cooling towers ■ airborne dust or dirt ■ volatile organic compounds from use of paint, caulk, adhesives, and other products ■ pesticides from pest control activities ■ emissions from stored supplies Building Components and Furnishings Locations that produce or collect dust or fibers ■ textured surfaces such as carpeting, curtains, and other textiles ■ open shelving ■ old or deteriorated furnishings ■ materials containing damaged asbestos Unsanitary conditions and water damage ■ microbiological growth on or in soiled or water-damaged furnishings ■ microbiological growth in areas of surface condensation ■ standing water from clogged or poorly designed drains ■ dry traps that allow the passage of sewer gas Given our present knowledge, it is difficult to relate complaints of specific health effects to exposures to specific pollutant concentrations, especially since the significant exposures may be to low levels of pollutant mixtures. Chemicals released from building components or furnishings ■ volatile organic compounds or ■ inorganic compounds Other Sources Accidental events ■ spills of water or other liquids ■ microbiological growth due to flooding or to leaks from roofs, piping ■ fire damage (soot, PCBs from electrical equipment, odors) Special use areas and mixed use buildings ■ smoking lounges ■ laboratories ■ print shops, art rooms ■ exercise rooms ■ beauty salons ■ food preparation areas Redecorating/remodeling/repair activities ■ emissions from new furnishings ■ dust and fibers from demolition ■ odors and volatile organic and inorganic compounds from paint, caulk, adhesives ■ microbiologicals released from demoli- tion or remodeling activities Indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants at concentrations that are far below any standards or guidelines for occupational exposure. Given our present knowledge, it is difficult to relate com- plaints of specific health effects to expo- sures to specific pollutant concentrations, especially since the significant exposures may be to low levels of pollutant mixtures. HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN AND OPERATION The HVAC system includes all heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment serving a building: furnaces or boilers, chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, exhaust fans, ductwork, filters, steam (or heating water) piping. Most of the HVAC discus- sion in this document applies both to central HVAC systems and to individual compo- nents used as stand-alone units.