EH&S Resources
|
Indoor Air Quality Information
- The University recognizes the impact that IAQ has an impact in the workplace. In an effort to provide the university community with the optimum level of IAQ, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) has developed an indoor air quality program.
- Symptoms arising from poor indoor air quality often mimic those symptoms commonly associated with a cold, flu, or allergies. These symptoms may include upper respiratory irritation, congestion, headaches, nausea, fatigue and itchy or watery eyes.
- Through our IAQ program of occupant interviews, building inspection and air quality testing, EH&S is often able to determine the cause of IAQ problems.
Factors Associated With Poor Indoor Air Quality:
- Inadequate Ventilation
- Contamination From Inside Buildings
- Contamination From Outside Buildings
- Microbial Contamination
- Building Material Contamination
Indoor Air Quality Evaluations:
An AQ monitor is placed in the workplace. The monitor remains in the space for approximately one week. The monitor records temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels.
- The temperature and relative humidity parameters is used to document whether conditions are conducive to promoting microbial contamination in the space.
- The carbon dioxide parameter is used to document the air exchange in the space. The air exchange is adequate when it controls carbon dioxide at acceptable limits. This also means that incidental contaminants such as dust introduced into the space can be controlled below problematic levels for most individuals.
- If applicable EH&S will request that Physical Plant thoroughly clean the carpet. Carpet is known to harbor "every allergen known to man." These allergens can be re-suspended in the air when individuals walk across the carpet.
- EH&S will also request that Physical Plant inspect the air handling system cleanliness and proper operation. IAQ services are provided by EH&S at no cost to the requesting department. Please contact Charles Brown via email: cbrown@admin.usf.edu or telephone (813) 974-0869 (Office).
|
