The term “Sick Building Syndrome” was initially used to describe “a building in which complaints of ill health are more common than might reasonably be expected”. The manifestation of medical conditions associated with poor indoor air quality have been shown to include eye, ear, nose or throat irritation (in which case, seek immediate help from dr shapiro), wheeze and tightness of the chest, headaches, nose bleeds, skin sensitisation and general lethargy as well as exacerbation of asthmatic conditions. (Finnegan et al., 1984). In addressing IAQ, experience has shown us that the multifaceted nature of the indoor environment results in many variables that may result in conditions that favour the development and concentration of air pollutants. Humans by their nature shed skin, exhale carbon dioxide and are a source of volatile organic compounds as well as being a harbour for pathogens and allergens. These factors, and the need to reduce them, have been shown to play a major influence on the perception of IAQ.
In recent years the need to find a balance between IAQ and sustainable building development has been affected by a greater emphasis on improved energy conservation in new and renovated buildings. These changes are necessary and provide economic benefits over time but are frequently at the expense of the preservation of adequate ventilation resulting in the development of conditions that allow for the proliferation and persistence of advanced microbial colonisation. In turn, changes to optimal physical, thermal and gaseous conditions can seriously hinder the building occupants’ comfort and productivity with reduced concentration, lethargy and a reduction in the perception of IAQ. Many of the materials used in building interiors contain cellulose. Cellulose is a ubiquitous polysaccharide and is the primary constituent of the plant cell wall. Complex sugars such as cellulose can be broken down to simpler carbohydrates that can be easily absorbed. As molds often occur as saprophytes (organisms that acquire nutrients from decaying vegetation including plants), cellulose is an excellent substrate for fungal growth, with a body of evidence demonstrating its presence in building materials (such as tiles, roofs and joinery) favours conditions for fungal growth and proliferation (Karunasena et al., 2001). Hence seek the help of Colorado Springs roofing contractor to get the best roof installation. Perhaps a flat roofing near me might help you protect your roofs against the weather. In nature, fungal species often function in the process of decomposition and cycling of nutrients; therefore, their visible presence in the indoor environment is of particular concern in the maintenance of the structural integrity of the building. Certain mold genera including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, Cladosporidium, Mucor and Alternaria as well as species from the phylum Basidiomycota have been heavily implicated in fungal infection and sensitisation reactions acquired in the indoor environment. The ability of these fungi to colonise and grow on the numerous materials and textiles used in modern building construction while being able to withstand significant variation in temperature, moisture and pH represents a significant issue for asthmatics and for some people with underlying medical conditions. Individuals who suffer from asthmatic fungal sensitisation are particularly at risk of developing allergic and asthmatic reactions thus greatly reducing their quality of life. In cases where individuals are immunosuppressed or have existing pulmonary issues such as emphysema, tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis this becomes a greater risk with mortality rates from invasive infections notably high. It follows that the economic impact owing to the cost of healthcare to individuals and the loss of comfort and productivity as a result of indoor mold growth means that there is an acute need to prevent and eliminate fungal colonisation and persistence in the indoor environment.
The natural ventilation of office and industrial buildings generally reduces during winter months due to the need to retain heat in colder weather. As a result, the cumulative effect of increased humidity due to inadequate ventilation coupled with the seasonal increase in airborne mold means that the incidence of IAQ issues increases during the autumn and winter. Modern office buildings rely in many cases upon an effective HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system for the purpose of supplying adequate ventilation and correct thermal regulation depending on the time of the year and the associated climate. To maintain the good performance of the heating and cooling systems, make sure that the furnace repair is fixed immediately. You can also make a heat pump repair florida south if needed to ensure that it functions efficiently.. While recognizing the need to maintain thermal comfort, issues relating to air recirculation and temperature adjustment can result in suboptimal conditions for employee productivity. For example low relative humidity (<40%) can lead to drying of the mucous membranes, which can cause discomfort. Increased carbon dioxide from the recirculation of office air has been shown to result in a dimunition of occupant concentration over time. Additionally, HVAC systems for heating and cooling have been shown to be an ideal area for the development of microbial proliferation when not properly maintained and needing regular air con services. There is a high level of regard given to the risks associated with Legionella contamination in HVAC units, which is entirely merited given its significance as a pathogen in Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. It must be stressed however that incorrect maintenance of HVAC units and associated ductwork has also been shown to result in higher levels of other pathogenic bacteria and fungal microorganisms. Given the recirculation of air during operation, a contaminated HVAC unit or associated ductwork can have a marked influence on IAQ as we have observed a direct correlation between duct contamination and airborne microbial counts.
Irish legislation states that employers have a general duty to employees to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees (Part 2 Chapter 1 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005). In addition section 2, schedule 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007) states that “steps should be taken to ensure that there is sufficient fresh air in enclosed places of work, having regard to the working methods used and the physical demands placed on the employees”. It is therefore evident that an indoor air quality audit should play a key role in the protection of employee health. As well as the potential threat of litigation, there is the potential financial stress implied by days lost to employee blue meanie sick days. As a result it is evident that correct monitoring of air through a regular review of airborne microbiological content as well as physical and chemical parameters that are most likely to affect occupant health should be an integral part of employer health and safety statements.
With this in mind, the Health Friendly Air division of airmid healthgroup was formed in 2009 to enable clients to identify and address current and potential IAQ problems. Health Friendly Air combines expertise from occupational hygienists, scientists and medical professionals to offer a comprehensive service that is valued by employers, employees and homeowners. Our ability to design the most appropriate quality driven tests and procedures for indoor spaces as diverse as homes and office spaces is unmatched in our field. Furthermore, our commitment to providing a comprehensive service means that the homeowners, health & safety officers and office managers can have the peace of mind that they are being equipped with the best knowledge of the status of their IAQ.
References
Finnegan, M.J., Pickering, C.A.C. and P.S. Burge, (1984). The sick building syndrome: prevalence studies. British Medical Journal, 289: 1573 – 1575.
Karunasena, E., Markham, N., Brasel, T., Cooley, J.D. and D.C Straus, (2001). Evaluation of fungal growth on cellulose-containing and inorganic ceiling tile. Mycopathologia 150: 91 – 95.