CDC 1 has issued the “Indoor Environmental Quality Policy.”1.

Reason for Issuance: To establish guidance and procedures to protect andmaintain safe indoor environmental quality, and guidelines for reporting andinvestigating complaints for all CDC employees at all CDC work areas including
animal facilities.

2.

Summary of Policy: The policy establishes guidance and procedures toprotect and maintain safe indoor environmental quality and for reporting andinvestigating complaints. The policy lists the various factors which must be
accounted for to safeguard indoor environmental quality. Responsibilities for
CDC management and staff are delineated. A list of quality and assessment
guidelines and a questionnaire for staff that may have been affected by indoor
environmental incidents are also included.

3.

Related Issuances: 29 CFR 1960.8(a), Basic Program Elements for Federal
Employees, General Duty Clause; CDC Policy for Processing Requests for
Reasonable Accommodation

4.

Responsible Organization: Office of Health and Safety

5.

Material Superseded: None

6.

Recertification: This document is scheduled for recertification on or before thelast working day of June 2014.

Point of Contact: Eric Jackson, Management Analyst, Management Analysis andServices Office, 404 498-2128.
To go directly to the Policy, enter the following URL into the location line of your browser:
http://aops-mas-iis/policy/Doc/policy542.pdf/s/Carlton Duncan
Deputy Chief Operating Officer

1

References to CDC also apply to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

CATEGORY: Safety Management
CDC-SM-2009-01
DATE OF ISSUE: 6-22-2009
PROPONENT: Office of Health and Safety, Office of the Director

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY POLICY

Sections:

Appendix:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A.
B.

PURPOSE AND SCOPEBACKGROUNDPOLICYRESPONSIBILITIESREFERENCESACRONYMS
DEFINITIONSINDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY GUIDELINESINDOOR AIR QUALITY QUESTIONNAIRE

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes guidance and procedures to protect and maintain safe indoor
environmental quality (IEQ) and guidelines for reporting and investigating complaints.
This policy applies to all CDC 1 workers (employees, contractors, guest researchers, etc.)
at all CDC facilities, both leased and owned, and all CDC work areas including animal
facilities.
2. BACKGROUND
Indoor environmental quality concerns relate to air quality and other environmental
factors (lighting, cleanliness, etc.) in office workplaces. CDC is committed to providing
all CDC workers a safe place of employment, and will take actions to keep the workplace
free of recognized hazards. When possible, the agency will take steps to eliminate ormaterially reduce recognized workplace hazards.
The goal of this policy is to: promote and protect the health and well being of CDC
personnel, contractors, and visitors; prevent work-related injury and illness; prevent
harm to and pollution of the environment; and ensure compliance with all applicable
federal, state, and local regulations.
The goal for safe IEQ is an on-going and high priority CDC commitment. This policy
provides a clear statement of CDC management’s commitment to implement andcontinually improve a comprehensive and effective health, safety and environmental
protection program.
3. POLICY
CDC strives to maintain indoor environmental quality standards that protect the health ofworkers. This policy establishes guidance and procedures to protect and maintain safe
IEQ and for reporting and investigating complaints. Specific guidance is provided in the1

References to CDC also apply to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

1

appendix “Indoor Environmental Quality Guidelines.” All CDC facilities (leased orowned) are subject to this policy and the major components are identified below:
A. Prevention and Management of IEQ Concerns During Construction andRenovation Projects
Key factors must be assessed by the Office of Health and Safety (OHS) and/or local
Safety Officer and the Buildings and Facilities Office (BFO) during a renovation orconstruction project.
B. Building Operation and Maintenance
CDC and the BFO commits to operating and maintaining CDC’s owned and leased
facilities using best practices that cause minimal interruption to workers and protect
them from hazards.
C. Building Occupants
It is important that personnel be aware that the use of some personal care products
may have detrimental effects on the health of chemically sensitive co-workers.
Personal care products (colognes, perfumes, essential oils and scented skin and hairproducts) should not be brought into, used, or otherwise applied at or near actual
workstations, in restrooms, or anywhere in CDC facilities.
D. Communication
Information must be communicated among all affected parties in a timely manner
relating to materials used in buildings (e.g., cleaning supplies, chemicals, personalcare products), and maintenance activities that may potentially affect air quality sothat preventive measures can be taken in advance. At least five (5) working days
notice must be normally given before construction and maintenance activities areundertaken or new chemicals introduced.
E. Evaluation of IEQ Concerns
Building occupants who experience irritation or symptoms that may be related to thequality of indoor air should notify their supervisors, and the OHS or local Safety
Officer to initiate a complaint. BFO must also be contacted upon initiation of acomplaint, to identify and/or review any potential structural, maintenance, or heating,ventilating or air conditioning (HVAC) issues. Building occupants must also complete
the Indoor Air Quality Questionnaire (see Attachment B) in order to properly
document the complaint. Each IEQ complaint poses a unique set of circumstancesthat will determine the investigative procedures used to resolve each IEQ concerns.
4. RESPONSIBILITIESA. Office of Health and Safety/Designated Safety Officer
Administers the Indoor Environmental Quality Program and serves as the primary
coordinator and investigator for reported incidents involving IEQ hazards orconditions; educates CDC supervisors and workers; develops report findings andrecommendations for corrective action; and reviews and updates to meet futureneeds and regulatory changes.
B. Occupational Health Clinic
Conducts medical evaluations as required and contacts OHS to initiate investigationof reported health problems related to the work environment.

2

C. Buildings and Facilities Office
Coordinates with OHS on all controllable aspects of facility design, construction, andmaintenance to ensure that facilities are designed, built, renovated, and maintained
consistent with IEQ policies, goals and objectives, as well as applicable federal andstate regulatory requirements.
D. Office of Dispute Resolution and Equal Employment Opportunity (ODREEO)
Responds to and evaluates requests for reasonable accommodations and assists in
the implementation of temporary and long-term accommodations to support thispolicy (see CDC-GA-2001-06, Policy for Processing Requests for Reasonable
Accommodation http://aops-mas-iis.cdc.gov/Policy/Doc/policy307.pdf).
E. Supervisors
All CDC supervisors should be familiar with and adhere to IEQ policy provisions;communicate IEQ information to their workers; report IEQ concerns to OHS, theFacility Maintenance and Engineering Office (FMEO) for CDC-owned space and theReal Property Management Office (RPMO) for CDC-leased space, and coordinate
activities with the OHS and BFO to identify solutions and corrective actions.
F. Workers
All CDC workers are expected to be familiar with and to adhere to IEQ policy
provisions.
5. REFERENCES
A. 29 CFR 1960.8(a), Basic Program Elements for Federal Employees, General Duty
Clause. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Last updated July 2008.
B. CDC Tobacco-Free Campus Policy (CDC-GA-2005-17). CDC, November 2005.
C. CDC Policy for Processing Requests for Reasonable Accommodation (CDC-GA2001-06). CDC, Last updated June 2007.
D. Environmental Protection Agency/National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers(EPA 402-F-91-102, December 1991; HHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 91-114)
6. ACRONYMS
ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ASHRAE: American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers
BFO: Buildings and Facilities Office
FMEO: Facilities Maintenance and Engineering Office.
FTE: full-time equivalent
GSA: Government Services Administration

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HEPA: High efficiency particulate air
HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that provides the processes ofheating, ventilating and/or air conditioning within, or associated with, a building.
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
ODREEO: Office of Dispute Resolution and Equal Employment Opportunity
OHS: Office of Health and Safety ~ or a collateral duty safety officer or other equivalentsafety official with qualifications to assess indoor air quality
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
RPMO: Real Property Management Office
7. DEFINITIONS
Acceptable Indoor Air Quality: Quality of air in an occupied enclosed space that iswithin established limits of temperature and humidity and which does not contain known
air contaminants at harmful concentrations
Employees: Those persons employed directly by the U.S. federal government (i.e.,
civilian full-time equivalent [FTE] and Commissioned Corps)
Green Cleaning Products: Janitorial cleaning products that are biodegradable, of low
toxicity, fragrance-free, and otherwise less hazardous to human health or theenvironment
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Character of air and the environment that
contribute to the health and comfort of occupants inside buildings. IEQ encompasses all
aspects of the indoor setting including air quality, ventilation, temperature, lighting, etc.
Indoor Environmental Quality Hazard: Building condition that has the potential to
adversely impact the health of building occupants. Potential hazards include chemicals,
biological agents, fragrant products, and physical conditions that may cause irritation,
illness, or exacerbate existing health conditions.
Integrated Pest Management: The coordinated use of pest and environmental
information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest
damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people,
property, and the environment
Safety Officer: Collateral duty safety officer or other OHS-equivalent safety official withqualifications to assess indoor air quality
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): As defined in 40 C.F.R. 51.100 (s), certain
organic chemicals that are emitted as gases, often having short- and long-term adverse
health effects, and are found in many building and commercial products

4

Workers: Those persons who work in CDC facilities regardless of their employer,
including employees, contract workers, guest workers, and others

5Appendix A
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY GUIDELINESThis document provides the following general guidelines to prevent and respond toindoor environmental quality complaints and concerns within CDC facilities.
A. Prevention and Management of IEQ Concerns during Construction andRenovation Projects
1. Pre-Planning
Key factors that must be assessed by the Office of Health and Safety(OHS) and/or local Safety Officer and the Buildings and Facilities Office(BFO) during the pre-planning phase of a renovation or construction
project include:a) Identification of potential chemical and physical sources of odor
and dust, including dusts or odors produced from construction
and demolition activities, construction products, and construction
equipment.
b) Adherence to CDC design standards which specify use of low
VOC-emitting furnishings, carpeting, flooring, and other interior
finishes.
c) Review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for eachproduct specified for use on the project to determine thepresence of pollutants that are a recognized hazard. A copy of
the MSDS for each chemical product used during the project
shall be provided to the OHS prior to pre-construction meetingsor prior to the product being introduced on-site.
d) Clear identification of:• occupied areas potentially affected by the project• times and locations where occupants are most likely to
encounter airborne pollutants• estimated amount and duration of exposure occupants
may have to these pollutants and identification of control
options and assessment of available control measurese) Specific recommendations for control measures may include:• Protection of HVAC systems (e.g., shutting down of
HVAC, sealing off all openings, using temporary filters on
grills and diffusers, or replacing filters following projectcompletion)• Control of the pollutant source (e.g., using no or low
VOC-emitting products, controlling dust, or using electricpowered equipment rather than gas or diesel-powered
equipment)• Prohibiting vehicle idling or use of gasoline- or dieselpowered equipment operating near entryways, loading
docks, air intakes, and operable windows

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•

•
•
•

Interruption of the pollutant pathway (e.g., using HEPAfiltered exhaust systems to create a negative pressure in
the work area, sealing off work areas, or using vapor
barriers to prevent water intrusion, condensation, and othermoisture problems)
Housekeeping practices, including dust control measuresand cleanup
Scheduling and conducting activities that could produce
high emissions (painting, roofing repair) to minimize
occupant exposure to indoor air contaminants.
Proper storage and protection of building materials
and products to prevent damage before or during theconstruction phase of the project.

2. Occupant Notification
Notifying area occupants of the proposed work and work schedule, anddescribing the type of inconvenience it may cause is critical to thesuccess of most projects. Specifically, occupants will be advised ofpotential odors, noise, dust generation, etc., at least 5 working days inadvance of work. To the extent feasible, such work should be scheduled
for non-duty hours (e.g., weekends, off-hours). This will allow individuals
with pre-existing medical conditions or chemical sensitivities that could be
aggravated by construction activities to make alternate arrangements towork away from the site.
This notification shall be provided for new construction projects,
renovation projects, demolition projects, and maintenance and operation
activities conducted in Government-owned facilities, as well as in leased
facilities.
BFO will provide a project scope, schedule of activities, and a BFO Pointof-Contact. OHS will reach out to BFO for additional information required
to assess and advise BFO on possible impacts to building occupants.
OHS will communicate with potentially-affected building occupants
regarding any potential environmental impacts.
B. Building Operation and Maintenance
The BFO will operate and maintain all CDC owned and leased facilities using
best practices to minimize interruption to workers and protect them fromhazards.
1. HVAC System Maintenance and Repairs
The BFO will ensure that the buildings’ HVAC systems are maintained inaccordance with CDC standards for owned facilities and that they meet GSA
standards for leased facilities.

72. Scheduling Maintenance
BFO will ensure that routine maintenance that may adversely impact building
occupants is conducted during off-hours, whenever possible. Thisparticularly applies to those activities that may create large amounts of dusts,
use of hazardous chemicals (when no safer alternatives are available), or
generate loud noise.
Emergency repairs and maintenance will be conducted as required. Building
occupants will be informed of any potential environmental impacts andexpected timelines.
3. Remediation of Contaminants
The OHS will assist BFO in the identification and remediation of any toxic
contaminants (e.g., lead-based paint, asbestos, microbial contamination,
hazardous chemicals) expected or discovered during renovation, demolition,or maintenance activities in accordance with federal and state worker safety
and environmental regulations.
The OHS will conduct any necessary environmental or personal sampling
required to ensure that CDC workers have not been exposed to thecontaminants in concentrations higher than acceptable limits as establishedby the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, or the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, whichever is lowest.
4. Pest Management
Pest management, for both buildings and lawn care, will emphasize nonchemical management strategies whenever practical, and the least-toxic
chemical controls when pesticides are needed. Integrated Pest Management
practices must be utilized.
Pest control products used in and around a building must be documented andthe MSDS will be made available for building occupant review, if requested.
Dead pests must be removed from the premises promptly.
5. Housekeeping Guidelines
CDC will ensure that products used in the workplace, such as soaps,
cleaning products, paints, etc. are safe and odor-free or emit low levels ofvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only green
cleaning products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities andleased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.
CDC will ensure the use of housekeeping practices which are deemed safer
for building occupants and the environment. Specifically, BFO will requirehousekeeping staff at CDC owned and leased facilities to:

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•

•
•

•

•

Vacuum frequently and thoroughly using vacuums with highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. 2 If carpets must be
cleaned, steam or least toxic, non-petroleum based, fragrancefree all-purpose cleaner or carpet cleaner will be used
Keep storage and janitorial rooms clean and properly maintained
Keep air handling rooms free of stored materials. If rooms areused as storage spaces, ensure that proper airflow, clearancesand cleanliness standards are enforced. Keep maintenance andoperational supplies in order and properly labeled in a clean, dryroom to prevent contamination of the air and infestation of insects
and rodents
Be trained by supervisors or through their contract company in theproper usage, handling, and labeling of cleaning products andhazardous chemicals as required by the OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Keep waste containers away from air intakes and assure theirregular emptying

C. Building Occupants
1. Non-Permissible Products
Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space
owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Incense, candles, or reed diffusers
Fragrance-emitting devices of any kindWall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance-emitting devices, that operate
automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or
disinfectants
Potpourri
Plug-in or spray air fresheners
Urinal or toilet blocks
Other fragranced deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skinand hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations,
restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.
In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible
when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for aprofessional work environment, and the use of some products with fragrance
may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities,
allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migraines.

2

If the HEPA filter requirement is not in existing leases and the lessor chooses not to adhere to this policy, then RPMO
will incur costs to meet this guideline.

9

Employees should avoid using scented detergents and fabric softeners on
clothes worn to the office. Many fragrance-free personal care and laundry
products are easily available and provide safer alternatives.
2. Tobacco-Free Requirements
In accordance with the CDC Tobacco-Free Campus Policy (CDC-GA-200517) the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
smokeless tobacco, or other tobacco products) is prohibited at all times. For
more information regarding this policy, go to the following link: http://aopsmas-iis.cdc.gov/Policy/Doc/policy477.htm:
Outdoor environments in leased facilities not under full control of CDC andtemporarily deferred locations will remain subject to the pre-existing policy, 3which states that smoking tobacco products is prohibited:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

In all interior spaces owned, rented, or leased by CDC
In government vehicles
Within 20 feet of building entrances, exits, and air intake ducts
Within 20 feet of the storage of flammable and combustible liquids orgases
Within 20 feet of dumpsters provided for collecting combustible materials
Inside any covered parking that is physically part of or connected to afacility where CDC workers regularly pass on their way to or from work
Within designated CDC “Smoke-Free Zones”

3. Occupant Responsibilities
All building occupants are expected to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Refrigerate and store food in airtight containers, as necessary to prevent
spoilage
Dispose of food waste in break room trash disposal areas
Keep offices and other areas clean and orderly to prevent contaminationof indoor air and conditions conducive to insect or rodent infestations
Keep supply air diffusers and return air grills free and clear of any
obstructions within their workspace
Clean up all spills promptly and properly
Dispose of materials used to clean up hazardous chemical spills
according to applicable federal, state, and local laws (contact OHS at
404.639.3041)
Stay home if you are ill in accordance with CDC leave policy
Refrain from bringing unwashed, fresh food products into the office as thismay result in insect infestations

3

Excepting CDC facilities at Morgantown, according to a Federal Service Impasses Panel ruling of
February 12, 2008: http://www.flra.gov/fsip/finalact/08fs_015.pdf, and Cincinnati, according to Article 40of the AFGE Local 3840 Agreement, pp.62-63:
http://inside.niosh.cdc.gov/negotiatedagreements/afge3840contract.FINAL.10-31-00.pdf.

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4. Sensitive individuals
Supervisors will carefully consider and, to the extent feasible and inaccordance with CDC policies, accommodate the needs of sensitive
individuals. Specifically, supervisors will advise workers with allergies or
chemical intolerances to consult, as necessary, with the CDC Occupational
Health Clinic or their personal physician and also consult the Office of
Dispute Resolution and Equal Employment Opportunity (ODREEO) for
guidance on reasonable accommodations for sensitive individuals.
D. Communication
Communication must be maintained between management, building occupants, BFO
Building Coordinators (owned spaces) or Facilities Integrators (leased spaces), OHS,
and the union representative(s). Information must be communicated among all
affected parties normally 5 working days prior to introduction of new materials to be
used in buildings (e.g., cleaning supplies, chemicals), and maintenance activities thatmay potentially affect air quality so that preventive measures can be taken inadvance.
E. Evaluation of IEQ Concerns
1. Reporting of an IEQ event/concern
a. The following complaints should be referred to FMEO at 404.639.3216 forowned property or RPMO at 770.488.2430 for leased spaces:• Temperature or humidity problems• Draftiness• Lack of air or “stuffy” air• Dirt or particulates coming from the ventilation system• Vibrations from idling vehicles and equipment
For CDC facilities located outside the Atlanta area, workers should contact
their facility maintenance or building manager in accordance with their local
procedures.
b. If the cause of a problem cannot be found, complaints or concerns will be
forwarded to the Office of Health and Safety at 404.639.7233. Workers may
also report an IEQ concern through the Safety Help Desk at:
http://inside.od.cdc.gov/SafetyHelpDesk/Source/ServiceCenter.asp. Workers
located in facilities outside the Atlanta area should contact their DesignatedSafety Officer for assistance.
More complex concerns which may include unusual odors such as chemical
smells and exhaust-type odors; any illness related to working in a particular
work area/office; and visible mold growth should also be directed to the
OHS/Designated Safety Officer.
2. Identification of IEQ Problems

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Building occupants who experience irritation or symptoms that may be related
to the quality of indoor air should notify their supervisor and also complete theIndoor Air Quality Questionnaire (see Attachment B) and forward thecompleted form to OHS for review. The questionnaire will be used to obtain
information about the nature of the complaints/concerns and symptoms andalso to determine the magnitude of the problem. OHS will review the form
and take appropriate action.
3. IEQ Investigation
Each IEQ investigation poses a unique set of circumstances that will dictate
which of the following areas are addressed and if additional procedures areneeded. Generally, following the receipt of an IEQ complaint,
OHS/Designated Safety Officer will conduct an investigation in accordancewith the phased approach outlined below.
a. Phase I Assessment
When notified of a potential problem or concern, OHS and/or the BFO
Building Coordinator will conduct an initial on-site investigation. These Phase
I Assessments include verification of information provided by the worker on
the Indoor Air Quality Questionnaire and performance of a walk-throughinspection of the building.
During the walk-through inspection, building ventilation systems will be
evaluated by the Building Coordinator and/or OHS and potential sources ofcontamination will be identified. If a cause of the IEQ problem is confirmed,
OHS, in conjunction with BFO, will initiate corrective action(s) for any causeof the IEQ issue through a work order or project. OHS or BFO will then reportresults and or corrective action to the worker, his or her supervisor, and theunion representative(s).
If the immediate cause or source cannot be found, a Phase II assessment will
be initiated.
b. Phase II Assessment
During a Phase II Assessment, common indoor air quality parameters
including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and, in some cases, otherchemicals (e.g., carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde and other volatileorganic compounds) will be measured.
In addition to sampling, OHS/Designated Safety Officer will thoroughly
evaluate the immediate work area and building for probable sources ofcontaminants, such as chemical use and storage, general housekeeping,recent renovations and/or new furnishing, water leaks, activities in the workarea, and the building HVAC system.
Additional monitoring and/or evaluations may also be conducted asdetermined by Phase I and II Assessment results.

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c. Phase III Assessment
A Phase III Assessment is performed when a definitive cause for thesymptoms cannot be determined during the Phase II Assessment of theinvestigation. Phase III Assessments consist of extensive and more specificmonitoring for chemical and/or microbial contaminants in accordance with the
EPA/NIOSH Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers methodologies; standard and customary industrial hygiene
practices; and NIOSH, OSHA, and EPA sampling and analytical procedures.
If the immediate cause or source for the IEQ issue cannot be identified andconfirmed at the completion of the Phase III Assessment and worker
concerns still exist, expertise from outside OHS may become involved.
4. Limitations of IEQ Investigations
Sampling methodologies and acceptable exposure limits have been
established for many workplace contaminants. However, workers may
continue to experience discomfort at contaminant levels below the standards
set for occupational exposure. Individual sensitivities vary and the ability tomeasure possible irritants at low concentrations may be limited by technology.
Thus, irritants may be present at concentrations that are undetected but
which may cause health effects in sensitive individuals.
Also, the sampling and measuring of indoor mold contamination in the air andon surfaces is of limited value as mold is found in virtually all environments
and because no consensus standards or regulatory standards have been
established.
5. IEQ Investigation Report
The IEQ investigation report will summarize the findings of all the investigatedparameters and the results of any air sampling conducted and will provide
conclusions regarding possible causes of the problems occupants areexperiencing. Based on the findings of the IEQ investigation,
recommendations as to how to resolve any potential or existing IEQ problems
will be provided. The final report will be shared with BFO, workers, theirsupervisors, and the union representative(s).

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