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ARS Home Northeast Area Docs SH&E







Indoor Air Quality Guide to Acceptable Conditionsheadline bar INDOOR AIR QUALITY ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONSTABLE 1.TYPICAL AND TRIGGER IAQ PARAMETERSHUMAN MARKERSTRIGGER CONDITIONS **TYPICAL CONDITIONS *CONDITIONS*Comfort Issues10% or less complaining of any one thermal conditionGreater percentages than these listed20% or less complaining of general thermal conditionsHealth IssuesInfectious diseases: 100% protectedAny less than listedAsthma/allergies/MCS: 95-99% satisfiedPHYSICAL MARKERSTYPICAL CONDITIONS*TRIGGER CONDITIONS**Temperature68 degrees to 76 degrees FarenheitTemperatures outside this range.Temperature range in a space.1-3 degrees FarenheitMore than 3 degrees FarenheitRelative Humidity40-60% RH<30% or >60% RHBuildingUnder positive pressure; air delivered to occupied spacesDifferent conditions than listedAir movement on peopleAir velocities > 20fpm but x delivered to occupied spacesDifferent conditions than listed (80% satisfaction)Air velocities <100-200 fpm when warmOutdoor air delivery20 cfm/person: officesLess than 15-2015-20 cfm/person15 cfm/person: classroomsTotal air delivery to space1 cfm/sq. ft; 6 air changes per hour (offices)Different conditions than listedCHEMICAL MARKERSTYPICAL CONDITIONS*TRIGGER CONDITIONS**Carbon dioxide400 to 1100 ppm700+bkgrnd (ASHRAE 62-1999)TVOC300 mg/m3 (1-2 ppm)(approximately 1-2 ppm)Depends on compound; 300 mg/m 3 to 3000mg/m 3Formaldehyde0.005 - 0.05 ppm>0.05 ppm(60 ug/m 3)60 mg/m 3Carbon monoxide1 - 3 ppm> 3 ppmNO20.01 - 0.05 ppm0.05 ppmOzone0.01 - 0.02 ppm> 0.02 ppmParticlesup to 50mg/m 3 (total)any visible aerosols (e.g., dust smoke); high quantitiesup to 15 mg/m 3 (PM 2.5)of settled dust on flat surfaces; visible particles emittedfrom supply registersBioaerosolsvaries widely with site/locateCounts 2-3X greater than other spaces or outdoorsAsbestos< 0.01 fb/cc> 0.01 fb/cc< 2g/m 3Radon< 0.5 pCi/lit> 4 pCi/lit (EPA recommended standard)Odors"none"Any detectable for extended periods of time* Non-industrial environments, e.g., office space, classroom, conference room. **Trigger means "take note,""investigate."Caution:Do not use the Table for compliance or design; always obtain competent professional assistance.Source:IAQ and HVAC Workbook, 2002, D. Jeff Burton.


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