Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
chapter eight
Investigating indoor
environment problems
As indicated in previous chapters, built environments are subject to a num-
ber of potentially significant indoor air quality/indoor environment
(IAQ/IE) problems that may cause acute symptoms, long-term health risks,
discomfort, or odor. With the exception of severe cases of acute illness or
unpleasant odors, most problems (or potential problems such as radon) go
unrecognized. In the case of residential and nonresidential buildings, a need
to conduct an IAQ/IE investigation develops only after occupants become
aware that health and other problems may be associated with home or work
environments. Awareness development is rapid when an odor problem or
some type of physical discomfort occurs. In most cases, building occupants
do not suspect a causal relationship between acute and chronic illness symp-
toms (which characterize classical air quality-related symptoms) and their
building environment. High prevalence rates of sick building syndrome
(SBS)-type symptoms in noncomplaint buildings suggest that most individ-
uals so-affected do not realize that their building/work environment is in
any way responsible.
I. Awareness and responsibility
A. Residential buildings
Illness symptoms associated with exposure to formaldehyde (HCHO), com-
bustion by-products such as carbon monoxide (CO), inhalant allergens, and
long-term health risks associated with elevated radon levels are major
IAQ/IE problems in residential environments. When such problems occur,
it is the individual homeowner's/lessee's responsibility to recognize that a
problem exists and seek professional assistance to identify and resolve it.
