MINUTES Environmental Health Committee (EHC) June 26, 2017 Hyatt Regency - Long Beach, CA MEMBERS PRESENT: Wane Baker, Chair Lan-Chi Nguyen-Weekes, Vice-Chair Bill Bahnfleth Hans Besselink Clive Broadbent Wade Conlan Elliott Horner Kevin Kennedy Tom Lawrence, BOD Ex-O Claressa Lucas Bill McCoy Andy Persily Chandra Sekhar Jeff Siegel MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: George Araj, Consultant Jill Baumgartner Pat Graef, Coord. Officer Zuraimi Sultan, Consultant ASHRAE STAFF: Steve Hammerling, AMORTS GUESTS: Nick Agopian Charlene Bayer Hoy Bohanon, Incoming Member Wenhao Chen Nicholas Clements Jon Cohen Ken Cooper, Incoming Member Todd Cornwell Steve Emmerich Paul Francisco Mark Jackson Byron Jones Josephine Lau Luke Leung, Incoming Member Hal Levin Ed Light Stephany Mason Patricia Mason-Fritz Jovan Pantelic Steve Rogak Patsy Root Larry Schoen Max Sherman, Incoming Member Dan Snell Erica Stewart, Incoming Member Wei Sun, Incoming Member Wayne Thomann, Incoming Member Pawel Wargocki, RAC Liaison Don Weekes Michael Woodford Jensen Zhang
Transcript
MINUTES
Environmental Health Committee (EHC) June 26, 2017
Hyatt Regency - Long Beach, CA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wane Baker, Chair Lan-Chi Nguyen-Weekes, Vice-Chair Bill Bahnfleth Hans Besselink Clive Broadbent Wade Conlan Elliott Horner Kevin Kennedy Tom Lawrence, BOD Ex-O Claressa Lucas Bill McCoy Andy Persily Chandra Sekhar Jeff Siegel MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: George Araj, Consultant Jill Baumgartner Pat Graef, Coord. Officer Zuraimi Sultan, Consultant ASHRAE STAFF: Steve Hammerling, AMORTS
GUESTS: Nick Agopian Charlene Bayer Hoy Bohanon, Incoming Member Wenhao Chen Nicholas Clements Jon Cohen Ken Cooper, Incoming Member Todd Cornwell Steve Emmerich Paul Francisco Mark Jackson Byron Jones Josephine Lau Luke Leung, Incoming Member Hal Levin Ed Light Stephany Mason Patricia Mason-Fritz Jovan Pantelic Steve Rogak Patsy Root Larry Schoen Max Sherman, Incoming Member Dan Snell Erica Stewart, Incoming Member Wei Sun, Incoming Member Wayne Thomann, Incoming Member Pawel Wargocki, RAC Liaison Don Weekes Michael Woodford Jensen Zhang
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Table of Contents
Motions ................................................................................................................................... iii
List of Attachments… .............................................................................................................. iii List of Acronyms ..................................................................................................................... iii Action Items ............................................................................................................................ iv
1. Call to Order & Introductions ................................................................................................ 1
2. ASHRAE Code of Ethics Commitment……………………………………………………………1
3. Review of Agenda. ............................................................................................................. 1
12. New Business………………………………………………………………………………………9 13. Handover to New Chair ...................................................................................................... 9
MOTIONS No. Motion STATUS 1 The minutes from the EHC Winter Meeting in Las Vegas be approved. PASSED 2 Technology Council reaffirm the Indoor Air Quality Position Document (PD). PASSED 3 Technology Council recommends to BOD ExCom to authorize starting
a revision of the Filtration and Air Cleaning PD. PASSED
EHC cosponsor WS with TC 3.6 on Potable Hot Water Temperatures PASSED
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS No. Attachment A 2016-17 MBOs B BOD ExO presentation C Indoor Air Quality PD D Filtration and Air Cleaning TPS E WS on Potable Hot Water Temperatures F EHC Research Roadmap G MTG proposal on VOC mixtures in air H 62.2 and reduced ventilation rates presentation I 2017-18 MBOs
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AID Airborne Infectious Diseases IgCC international Green Construction Code AIVC Air Infiltration & Ventilation Centre ISO International Organization for Standardization
AMORTS Assistant Manager of Research and Technical Services
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
BOD Board of Directors MBO Management by Objectives
CEC Conferences and Expositions Committee
MOP Manual of Procedures
CO Coordinating Officer MTG Multi-disciplinary Task Group CO2 Carbon Dioxide PD Position Document CNV Chair Not Voting RAC Research Administration Committee
CTBUH Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat
RL Research Liaison
EIB Emerging Issue Brief ROB Rules of the Board ENDS Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems RP Research Project ETS Environmental Tobacco Smoke RTAR Research Topic Acceptance Request ExO Ex-Officio SSPC Standing Standard Project Committee FAC Filtration and Air Cleaning TC Technical Committee FDA Food and Drug Administration TPS Title Purpose and Scope GPC Guideline Project Committee TRG Technical Resource Group IAQ Indoor Air Quality URP Unsolicited Research Proposal IAQA Indoor Air Quality Association UVGI Ultra-Violet Germicidal Irradiation ICU Intensive Care Unit VOC Volatile Organic Compound IEQ Indoor Environmental Quality WS Work Statement
IEQ-GA Indoor Environmental Quality Global Alliance
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ACTION ITEMS FROM 2017 ANNUAL MEETING IN LONG BEACH
No. Responsibility Action Item Page 1 EHC Email Bahnfleth if interested in being on IAQ 2019 steering
committee.
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2 Staff Ensure EHC is properly listed as contributors in ASHRAE PDs and EIBs
2
3 Policy EHC to recommend FAC PD committee well before Winter Meeting
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4 Policy Approach TCs 2.3 and 2.4 for members to participate on PD committee
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5 Staff / EHC Send draft ENDS brief to EHC requesting comments due August 1.
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6 Lucas Consider resubmitting the Standard 188 related seminar for Chicago and let Conlan know decision
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7 Stewart Stewart agreed to champion a research project on Studying Thermal Comfort in meetings at ASHRAE conferences with assistance from Clements and Lau
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8 Staff Send Besselink URP procedures and contact information for TC 2.3 and 2.4 chair and research chairs
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9 EHC All members are asked and encouraged to think about RTAR ideas for future development and discussion in Chicago
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10 Staff Send Light rules and guidance on MTG proposals for eventual consideration by EHC
8
11 Persily Send report from National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) as possible future strategic discussion topics for EHC to consider
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12 EHC Email Weekes by end of July to indicate their preference for subcommittee participation
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ACTION ITEMS FROM 2017 WINTER MEETING IN LAS VEGAS
No. Responsibility Action Item Status
LV-1 Subcommittee Chairs
Review MBOs and offer input, suggest updates to ensure they are practical, achievable, etc.
Complete
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LV-2 Staff Send Clements presentation on WELL to EHC Complete
LV-3 McCoy Liaise with WELL on their program Ongoing
LV-4 Staff Explore EHC ROB requirement for a physician positon on EHC.
Complete
LV-5 EHC Develop recommendation for IAQ 2019 theme, location, chair, etc.
Complete
LV-6 Araj Review the current Airborne Infectious Diseases (AID) PD to see if proposed idea on nosocomial infection in ICU is adequately addressed
Complete
LV-7 Horner Research and draft an EIB on phytoncide devices as appropriate.
Ongoing
LV-8 Lucas Distribute draft RTAR on Potable Hot Water Temperature to EHC for review.
Complete
LV-9 Weekes, Siegel, Fredericks, Horner, & Adams
Develop draft RTAR on Monitoring for Legionella/bacteria and chemical pollution with in plants/green walls
Complete
LV-10 EHC Develop RTAR ideas for future development and discussion in Long Beach
Ongoing
ACTION ITEMS FROM 2016 ANNUAL MEETING IN ST. LOUIS
No. Responsibility Action Item Status
SL-8 Wargocki, Persily, Weekes
Develop draft EIB on Physiological Impact of CO2 in the Indoor Space
Ongoing
ACTION ITEMS FROM 2016 SPRING MEETING
No. Responsibility Action Item Status
SP-4 Weekes Weekes agreed to draft and submit RTAR on Monitoring for
Legionella/bacteria and chemical pollution with in plants/green walls to RL by end of May
Complete
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1. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS
Chair Wane Baker called the meeting to order at just after 2:15 PM. Members and guests introduced themselves.
2. ASHRAE CODE OF ETHICS COMMITMENT ‘In this and all other ASHRAE meetings, we will act with honesty, fairness, courtesy, competence, integrity and respect for others, and we shall avoid all real or perceived conflicts of interests.’ (See full Code of Ethics: www.ashrae.org/about-ashrae/ashrae-code-of-ethics.)
3. REVIEW OF AGENDA
No changes were made to the agenda sent prior to meeting. Baker emphasized subcommittee reports would focus on motions and discussion items from subcommittee meetings, versus information items.
4. MINUTES It was moved (BB) and seconded (JS) that, (1) the minutes from the EHC Winter Meeting in Las Vegas be approved.
BACKGROUND: Draft minutes were sent to committee in May 1 email. MOTION 1 PASSED: 11-0-0, CNV
5. CHAIR’S REPORT (Baker)
A. The following motions from past EHC meetings required higher body approval: • The EHC motion for Technology Council to reaffirm the Airborne Infectious Diseases PD as
is was passed by Tech Council. The reaffirmed PD would be posted to ASHRAE website. • The EHC motion to initiate a revision to Airborne Infectious Diseases PD was passed by
Tech Council and BOD ExCom. • The motion to appoint a PD roster for the Airborne Infectious Diseases PD was approved
by Tech Council. Members were approved.
B. New Information Items • Member can request ASHRAE thank you letters to your employer if interested. Please refer
to email from Hammerling for process. • ASHRAE will be seeking new members for EHC in the coming months so please submit
names of interested and qualified candidates (www.ashrae.org/nominate).
C. 2016-2017 Management by Objectives (MBOs) – Report 1. Report on MBOs
EHC will report final status of MBOs in report to Operations Subcommittee (Attachment A).
D. Indoor Environmental Quality – Global Alliance (IEQ-GA) Don Weekes noted the IEQ-GA meets tomorrow from 4:00-5:30 PM. The group will aim to formally approve bylaws. The next step will be to consider a structure for the IEQ-GA to be supported by member organizations as a separate entity. IEQ-GA will plan to participate in ASHRAE’s IAQ 2019 conference and sessions at other ASHRAE meetings.
6. VICE-CHAIR’S REPORT (Weekes) A. ROB/MOP/Reference Manual
There are no changes to request to the ROB or MOP. Baker asked for the History of EHC in the Reference Manual be shown and suggested all read to familiarize themselves with origin and purpose of EHC in ASHRAE.
B. Budget No changes were requested to EHC budget.
C. Environmental Health Award The ASHRAE 2017 Environmental Health Award was awarded to W. Gene Tucker at the ASHRAE Annual Meeting in Long Beach. Nominations for the next award are due October 1st.
7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS (BOD) EX-OFFICO (ExO) & COORDINATING OFFICER (CO) REPORT A. BOD EX-Officio - Lawrence
Lawrence presented the Ex-O presentation (Attachment B). Highlights include: • Members are asked to nominate committee members at www.ashrae.org/nominate • ASHRAE Code of Ethics emphasized at start of all meetings. • Introduced incoming ASHRAE President, Bjarne Olesen • Presentation features list of new and enhanced ASHRAE resources, publications and
conferences.
8. ASHRAE IAQ CONFERENCE A. IAQ 2019
ASHRAE’s Conferences and Exposition Committee (CEC) has approved an ASHRAE IAQ Conference in 2019. EHC suggested Bill Bahnfleth to chair with Max Sherman as co-chair if willing. Official appointments and a steering committee will be appointed by CEC in near future to discuss theme, location, etc. CEC has noted IAQA and AIVC may be willing to co-organize. The committee will have ASHRAE co-locate or merge with the IAQVEC meeting. IAQVEC 2019 is tentatively scheduled in Bari, Italy with a theme of Healthy nearly Zero Energy Buildings. Bahnfleth agreed to chair and asked anyone interested in being on ASHRAE steering committee members to email him (AI #1) adding that spots may be limited if co-organized with other organizations.
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. Handbook Subcommittee (Weekes)
1.0 2017 Fundamentals chapter F10 Chapter F10 is now published. Efforts to review 2021 chapter should start as soon as possible. Luke Leung will chair Handbook subcommittee next year.
2.0 Other Leung discussed an effort he has undertaken to compile a list of worldwide standards on IAQ with comparisons of referenced contaminant levels. This is 80% complete so far but shows wide ranges in the standards. The final document may lead to a publication, could replace Appendix F in 62.1, be a future strategic discussion topic, Journal article, Emerging Issue Brief, or something else. Persily noted AIVC is undertaking a similar effort related to ventilation rates. IEQ-GA may also have an interest.
B. Policy Subcommittee (Sekhar)
Baker noted EHC should be listed as contributors or developers in their role with ASHRAE PDs and EIBs to help ensure they are appropriately acknowledged as a resource. Staff agreed to make sure this is done (AI #2).
The committee revising the Legionellosis PD met in May but progress has been limited. Much of information from PD now in Standard 188 and draft Guideline 12, so much of current content can be removed. The focus will be on seriousness of Legionella and adherence to ASHRAE publications. Lucas would discuss further with chair Patton here in Long Beach.
B. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Progress has slowed on revisions to the IAQ PD. The committee is not meeting in Long Beach. EHC agreed to reevaluate and possibly revise chair and members for the PD committee. It was moved that, 2. EHC recommends Technology Council reaffirm the Indoor Air Quality Position
Document (PD). BACKGROUND: The current PD (Attachment C) expires July 2, 2017. A PD committee is working on a revision but needs more time. MOTION 2 PASSED: 12-0-0 CNV
C. Energy Efficiency in Buildings No updates reported on Energy PD. An early draft has been developed. The committee is scheduled to meet in Long Beach.
D. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) No updates were reported on the revision to the ETS PD. The committee is formed but has not met. The PD will expire June 2019.
E. Airborne Infectious Diseases (AID)
The committee to revise the AID PD was appointed in April and the revision is underway. Chair Stewart noted the committee will meet in July and then every 5-6 weeks. Related to AI # LV-6, Araj reviewed current PD and felt it adequately addressed issues he raised at Winter Meeting.
F. Filtration and Air Cleaning (FAC) The FAC PD expires in January, 2018. EHC members reviewed and concluded a full revision of the document would be appropriate. Sekhar spoke to the last PD committee chair, Pawel Wargocki, who indicated he’d consider chairing revision effort. TC’s 2.3 and 2.4 noted a desire for representation on the PD committee. 3. It was moved that,
EHC recommends that Technology Council recommends to BOD ExCom to authorize starting a revision of the Filtration and Air Cleaning PD. BACKGROUND: The current PD expires in January 2018. EHC has reviewed and concluded a full revision of the PD is appropriate. The proposed title, purpose and scope (TPS) is unchanged and included as Attachment D.
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MOTION 3 PASSED: 11-0-0 CNV
EHC will aim to have FAC PD committee approved well before Winter Meeting (AI #3). EHC would approach TCs 2.3 and 2.4 for members to participate on PD committee (AI #4).
G. New PDs No proposals were made for new PDs.
2. Emerging issue briefs (EIB) A. Review of current emerging issue briefs
No changes were suggested to the six published EIBs currently on EHC page of website.
B. New EIBs • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
Schoen and Kennedy offered draft ENDS document just prior to meeting. Staff agreed to send draft ENDS brief to EHC requesting comments due August 1 (AI #5). Some initial review comments included 1) including reference to some relevant FDA resources and 2) flesh out sentence on benefits to public health related to ENDS as tools for aiding smoking cessation.
• Phytoncide generating devices and impacts on health Horner reported that he had collected some papers related to phytoncide generating devices but a draft EIB was not developed yet.
C. Other
Bohanon raised a couple of questions from SSPC 62.1 for which he requested an EHC response. Issue 1 Background - Outdoor air pollution exists to some extent in many locations especially in highly populated areas. Some engineers view this as a societal problem with no accountability to address it in their ventilation designs. Question 1: What is ASHRAE's specific position regarding cleaning outdoor air used in HVAC systems? Note: Specific guidance such as clean to concentrations required in outdoors or some way to arrive at a numerical answer would be very helpful. Just a yes it should be cleaned does not move us forward. Issue 2 Background - Standard 62.1 and 62.2 may be complied with in several different pathways. There will be different concentrations of contaminants within the breathing zone of similar spaces depending on the pathway all other things being equal. Question 2: What is the ASHRAE's policy on the variability of air quality in indoor environments that comply with ASHRAE Standards?
Note: Two identical residential spaces will be covered either by 62.1 and 62.2 depending on the duration of occupancy (< 30 days = 62.2; > 30 days = 62.1)
C. Education/Program Subcommittee (Conlan)
1. EHC Sponsored Programs A. Long Beach program
EHC had approved four programs for the Long Beach Meeting. The following was accepted:
• Seminar 57: Dampness and Mold in Homes: Update on Health Effects and Environmental Assessments that are Useful for Physicians
The following were approved by EHC but not submitted for Long Beach. They could be submitted in the future:
• Seminar (Lucas) - Real World Risk Management for Legionellosis: Operating and Designing for ASHRAE Standard 188
• Seminar (Zaatari/Thomann) - Human Contributions to Contaminants in the Indoor Environment (Persily, Wargocki)
• Debate (Siegel) - The Highs and Lows of Cannabis Legalization for ASHRAE Members (Offermann)
B. Chicago programs
Conlan discussed programs for Chicago noting seminar proposals were due August 1st at www.ashrae.org/chicago. Lucas would think about resubmitting the Standard 188 related seminar for Chicago and let Conlan know (AI #6). Baker would support a Fellows’ Debate for Chicago titled “Environmental Health has Little Relevance to the Designer”. Baker would moderate with Rooley and Spielvogel confirmed as participants. Other possible participants suggested were Hammack, Levin, Colliver, Schoen & Bahnfleth. Persily noted 189.1-2017 is expected to be finalized before Chicago. IgCC is expected to be published early in 2018 so a program on the new 189.1 version would be timely. Leung suggested a program on occupant health in high floors compared to lower floors of high rise residential buildings. Kennedy suggested someone with an atmospheric specialty. Cohen noted CEC may have special funding for such an expert. Leung noted Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) or TC 9.12 may wish to participate. Baker agreed to chair panel discussion. Weekes suggested a program on Aircraft Humidity that TC 1.12 may seek co-sponsorship for. Conlan noted Ed Light has a program on Regulation of VOCs in Indoor Air: A Reality Check on Current Approaches he is seeking EHC sponsorship for. Light would submit formal proposal after Annual meeting and before deadline.
So the following programs can be submitted for Chicago (by August 1st deadline) or future programs:
• Seminar (Lucas) - Real World Risk Management for Legionellosis: Operating and Designing for ASHRAE Standard 188
• Fellows’ Debate (Baker) - Environmental Health has Little Relevance to the Designer! (Baker, Rooley, Spielvogel)
• Seminar (Persily) - IEQ in High Performance Building Standards (189.1, Singapore, others)
• Panel (Leung, Baker as moderator) - Occupancy health/sickness in high floors vs. lower floors of high rise residential buildings (TC 9.12, Sekhar colleague, atmospheric specialist, CTBUH, Jon Carter CPP)
• Workshop (Thomann, Stewart) - 62.1 and misapplication of IAQP (Bohanon, Zaatari, Bayer)
• Seminar (Siegel/Fransisco) - Energy Retrofits - IAQ in Existing Homes (Kennedy suggested a few names including Dave Jacobs)
EHC agreed to cosponsor two TC 3.6 programs. The first was for a couple of mock trials, one for a Legionella breakout in a case with a risk management plan, the second case without. The second program was for a seminar on Legionella standards, codes, guidelines, and applications/case studies. TC 3.6 is seeking potential speakers for both (Stewart, Lucas, SSPC 188 members were mentioned).
2. ASHRAE Journal IEQ Applications Column Persily noted planning was on schedule for the IEQ column. He is always seeking ideas with commitments to write and would solicit more articles after meeting. EHC discussed the latest schedule:
Issue Draft due Author Topic January 2017 Published Kennedy/Horner Dampness and health February 2017 Published Siegel IAQ and cannabis legislation March 2017 Published Offerman Flooring and formaldehyde April 2017 Published Lawrence Thermal comfort and demand response May 2017 Published Bahnfleth IAQ 2016 summary June 2017 Apr 8 Fritz/Horner Classifying indoor spaces for PM July 2017 May 8 Persily CO2 generation rates August 2017 Jun 8 Besselink Micro-climate control September 2017 July 8 Tanabe ISO IEQ standards October 2017 Aug 8 Bahnfleth UVGI – cooling coil irradiation November 2017 Sept 8 LanChi Nguyen Legionella management/directives December 2017 Oct 8 Jasen Model aquatic health code January 2018 Nov 8 February 2018 Dec 8 March 2018 Jan 8 Other potential columns that have been mentioned George Araj sent AtmEnv article on Narghile waterpipe and cig smoking Wargocki, cognitive impacts of CO2 EHC history (see 2011 column), needed? Ed light, IAQ2016 VOC presentation
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Max Sherman, Smart Ventilation Erica Stewart – Air Cleaners and Health Claims Horner – New LEED pilot (post occupancy IEQ assessment, survey) credit
D. Research Subcommittee (Siegel)
1. Active Research Projects (RP) A. RP - 1663 – Residential IAQ Guide
• Zhang reported 1663 was progressing and the intended completion date is late 2017. Schoen is the principle investigator and noted the residential guide would be organized similarly to ASHRAE’s commercial IAQ design guide.
2. Work Statements (WS) A. Draft WS 1657 - Effective Ventilation Systems for Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms to
Reduce Potential Cross Infection Draft coming soon and will be reviewed by EHC research liaison to RAC before requesting EHC approval via letter ballot before August 15th. This rolls off of RAC’s implementation plan in October if a WS is not submitted.
B. WS 1579 - Testing and Evaluation of Ozone Filters for Improving IAQ. EHC is cosponsoring this TC 2.3 project. RAC has indicated they believe this is too closely related to another research project so a TC 2.3 member is visiting RAC in Long Beach to discuss and request approval.
C. Draft WS - Potable Hot Water Temperature – Safe and Sensible Temperature Levels that Take into Account Issues with Scalding (Lucas) TC 3.6 is seeking co-sponsorship from EHC. Persily had a few comments he would send to Lucas. 4. It was moved (CL) and seconded (AP) that,
EHC cosponsor WS with TC 3.6 on Potable Hot Water Temperatures BACKGROUND: The WS is shown as Attachment E. TC 3.6 would be sponsor with EHC as cosponsor. MOTION 4 PASSED: 10-0-1- CNV
3. RTARs
Siegel noted EHC has reviewed RAC RTARs and gave input. Special thanks for Brent Stephens for his review and comments on RTAR 1827. A. Draft RTAR on Monitoring for Legionella/bacteria and chemical pollution with in
plants/green walls (Weekes) Weekes noted there was a draft available and would send to Siegel for comments. If the RTAR is ready, Weekes agreed to send to EHC after Annual Meeting for comments and possible letter ballot approval by RAC’s August 15th deadline.
B. New/Other RTAR ideas
Other ideas mentioned: • Studying Thermal Comfort in meetings at ASHRAE conferences
Stewart agreed to champion a research project on the topic going forward. Nick
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Clements and Josephine Lau agreed to assist (AI #7).
• Besselink submitted a draft RTAR to Siegel on Comparison between an Ionization and a Carbon Air Filter. Siegel suggested this may be better suited as a URP to RAC and that TC’s 2.3 and 2.4 may be better suited to lead with EHC as a potential co-sponsor. Staff agreed to send Besselink Unsolicited Research Proposal (URP) procedures and contact information for TC 2.3 and 2.4 chair and research chairs (AI #8).
• RTAR 1798, Impact of Combustion Emissions from Gas-Fired Unvented Combustion Devices on Indoor Air Quality, is an SSPC 62.2 RTAR co-sponsored by EHC. A work statement is due May 15th, 2018so EHC may see a draft document soon and be requested to sponsor again.
Siegel referred members to EHC’s Research Roadmap (Attachment F) emphasizing that EHC research should be cutting across multiple areas of interest. Incoming Research Subcommittee chair may wish to review and update Roadmap. Such a review should be done regularly versus continually. All members are asked and encouraged to think about RTAR ideas for future development and discussion in Chicago (AI #9).
4. Other Ed Light addressed EHC about a proposal for an MTG related to VOC Mixtures in Air. (Attachment G). Proposed members included EHC, TC’s 2.3 and 4.3, SSPC’s 62.1 and 189.1, GPC 27, and TRG4.IAQP. Staff agreed to send Light rules and guidance on MTG proposals for eventual consideration by EHC (AI #10). Bahnfleth asked for time to review and specific tasks with endpoints.
10. STANDARDS ACTIVITIES
A. Standard 188 Lucas noted there are three pending change requests. SSPC 188 currently working on revisions to Guideline 12. The goal is for a public review after Annual meeting. EHC is encouraged to participate.
B. Standard 55 The Standard 55 User’s Manual is completed and available. The committee is working to publish a 2017 version.
C. Standard 62.1 Many addenda are in the works for a 2019 version. The IAQ procedure and natural ventilation procedures may see major changes. EHC is encouraged to participate in public reviews.
D. Standard 62.2 Francisco reported there are six change proposals that may be of interest to EHC, and asked members to participate in public reviews.
E. Standard 189.1
Persily noted 2017 version of the standard is expected to be published later this year.
F. Guideline 10
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Mark Jackson noted there are updates in development related to lighting and WELL buildings ratings.
G. Standard 170 No updates were reported related to Standard 170 work.
H. ASHRAE/IAQA Standard Guideline 2210-201X, Guideline for Initial Residential Mold Assessment Standard Horner noted there are two guidelines from IAQA in development. This one related to residential mold assessments, and another on school mold assessments. There is consideration of combining these two efforts but it is not clear at this time if this will be done.
I. Guideline 42P committee Sekhar reported this document is related to Standard 62.1 but will provide guidance for those seeking to go beyond the minimum 62.1 requirements.
J. Guideline 27P Baker noted this guideline is related to sampling for gaseous contaminants and just approved a 4th public review. EHC members are encouraged to participate.
K. Other Weekes asked all EHC members to liaison with their SSPCs and TCs as EHC representatives and express a willingness for EHC to help in any way.
11. STRATEGIC DISCUSSION A. 62.2 and efforts to reduce ventilation rates.
Paul Francisco led a discussion on outdoor ventilation rates in ASHRAE Standard 62.2. The presentation slides are included as Attachment H. The presentation includes a history of ventilation rates, assumed natural infiltration, blower door test reductions, balanced vs. unbalanced systems, etc. The presentation summarizes arguments for and against proposed changes to the 2019 version of the standard that would change ventilation rates. Questions raised in the discussion included:
• What action would EHC suggest in view of efforts to reduce rates? • Is there ASHRAE research needed?
o Impact of role of ventilation on contaminant levels. Studies including epidemiology (health) would require outside funding.
Is there a business case for build tight, ventilate right? Kennedy offered to discuss with Francisco and to help identify funding sources and draft a proposal on specific research efforts related to such research. REHVA and incoming President Bjarne Olesen should be included in discussions. B. Other
Persily he’d send most recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for future strategic discussion topics (AI #11).
12. NEW BUSINESS
A. NEXT MEETING The next face to face meeting would be the ASHRAE Winter Meeting in Chicago, IL on January 22, 2018. EHC will consider a Fall Conference Call if warranted. A number of letter ballot motions can be expected later this summer.
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13. HANDOVER TO NEW CHAIR
A. Recognize Outgoing Members Baker recognized members in attendance Jeff Siegel, Bill Bahnfleth, Kevin Kennedy and Bill McCoy. Others not in attendance but are rolling off and were thanked for their service including George Araj, Jill Baumgartner, Clive Broadbent and Zuraimi Sultan. Baker welcomed Lan Chi Nguyen Weekes as incoming chair. Weekes thanked Baker for his service as chair and noted Wane would stay on EHC as a Consultant next society year.
B. Recognize Incoming Members Weekes welcomed incoming member to EHC, all of whom were in attendance including Hoy Bohanon, Ken Cooper, Luke Leung, Max Sherman, Erica Stewart, Wei Sun, and Wayne Thomann.
C. Subcommittee Assignments Weekes confirmed the following Subcommittee Chair assignments for 2017-18:
• Research – Wei Sun • Handbook – Luke Leung • Policy – Chandra Sekhar • Program – Wade Conlan
All other EHC members were asked to email Weekes (end of July) to indicate their preference for subcommittee participation (AI #12).
D. 2017-18 MBOs Weekes noted she’d submitted draft MBOs prior to meeting. These are included as Attachment I.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The Environmental Health Committee meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.
Item # MBO Date Due Assigned ToApplicable Strategy
#MBO Comments MBO Status
1 Support EH-related ASHRAE Research
6/30/2017 Research Subc. 5A
EHC will identify top priority research activities that will support ASHRAE's strategic plan but are not currently being conducted through TCs. EHC will identify 2 RTARs and their champions through this process, and will coordinate with applicable TCs to co-sponsor these projects. EHC will continue to monitor existing project (RP-1663).
EHC is developing 2 RTARs and a WS and co-sponsoring othersEHC is co-sponsoring a 62.2 RTAR (1798) - Air Emissions from Unvented Combustion Devices and Indoor Air QualityEHC continues to monitor RP-1663
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a) Discuss and report on at least a new emerging issue brief related to environmental health and b) review of current emerging issue briefs
30-Jun-16 Baker, Education Subc.
1C
a) A new Emerging issue brief identified for possible development. B) Publish, update or reaffirm existing briefs. 2 EIBs published recently on Nanoparticle environmental health and safety and Environmental impact of air cleaning building materials and coatings. 4 more planned including 1 on e-cigarettes.
EHC approved new EIBs on "Nano Environmental Health and Safety (nanoEHS)" & Indoor passive panel technologies for air cleaning in buildings. More EIBs on ENDS and 4 more are in development.
EHC will continue to maintain and produce EH-related position documents and emerging issue briefs.
Position documents: Combustion in developing countries is planned to start 2015-2016 year. Legionellosis and IAQ PDs should be completed during the 2015-2016 year. Decision on 2 PDs (ETS and Limiting Indoor Mold Growth and Dampness in Buildings Systems) to be reaffirm, revise or retire. Other PDs are expected to be reaffirmed or do not need any action. Emerging issue briefs, new emerging issues will be identified and briefs will be developed. Policy subcommittee will continue the process started in 2014 of determining which emerging issue briefs should be retained/revised, which should be dropped, and which should be turned into PDs. For those that are elevated to PDs, PD chairs and committees shall be named.
7Fundamentals, Handbook and ASHRAE-wiki (review and definition of terms);
30-Jul-16 Weekes, Handbook Subc.
1C Complete revision of handbook chapter for 2017 edition. Chapter is finalized and published.
EHC continues to receive reports on the various environmental health related standards at each meeting.
9 Revise committee meeting structure for efficiency
on-going Exec. Committee 2A, 2B
Full committee meetings have included significant re-stating of details from subcommittee meetings. Subcommittee reports will be restructured to focus on items requiring votes, high-level information items, and an opportunity for questions. This will allow a greater amount of time for other issues and ensuring that all topics are addressed.
EHC continues to operate in this format. Discussion in LV was on 'how EHC can fulfull its stated role'. Discussion in Long Beach is 62.2 and reduction of ventilation rates
10Maintain continuity by making Immediate Past Chair a formal position
30-Jun-16 Vice Chair, Exec. Committee
2A, 2BRevise EHC MOP and propose ROB change -- include Immediate Past Chair as an official member when the immediate past chair has rolled off the committee following their year as chair.
Motion is still with Society Rules Committee
Environmental Health Committee 2016-2017Wane A. Baker, Chair
6/30/2017
Research
2 Support ASHRAE Research by providing an EH perspective
ongoing Siegel 5AReview all RTARS to provide inputs to RAC on environmental health related projects. This activity will continue, to ensure that important EH issues of which RTAR authors may not be aware are considered.
EHC reviewer RTARs ahead of RAC's Meetings, provided comments on 1 before Long Beach
Education/Program
3 Enhance EHC Education and Outreach Program
ongoing Persily 1C, 3D
Articles covering environmental health issues have been placed in most issues of the ASHRAE Journal for a few years. Contributions are slowing -- this activity needs to be revitalized and continued. Additionally, in order to ensure that EH issues and perspectives are available to the ASHRAE membership, EHC will submit session abstracts for every conference and work with CEC to ensure that EHC issues have a presence in the conference programs. Finally, EHC will continue to promote the IAQ Guide.
EHC sponsored or co-sponsored 1 program in Las Vegas and cosponsored 1 for Long Beach. Up to 5 programs for Chicago are planned. The IAQ column in the ASHRAE Journal continues ith articles through January planned.
Handbook and Publications
Administration
Closed. Planning for IAQ 2019 started. Bill Bahnfleth agreed to chair. Plan to coordinate with AIVC, AIHA and possibly IAQVEC conference.
Policy
6 Support ASHRAE policy relating to EH
30-Jun-16 Policy Subc. 3C, 4A, 4B
EHC approved EIBs on "Nano Environmental Health and Safety (nanoEHS)" and Indoor passive panel technologies for air cleaning in buildings. A number of current PDs are in revision.
5Continue detailed planning for IAQ 2016. Co-sponsor IAQVEC 2016
30-Sep-16 Bahnfleth (lead), various
3CIAQ 2016 took place in September 2016 Bahnfleth as conference chair in Alexandria VA. Planning of IAQ 2019 will now start.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment A
1
2017 ANNUAL MEETING
Long Beach, CaliforniaJune 24‐28
Member
ExO
What is an ExO?
• Assignment of Board Directors made by President‐Elect
• Commonly for the duration of yourBOD term (3 yrs)
• Non‐voting member of Council Standing Committee
• Voting member of Council
• Liaison between the Committee andthe BOD
ASHRAE Nominations
Board Officer and Director Recommendations:
Link closes for the following Society year each September 29th
https://www.ashrae.org/recbod
Board‐elected Standing Committee and Council Nominations:
Link closes for the following Society year each September 15th
https://www.ashrae.org/bodnom
Standing Committee Nominations, Appointed by the President‐Elect:
Link closes for the following Society year each February 15th
https://www.ashrae.org/comnom
ASHRAE website links are always active for member nominations to Board‐elected Standing Committee and Council Positions, Appointments to Committees, and Board Officer and Director Recommendations. Once the deadline has passed, your recommendation will be held until the following year’s election or appointment session.
When submitting your nominations, please include in the “comments” section the reason you recommend an individual for service in a particular position or committee. Complete qualifications are listed in the Rules of the Board and job descriptions are available on the ASHRAE.org website.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment B
2
In all your interactions at these meetings please remember…
Code of Ethics
“As members of ASHRAE or participants in ASHRAE committees, we pledge to act with
honesty, fairness, courtesy, competence, integrity and respect for others in our conduct.”
Upcoming Conferences
• ASHRAE 2017 Building Performance Analysis Conference:
September 27‐29, 2017 –Atlanta, GA.
ASHRAE.org/BuildPerform2017
• 2017 Developing Economies Conference: November 10‐11, 2017 –
Delhi, India. ASHRAE.org/Developing2017
• 2018 ASHRAE Winter Conference and AHR Expo: January 20‐24,
2018 – Chicago, IL. ASHRAE.org/Chicago and
ASHRAE.org/AHRExpo2018
• Feasible Low‐GWP Alternatives for Developing Economies:
Spring 2018 ‐Dubai, UAE
Internet search for Bjarne Olesen
Attend President’s Luncheon Monday, June 26
Who is incoming President Bjarne Olesen?
ASHRAE Wants You!
• Standing committee appointmentssought for 2017‐18
• Speak with your committee ExO if youare rolling off and want to be nominated for another Committee or Council (beginning July 1, 2018)
Approved by ASHRAE Board of DirectorsJuly 21, 2011
Reaffirmed by ASHRAE Technology CouncilJuly 2, 2014
ExpiresJuly 2, 2017
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
Committee Roster
Steven Emmerich, Chair National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD
H.E. Burroughs Building Wellness Consultancy, Inc
Johns Creek, GA
William Fisk Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
Berkeley, CA
Chandra Sekhar National University of Singapore
Singapore
Steven Taylor Taylor Engineering LLC
Alameda, CA
Wayne Thomann Duke University Medical Center
Chapel Hill, NC
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
HISTORY OF REVISION/REAFFIRMATION/WITHDRAWAL DATES
The following summarizes this document’s revision, reaffirmation, or withdrawal dates:
1989—BOD approves Position Document titled Indoor Air Quality
6/28/2001—BOD approves reaffirmation of Position Document titled Indoor Air Quality
2/10/2005—BOD approves reaffirmation of Position Document titled Indoor Air Quality
7/21/2011—BOD approves revision to Position Document titled Indoor Air Quality
7/2/2014—Technology Council approves reaffirmation of Position Document titledIndoor Air Quality
Note: ASHRAE’s Technology Council and the cognizant committee recommend revision,reaffirmation, or withdrawal every 30 months.
Note: ASHRAE position documents are approved by the Board of Directors and express the views of the Societyon a specific issue. The purpose of these documents is to provide objective, authoritative background informationto persons interested in issues within ASHRAE’s expertise, particularly in areas where such information will behelpful in drafting sound public policy. A related purpose is also to serve as an educational tool clarifyingASHRAE’s position for its members and professionals, in general, advancing the arts and sciences of HVAC&R.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
Executive Summary
ASHRAE published a position paper on indoor air quality (IAQ) in 1989 asserting the importance of IAQ as a public health issue. Since 1989, accrued knowledge allowed updated statements of far greater certainty about health effects, exposures of concern and the broad approach that must be adopted toward IAQ, which were reflected in a new position document that was published in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2005. Once again, advancing knowledge (such as new knowledge on airborne infectious diseases and other microbiological hazards), a greater interest in non-commercial building environments (including residential and transportation environments) and emphasis of other new issues (such as consideration of IAQ in sustainable buildings during a time of predicted global climate change) warrants a significant revision to the position document. IAQ directly impacts occupant health, comfort and work performance. People in buildings frequently report discomfort and building-related health symptoms, and sometimes develop building-related illnesses. In recent decades, significant and substantial research has been conducted on the nature, extent and causes of these comfort and health effects and scientific studies have determined that these health effects and discomfort are associated with characteristics of buildings, HVAC systems and the indoor environment. In contrast, providing superior IAQ can improve health, work performance and school performance, as well as reduce health care costs, and consequently be a source of substantial economic benefits. While some see energy efficiency and IAQ as contradictory goals, an integrated design can lead to high performing buildings that are both energy efficient and have good IAQ. Passive design features (i.e. the architectural and envelope aspects) can be optimized before active design strategies (HVAC systems) are designed for thermal conditioning and source control can be implemented as the fundamental approach to reducing contaminant levels inside buildings before exposure control, via ventilation and air cleaning, is designed for IAQ. Furthermore, as the world moves rapidly toward constructing high-performance and sustainable buildings, it should be recognized that sustainable/net zero energy building efforts will fail if they achieve energy targets but cause significant health or comfort problems for occupants or impede occupant performance in ways that inhibit the building from attaining the goals for which it was built. ASHRAE has a direct interest and concern with IAQ. Designers, builders, and operators of buildings, who constitute much of the ASHRAE membership, have a large influence on and responsibility for IAQ and look to ASHRAE for guidance; thus ASHRAE has a responsibility to advance the IAQ arts and sciences. ASHRAE’s position at the present is that:
• IAQ has important impacts on people’s comfort, environmental satisfaction, health and work performance, and is thereby central to ASHRAE’s purpose.
• The health and economic benefits attainable from improved IAQ are uncertain in magnitude but substantial from a national economic perspective and from the perspective of an individual building owner, operator or occupant.
• IAQ and building energy performance are substantially linked and these linkages must be considered starting at the very earliest stages and throughout the processes of building design, retrofit, and renovation.
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• It is critical to maintain acceptable IAQ as significant changes are made to building design and operation to dramatically reduce energy consumption in response to the threat of global climate change.
ASHRAE is committed to: • maintaining and updating ventilation and IAQ standards and guidelines that strike a balance
among IAQ, energy, and first and operational costs • maintaining up to date ventilation and IAQ information in its Handbook • supporting ventilation and IAQ research and professional education • fostering partnerships with key domestic and international organizations to fulfill its
commitments.
Further, ASHRAE recommends: • Policy development in the following areas is recommended as a high priority:
o U.S. national and state governments should support the adoption into codes of ASHRAE’s ventilation and IAQ standards.
o The U.S. government should establish health-based contaminant concentration limits for commonly occurring chemicals for general population in non-industrial environments.
• Sustainable (green) building performance codes, programs and standards should be based on thorough consideration of the many parameters impacting IAQ to ensure that limited resources are used effectively and IAQ is not compromised for other goals.
• ASHRAE should continue to strive to have its IAQ-related standards implemented in national and local building codes.
• ASHRAE ventilation and IAQ standards and related documents should consider climates outside North America in setting their requirements.
• The following education and training efforts are recommended as high priorities: o ASHRAE must make more effective use of web-based tools for IAQ education as the
internet becomes the primary source of information for consumers and others. o ASHRAE should keep the “Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices for Design,
Construction and Commissioning” updated to reflect newly developing scientific and engineering knowledge.
o ASHRAE should develop an IAQ design professional certification and should ensure that all of its related certification programs (e.g., High Performance Building) teach awareness of IAQ principles.
o Educational programs should be developed to teach the importance of IAQ and the fundamentals of achieving good IAQ to non-engineers in the building field.
• ASHRAE should expand support for interdisciplinary ventilation and IAQ research. • A several fold increase is needed in government and foundation support for IAQ research to
address the high priority research agenda described in this document.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
1.0 ISSUES Definition of IAQ For the purposes of this document, the term indoor air quality (IAQ) represents the indoor air concentrations of pollutants that are known or suspected to affect people’s comfort, environmental satisfaction, health, or work or school performance. Although this position document does not address thermal conditions, they are important for IAQ because temperature and humidity can affect pollutant emission rates, the growth of microorganisms on building surfaces, the survival of airborne infectious pathogens, the survival of house dust mites which are a source of allergens, people's perception of the quality of indoor air, prevalence rates of building related health symptoms, and work performance. Other indoor environmental factors such as noise and lighting are also not addressed. Important references for more information on thermal conditions and other indoor environmental factors include ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2007, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, “Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning,” Chapter 9, Thermal Comfort, and Chapter 10, Indoor Environmental Health, of the . ASHRAE Handbook – Fundamentals, and ASHRAE Guideline 10, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of an Acceptable Indoor Environment. 1.1 Impacts on health, comfort and performance IAQ directly impacts occupant health, comfort and work performance. Well-established, serious health impacts resulting from poor IAQ include Legionnaires’ Disease, lung cancer from radon exposure, airborne infection such as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (Li et al., 2007), and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. People in buildings frequently report discomfort and building-related health symptoms, and sometimes develop building-related illnesses (Hodgson and Kreiss 1986; Brightman et al 1997; Committee on Health Effects of Indoor Allergens 1993; Committee on Asthma and Indoor Air 2000; EPA 1992; Mendell 1993; Menzies and Bourbeau 1997; DHHS 2005). Excessive dampness or moisture in buildings is associated with a range of problems including mold, dust mites and bacteria; and exposure to damp environments is associated with respiratory problems including asthma attacks (Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health 2004; WHO 2009; Mendell et al. 2011). In recent decades, significant and substantial research has been conducted on the nature, extent and causes of these comfort and health effects. One of the most common health complaints is the occurrence of building-related symptoms including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue and lethargy, upper respiratory symptoms, and skin irritation and rashes (WHO 1983; Kreiss and Hodgson, 1984; Hodgson and Kreiss 1986; Levin, 1989; Mendell and Smith 1990; Mendell 1993; Bluyssen et al. 1996; Brightman et al. 1997). The term “sick building syndrome” has been used to describe the excess prevalence of this collection of symptoms, without attribution to specific pathogens or illnesses. The term “building-related illness” refers to a different set of diseases including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and Legionnaires’ disease, which are attributed to illnesses acquired as a result of exposure to pathogens in a building (Hodgson and Kreiss, 1986). Other health effects associated with the indoor environment include symptoms of allergies and asthma (Hodgson and Kreiss 1986; Committee on Health Effects of Indoor Allergens 1993; Committee on Asthma and Indoor Air 2000), respiratory illnesses (Fisk and Rosenfeld 1997; Menzies and Bourbeau 1997), and toxic and systemic effects with known causes (Committee on Indoor Pollutants 1981). Recently, the WHO (2010) published Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants, detailing the health risks of exposures to a short list of common chemicals in indoor air (i.e., benzene, CO, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, radon, trichloroethylene and
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
tetrachloroethylene). These and other chemicals have indoor sources and are often found indoors at concentrations of concern for health. Scientific studies have determined that these health effects and discomfort are associated with characteristics of buildings, HVAC systems and the indoor environment (Mendell 1993; Menzies and Bourbeau 1997; Seppanen et al. 1999, Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health 2004). Failure to properly design, install, commission, operate or maintain HVAC systems are possible explanations for the observed association of air conditioning with increased SBS symptoms (Levin 1989; Mendell and Smith 1990; Mendell 1993). Symptom prevalences vary widely among buildings within and among different types of HVAC system (Fisk et al. 1989; Zweers et al. 1992), suggesting that the means of applying HVAC, plus other factors, are determinants of symptoms. 1.2 Economic benefits of good IAQ Providing superior IAQ can improve health, work performance and school performance, as well as reduce health care costs, and consequently be a source of substantial economic benefits (Fisk and Rosenfeld 1997; Fisk and Seppänen 2007; Mendell et al. 2002; Mudarri and Fisk 2007, Wargocki and Djukanovic 2005, Wargocki et al. 2006). As discussed elsewhere in this position document, IAQ improvement measures that have been solidly linked to improved health and/or performance include better control of indoor temperature or comfort, increases in rates of outdoor air supply and reductions in dampness and mold (Sundell et al. 2011). There is also some evidence that reductions in indoor pollutant sources can improve health and performance (Wargocki et al. 2002) and that increases in ventilation rates reduce absence from school and work (Milton et al. 2000, Shendell et al. 2004). The economic benefits accrue from having more productive workers, lower absentee rates and reduced health care costs (Seppänen and Fisk 2005, Wargocki et al. 2005, 2006). In work places, measures that result in only small improvements in performance or absence will often be cost effective because employee costs far exceed the costs of maintaining good IAQ (Wargocki et al. 2006). Additional economic benefits are possible through avoidance of costly IAQ investigations and remediation measures by designing, constructing, and operating buildings in a manner that prevents serious IAQ problems, such as widespread dampness and mold, from occurring. 1.3 Interactions with energy use The complex relationship between IAQ and external environmental conditions, coupled with the effects of climate change, necessitates a paradigm shift towards creating buildings that are not only comfortable and healthy for the occupants but are also sustainable. It is generally believed that improved IAQ can only result from increased energy consumption. This may be true under some weather conditions where improved IAQ is the result of increased dilution ventilation, but other strategies exist that can both improve IAQ and reduce energy use (Levin and Teichman 1991; Persily and Emmerich 2010). Improved indoor air quality can also result from source control (such as selecting construction materials, furnishings, and maintenance products with low off-gassing rates and restricting the use of fragranced or scented products by occupants), air cleaning (both particulate and gas phase), increasing ventilation efficiency (such as use of displacement air distribution for cooling), and using outdoor air “economizers” (which, in mild weather conditions, reduce energy usage while increasing ventilation rate). Other strategies can be used to mitigate the energy impact of conditioning ventilation air such as energy recovery (such as enthalpy wheels and run-around coils), demand controlled ventilation (e.g. using carbon dioxide sensors), dynamic reset (e.g. adjusting outdoor air rates based on real-time measurement of supply airflow in variable air volume systems), and using dedicated (decoupled) outdoor air systems (particularly effective in hot and humid climates).
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
An integrated design approach to IAQ and energy can lead to high performing buildings that are both energy efficient and have good IAQ (ASHRAE 2009). Passive design features (i.e. the architectural and envelope aspects) can be optimized before active design strategies (HVAC systems) are considered for thermal, ventilation and IAQ aspects. Likewise, source control is advocated as the fundamental approach to eliminating or reducing the contaminant levels inside the buildings before exposure control, via ventilation and air cleaning,is designed for IAQ. 1.4 IAQ in High-performance and Sustainable Buildings A significant development since the previous version of this Position Document is the establishment and proliferation of a variety of green building standards, programs, guidelines, etc. There are many green building efforts that collectively are impacting the provision of IAQ in buildings in two primary ways. First, green building efforts directly impact the decisions made during design, construction, operation and maintenance of a building through requirements and options that accrue points towards a rating (e.g., the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED®) and ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2009, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings). All of these programs are well-intentioned, but for the most part are not based on thorough consideration of all the many parameters impacting IAQ to ensure that resources are used effectively. Second, these efforts have the potential to negatively impact IAQ as an unintended consequence of placing a very high emphasis on saving energy. This potential impact may be of greatest concern in efforts to achieve net zero or very low energy as providing good IAQ may be either taken for granted or even seen as a roadblock to a more important goal. It should be recognized that sustainable/net zero energy building efforts will fail if they achieve their energy target but cause significant health or comfort problems for occupants or impede occupant productivity/achievement in ways that inhibit the building from attaining the goals for which it was built. 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 Overview ASHRAE published its first position paper on IAQ in 1989 asserting the importance of IAQ as a public health issue. Since 1989, new knowledge allowed statements of far greater certainty about health effects, exposures of concern, and the broad approach that must be adopted toward IAQ. These updated conclusions were reflected in a new position document that was published in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2005. Once again, advancing knowledge (such as new knowledge on airborne infectious diseases and other microbiological hazards), a greater interest in non-commercial building environments (including residential and transportation), and emphasis of other new issues (such as IAQ in sustainable buildings during a time of predicted global climate change) warrants this revision to the position document. Previous versions of this position document went into great technical detail on a broad range of IAQ issues. However, that information is today sufficiently covered in other ASHRAE publications such as the Handbook – Fundamentals (particularly Chapters 9 through 12) and “Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning” and thus will not be included here. Additionally, many specific IAQ issues are not covered here as there are separate Position Documents that cover specific topics including: Airborne Infectious Diseases, Environmental Tobacco Smoke,
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
Legionellosis and Indoor Mold. Instead, this document focuses on recommendations in several broad areas including policy, research and education related to IAQ. 2.2 ASHRAE’s Role ASHRAE’s mission is to advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. HVAC is critical to maintaining acceptable IAQ in nearly all occupied spaces. The primary intent of HVAC is to provide for occupant comfort and health. ASHRAE fulfills its mission through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education. Since 1989 when ASHRAE first published a position paper on the importance of IAQ as a public health issue, ASHRAE has conducted research to advance fundamental IAQ knowledge, published documents and provided educational opportunities to spread that knowledge and written standards and related documents to provide the path for that knowledge to be applied in buildings. ASHRAE’s role in IAQ is to continue to be the leader in all of these activities within the context of a world shifting rapidly to sustainable design principles. 2.3 Policy (Including Standards and Codes) ASHRAE has developed and continues to maintain several standards and guidelines related to indoor air quality. These standards form the foundation of IAQ design requirements in much of the US. The following are the most well known and commonly referenced:
• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. This Standard, first published in 1973, establishes ventilation and other IAQ related requirements for buildings other than low rise residential buildings and health care facilities. Its outdoor air ventilation rate requirements have been adopted into the International Mechanical Code and Uniform Mechanical Code, the two most common model building codes in the US. The Standard is also referenced by most green building programs including LEED.
• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. This Standard, first published in 2003, covers low rise residential buildings. Ventilation requirements from this standard have also been adopted into codes, including California’s Title 24, and into LEED for Homes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor airPlus program.
• ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. Standard 170 brought together several ventilation standards used throughout North America into a single document. It is now referenced almost exclusively in building codes for ventilation requirements in hospitals and other health care facilities.
• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. This Standard is used to measure and rate the performance of particle filters.
• ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Developed in conjunction with USBGC and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), this Standard provides rigorous indoor air quality related requirements in sustainable buildings. The Standard was developed so it could be adopted as part of voluntary green/sustainable rating systems, green building incentive programs and ordinances.
Standards 62.1, 62.2, 170 and 189.1 are under continuous maintenance with updates scheduled to be published for approximately every three years to coincide with the revision of model building codes.
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Other ASHRAE standards and guidelines related to indoor air quality include the following (the letter “P” after the number indicates “proposed” – not yet published):
• ASHRAE Guideline 10, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of an Acceptable Indoor Environment. Developed to highlight important interactions of design/operational relevance among indoor environmental factors including air quality, thermal conditions, lighting and noise.
• ASHRAE Guideline 24, Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings • ASHRAE Guideline 26, Guideline for Field Testing of General Ventilation Filtration Devices and
Systems for Removal Efficiency In-Situ by Particle Size and Resistance to Airflow • ASHRAE Standard 145.1, Laboratory Test Method for Assessing the Performance of Gas-Phase
Air Cleaning Systems: Loose Granular Media • ANSI/ASHRE Standard 160, Criteria for Moisture Design Analysis in Buildings • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 161, Air Quality Within Commercial Aircraft • ASHRAE Guideline 28P, Air Quality Within Commercial Aircraft • ASHRAE Standard 145.2P, Laboratory Test Method for Assessing the Performance of Gas-Phase
Air Cleaning Systems: Air Cleaning Devices • ASHRAE Standard 185.1P, Method of Testing UVC Lights for Use in Air Handling Units or Air
Ducts to Inactivate Airborne Microorganisms • ASHRAE Standard 185.2P, Method of Testing Ultraviolet Lamps for Use in HVAC&R Units or Air
Ducts to Inactivate Microorganisms on Irradiated Surfaces • ASHRAE Standard 189.2P, Design, Construction and Operation of Sustainable High
Performance Health Care Facilities
2.4 Education Direction 2 of the ASHRAE Strategic Plan commits ASHRAE to “be a world-class provider of education and certification programs.” While the focus of many of ASHRAE’s educational efforts is energy efficiency, clearly this goal needs to include education on the subject of IAQ. Education and other outreach activities in various forms and at various levels are crucial to ensure sustained understanding and appreciation of IAQ issues; technological innovation and development of sustainable IAQ solutions; and industry-wide adoption and implementation of IAQ best practices. ASHRAE’s must continue its core educational activities including continued development of the Handbook of Fundamentals, presentation of the latest research information through conferences and related publications, webcasts on significant IAQ topics, and Professional Development Seminars. One area in which significant improvement can be made is in online information, as both the professional and public worlds often look first to the internet when seeking knowledge on any topic. ASHRAE should take steps to ensure that its leading knowledge on IAQ can be found and accessed quickly, rather than people finding and acting on information from less reliable sources. 2.5 Research Needs There are three primary motivations for research on IAQ. First, there are many gaps about IAQ that need to be filled to provide practical guidance. One example is the almost complete lack of data relating ventilation rates in homes with the health of the occupants, making it impossible to establish scientifically-robust minimum ventilation rate standards for homes. Second, IAQ research is needed to understand how IAQ impacts people’s comfort, health and work performance, which makes IAQ important from human well-being and economic perspectives. Third, IAQ is strongly coupled to building energy performance. Buildings consume approximately 40% of all energy used in the U. S., thus, building energy consumption has major implications for climate change, energy security, and national and world economic performance. Without research, IAQ issues could become an increasing
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strong barrier to increasing building energy efficiency. With suitable research, IAQ-related health and performance improvements could help to stimulate building energy efficiency. At present, a number of governmental agencies in the U.S. perform or support modest programs of IAQ research. In the U.S., EPA, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and some state agencies support mostly applied IAQ research, focusing on issues relevant to their mission, but in all cases IAQ is not a central agency focus. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has supported substantial research on how IAQ factors affect the risks of asthma, but has not supported a broad portfolio of IAQ research. Applied research questions, such as the previous example of residential ventilation rates, have not been a part of their research portfolio. ASHRAE has supported applied IAQ research for many years; however, ASHRAE resources are only sufficient for modest size efforts. Also, ASHRAE is not well positioned to support and manage the more basic and health-oriented aspects of IAQ research. Recently, a few other professional organizations have made small amounts of funding available for IAQ research. Industry supports research on IAQ product development, but has less incentive to support IAQ research unrelated to the development of marketable products. In summary, in the U.S., the combination of governmental, professional, and industry support for IAQ research leaves many large gaps. The situation is similar in many other countries. The definition of a specific priority research agenda is outside the scope of this position document; however, general recommendations are provided subsequently. These recommendations were developed considering ASHRAE’s mission, the status of current research programs, knowledge gaps, and existing documents (ASHRAE 2009; EPA 2001; Committee on the Assessment of Asthma and Indoor Air 2000; Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health 2004; USGBC 2008; Fisk 2009; NSTC 2008) with information on priority IAQ research needs relevant to ASHRAE. 2.6 International perspective Much of ASHRAE’s past research and standards development in IAQ has been North American-centric. However, Direction 4 of the ASHRAE Strategic Plan commits ASHRAE to be “a global leader in the HVAC&R community.” While fundamental science doesn’t change with geography, many of the conditions that engineers need to consider do, including climate, resource availability, cultural expectations, and building practices. To accomplish this strategic direction, ASHRAE needs to consider global conditions in conducting research, developing standards, and providing education. ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 and other publications in the domain of ventilation and IAQ, such as Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning, the “ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates” and several others, are continuously referred to as relevant and useful sources of information in the development of local standards and guidelines in countries around the world. ISO 16814-2008 is an international standard that refers to ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 and is intended to specify methods to express the quality of indoor air suitable for human occupancy, to allow several acceptable target levels of indoor air quality, depending on local requirements, constraints and expectations. Although there are significant differences compared to Standards 62.1 and 62.2, a key European Standard, EN15251 also makes reference to them. EN15251 specifies the indoor environmental parameters that have an impact on the energy performance of buildings. It forms part of a series of standards aimed at European harmonization of the methodology for the calculation of the energy performance of buildings under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Singapore Standards, SS553-2009 and SS54-2009 have had a strong influence from ASHRAE Standard 62.1. SS 553-2009 is the Code of practice for
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air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation in buildings and SS 554-2009 is the Code of practice for indoor air quality for air-conditioned buildings. Examples of other international standards/codes/guidelines that reference ASHRAE Standards 62.1 or 62.2 include the following:
• Australian Standard 1668.2-2002 sets out design requirements for natural ventilation systems and mechanical air-handling systems that ventilate enclosures.
• Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality, Hong Kong - 2003 aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for the total management of IAQ.
• Ventilation Requirements for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, SHASE 2003 addresses the ventilation requirements for both building emissions and occupants.
• Indoor Air Quality Control in Public Use Facilities, etc. Act, South Korea, 2004 - a rare example of a country regulating indoor air quality.
3.0 POSITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 Positions ASHRAE holds the following strong positions:
• IAQ has important impacts on people’s comfort, environmental satisfaction, health, and work performance, and is thereby central to ASHRAE’s purpose.
• The health and economic benefits attainable from improved IAQ are uncertain in magnitude but substantial from a national economic perspective and from the perspective of an individual building owner, operator or occupant.
• IAQ and building energy performance are substantially linked and these linkages must be considered starting at the very earliest stages and throughout the processes of building design, retrofit, and renovation.
• It is critical to maintain acceptable IAQ as significant changes are made to building design and operation to dramatically reduce energy consumption in response to the threat of global climate change.
• Designers, builders and operators of buildings, who constitute much of the ASHRAE membership, have a large influence on and responsibility for IAQ and look to ASHRAE for guidance; thus ASHRAE has a responsibility to advance the IAQ arts and sciences.
3.2 ASHRAE Commitments ASHRAE will maintain and update ventilation and IAQ standards and guidelines that strike a balance among IAQ, energy, and first and operational costs. ASHRAE will maintain up to date ventilation and IAQ information in its Handbook. ASHRAE will continue to support ventilation and IAQ research and professional education. ASHRAE will continue to foster partnerships with key domestic and international organizations to fulfill its commitments. 3.3 Recommendations Policy Policy development in the following areas is recommended as a high priority:
• U.S. national and state governments should support the adoption into codes of ASHRAE’s ventilation and IAQ standards.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
• The U.S. government should establish health-based contaminant concentration limits for commonly occurring chemicals for general population in non-industrial environments.
Sustainable building performance codes, programs and standards should be based on thorough consideration of the many parameters impacting IAQ to ensure that limited resources are used effectively and IAQ is not compromised for other goals. ASHRAE should continue to strive to have its IAQ-related standards implemented in national and local building codes. ASHRAE ventilation and IAQ standards and related documents should consider climates outside North America in setting their requirements. Education The following education and training efforts are recommended as high priorities:
• ASHRAE must make more effective use of web based tools for IAQ education as the internet becomes the primary source of information for consumers and others.
• ASHRAE should keep the “Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices for Design, Construction and Commissioning” updated to reflect newly developing scientific and engineering knowledge.
• ASHRAE should develop an IAQ design professional certification and should ensure that all of its related certification programs (e.g., High Performance Building) address awareness of IAQ principles.
• Educational programs should be developed to teach the importance of IAQ and the fundamentals of achieving good IAQ to building code officials, inspectors, construction trades, etc.
Research ASHRAE should expand support for interdisciplinary ventilation and IAQ research. A several fold increase is needed in government and foundation support for IAQ research to address following high priority research agenda:
• relationships of ventilation rates to people’s health and work and school performance • effects of particle and gaseous filtration system characteristics on people’s health • acceptable indoor air pollutant concentrations for non-industrial work places and
homes • technologies and practices for reducing building moisture problems and associated
health effects • technologies and practices, and their integration into systems, for maintaining
acceptable IAQ in very energy efficient, sustainable buildings • reasons for the apparent increase in risks of health symptoms in buildings with air
conditioning • role of ventilation, filtration, UVGI or other air treatment, temperature and humidity in
transmission of communicable respiratory diseases such as influenza and common colds
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment C
• an improved technical basis and protocols for developing, labeling, and selecting materials and products with low emission rates of pollutants that are likely to significantly affect people’s satisfaction, health, or performance
• an improved scientific underpinning for the IAQ-related elements of green building certification systems
• development of modeling and simulation tools for coordinated and integrated building system design that achieves low energy consumption and high indoor environmental quality
4.0 REFERENCES ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2-2007, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices
for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2007, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2010. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality,
ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2010. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in
Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 161-2007, Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft, ASHRAE,
Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2007. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 170-2008, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, ASHRAE,
Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2009a. Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices for Design, Construction and
Environmental Health. Chapter 11, Air Contaminants. Chapter 12, Odors, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2009c “ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates,” ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2009d. ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2009, Standard for the Design of High-
Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. ASHRAE. 2009e. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 160, Criteria for Moisture Design Analysis in Buildings,
Environments. ASHRAE, Atlanta, Ga. Bluyssen, P.M., E. de Oliveira Fernandes, L. Groes, G. Clausen, P.O. Fanger, O. Valbjorn, C.A. Bernhard,
and C.A. Roulet. 1996. “European Indoor Air Quality Audit Project in 56 Office Buildings.” Indoor Air 6(4): 221-238.
Brightman, H.S., S.E. Womble, J.R. Girman, W.K. Sieber, J.F. McCarthy, and J.D. Spengler. 1997. “Preliminary Comparison of Questionnaire Data from Two IAQ Studies: Occupant and Workspace Characteristics of Randomly Selected Buildings and Complaint Buildings.” Proceedings of Healthy Buildings / IAQ ‘97. 2:453-458. Healthy Buildings / IAQ ‘97, Washington, D.C.
Brightman, H.S., L.A. Wallace, W.K. Sieber, J.F. McCarthy, and J.D. Spengler. “Comparing Symptoms in United States Office Buildings.” Proceedings of Indoor Air '99: The Eighth International Conference on IAQ and Climate. Edinburgh, Scotland, 1999: 1: 847-52.
Committee on Indoor Pollutants. 1981. Indoor Pollutants. Board on Toxicology and Environmental Health Hazards, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
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Committee on the Assessment of Asthma and Indoor Air. 2000. “Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures.” National Academies of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
Committee on Health Effects of Indoor Allergens. 1993. “Indoor Allergens: Assessing and Controlling Adverse Health Effects.” Pope, A.M., R. Patterson, and H. Burge, editors. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. 2004. “Damp Indoor Spaces and Health.” National Academies of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
DHHS. 2005. Report of the Surgeon General’s Workshop on Healthy Indoor Environment. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
EPA. 1989. Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality, Volume II: Assessment and Control of Indoor Air Pollution. Report EPA/400/1-89/0001C, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, August.
EPA. 2001. Healthy Buildings, Healthy People, a Vision for the 21st Century. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Washington, D.C.
Fisk, W. and A. Rosenfeld. 1997. “Estimates of Improved Productivity and Health from Better Indoor Environments.” Indoor Air 7(3): 158-172.
Fisk, W.J. 2000. “Health and Productivity Gains from Better Indoor Environments and their Relationship with Building Energy Efficiency.” Annual Review of Energy and the Environment 25(1): 537–66.
Fisk, W.J. and O. Seppänen. 2007. "Providing Better Indoor Environmental Quality Brings Economic Benefits. Paper A01", in Clima 2007 Well Being Indoors. FINVAC ry, Finland: Helsinki.
Fisk, W.J. 2009. “Climate Change and IEQ.” ASHRAE Journal, 51(6): p. 22-23IOM, “Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures,” Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. 2000, Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
Hodgson, M.J., and Kreiss, K.K., 1986. “Building Associated Diseases: An Update.” Proceedings of IAQ’86. ASHRAE, Atlanta, GA.
Kreiss, K. and Hodgson, M.J. 1984, “Building-Associated Epidemics.” In Walsh, P.J., Dudney, C.S. and Copenhaver, E.D. (Eds), Indoor Air Quality, 87-106. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc.
Levin, H. 1989. “Sick Building Syndrome: Review and Exploration of Causation Hypotheses and Control Methods.” Proceedings of IAQ’89. ASHRAE, Atlanta, GA.
Levin, H. and Teichman, K. 1991. “Indoor Air Quality: Guidelines for Architects.” Progressive Architecture (March).
Li, Y., G.M. Leung, J.W. Tang, X. Yang, C.Y.H. Chao, J.Z. Lin, J.W. Lu, P.V. Nielsen, J. Niu, H. Qian, A.C. Sleigh; H.-J. J. Su, J. Sundell, T.W. Wong, P.L. Yuen. 2007. “Role of Ventilation in Airborne Transmission of Infectious Agents in the Built Environment – a Multidisciplinary Systematic Review.” Indoor Air 17:2-18.
Mendell, M.J. and A.H. Smith. 1990. “Consistent Pattern of Elevated Symptoms in Air-Conditioned Office Buildings: A Reanalysis of Epidemiologic Studies.” American Journal of Public Health 80: 1193-1199.
Mendell, M.J. 1993. “Non-Specific Symptoms in Office Workers: A Review and Summary of the Epidemiologic Literature.” Indoor Air 3: 227-236.
Mendell, M.J., W.J. Fisk, K. Kreiss, H. Levin, D. Alexander, W.S. Cain, J.R. Girman, C.J. Hines, P.A. Jensen, D.K. Milton, L.P. Rexroat, and K.M. Wallingford. 2002. “Improving the Health of Workers in Indoor Environments: Priority Research Needs for a National Occupational Research Agenda.” American Journal of Public Health 92:1430–40.
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Mendell MJ, Mirer AG, Cheung K, Tong M, Douwes J. 2011. “Respiratory and Allergic Health Effects of Dampness, Mold, and Dampness-Related Agents: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives” (available online).
Menzies, D. and J. Bourbeau. 1997. “Building-Related Illness.” New England Journal of Medicine 337(21): 1524-1531.
Milton, D.K., P.M. Glencross, and M.D. Walters, “Risk of Sick Leave Associated with Outdoor Air Supply Rate, Humidification and Occupant Complaints.” Indoor Air, 2000. 10(4): p. 212-21.
Mudarri, D. and W.J. Fisk, “Public Health and Economic Impact of Dampness and Mold.” Indoor Air, 2007. 17(3): p. 226-235.
NSTC. 2008. “Federal Research and Development Agenda for Net-Zero Energy, High-Performance Green Buildings.” U.S. National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Technology, Subcommittee on Buildings Technology Research and Development: Washington, D.C.
Persily, A.K. and S.J. Emmerich. “Indoor Air Quality in Sustainable, Energy Efficient Buildings.” Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings, 2010.
Seppänen, O. and W.J. Fisk, “A Model to Estimate the Cost Effectiveness of Indoor Environment Improvements in Office Work.” ASHRAE Transactions, 2005. 111(2): p. 663-669.
Seppänen, O.A. and W.J. Fisk, “Summary of Human Responses to Ventilation.” Indoor Air, 2004. 14 Suppl 7: p. 102-18.
Seppänen, O.A., W.J. Fisk, and M.J. Mendell. 1999. “Association of Ventilation Rates and CO2 Concentrations with Health and Other Human Responses in Commercial and Institutional Buildings.” Indoor Air 9: 226-252.
Shendell, D.G., et al., “Associations between Classroom CO2 Concentrations and Student Attendance in Washington and Idaho.” Indoor Air, 2004. 14(5): p. 333-41
Sundell, J., H. Levin, W.W Nazaroff, W.S. Cain, W. J. Fisk, D.T. Grimsrud, F. Gyntelberg, Y. Li,, A. K. Persily, A. C. Pickering, J.M. Samet, J. D. Spengler, S. T. Taylor, C. J. Weschler, 2011, “Multidisciplinary Review of the Scientific Literature.” Indoor Air, 21(3) (in press),
USGBC Research Committee. 2008. “A National Green Building Research Agenda.” U.S. Green Building Council: Washington, D.C.
Wargocki, P. and R. Djukanovic, “Simulations of the Potential Revenue from Investments in Improved Indoor Air Quality in an Office Building.” ASHRAE Transactions, 2005. 111(2): p. 699- 711.
Wargocki, P., et al., "Subjective Perceptions, Symptom Intensity, and Performance: a Comparison of Two Independent Studies, both Changing Similarly the Pollution Load in an Office". Indoor Air, 2002. 12(2): p. 74-80.
Wargocki, P., et al., “Indoor Climate and Productivity in Offices: how to Integrate Productivity in Life-Cycle Analysis of Building Services.” Guidebook No. 6. 2006, Federation of European Heating and Air-Conditioning Associations: Brussels, Belgium.
WHO, 1983. “Indoor Air Pollutants: Exposure and Health Effects. EURO Reports and Studies 78. Report of the Working Group on Assessment and Monitoring of Exposure to Indoor Pollutants.” Copenhagen: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe.
WHO. 2009. “WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality – Dampness and Mold.” World Health Organization.
WHO. 2010. “WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality – Selected Pollutants.” World Health Organization.
Zweers, T., L. Preller, B. Brunekreef, and J.S.M. Boleij. 1992. “Health and Comfort Complaints of 7,043 Office Workers in 61 Buildings in the Netherlands.” Indoor Air 2(3): 127-136.
ISO Standard (ISO 16814:2008 - Building Environment Design – Indoor Air Quality – Methods of Expressing the Quality of Indoor Air for Human Occupancy)
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EN 15251, Indoor Environmental Input Parameters for Design and Assessment of Energy Performance of Buildings Addressing Indoor Air Quality, Thermal Environment, Lighting and Acoustics, May 2007
AS 1668.2—2002 (Incorporating Amendment Nos 1 and 2): The Use of Ventilation and Air-Conditioning in Buildings - Part 2: Ventilation Design for Indoor Air Contaminant Control” (excluding requirements for the health aspects of tobacco smoke exposure)
Indoor Air Quality Control in Public Use Facilities, etc. Act, 2004. Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea.
SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 554: 2009 - Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality for Air-Conditioned Buildings (Incorporating Erratum No. 1, November 2009).
SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 553: 2009 - Code of Practice for Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation in Buildings.
Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Public Places, Hong Kong 2003
Ventilation Requirements for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, SHASE 2003, Japan.
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Title: “Filtration and Air Cleaning “Position Document (PD) Purpose: To inform ASHRAE membership and the public about the effects of air cleaning technologies for health and comfort. Both packaged air cleaners and HVAC integrated air cleaning and filtration systems will be considered. Scope: The scope of the proposed Position document is as follows: 1. Briefly characterize air cleaning technologies and their applications (outdoor and/or
indoor air), and the associated health-relevant performance: a. Clarify what is meant by air filter, cleanable media, gaseous or gas-phase filter, air
cleaner, “air purifier”, ionizing air treatment, photo catalytic air cleaner, microbial deactivation, UVGI, ozone generator, electrets, plants and other terms;
b. Discuss technologies available to the commercial or residential consumers, the technologies employed and their potential heath and comfort effects.
2. Reference health and comfort effects documented in published, peer reviewed journals, associated with the various technologies.
3. Describe the role and health implications of optimal use of air cleaners, maintenance and changing of air cleaning media.
4. Describe to which extent using air cleaning and filtration technologies can offset ventilation for acceptable IAQ.
5. Based on the authoritative health-relevant literature, state consensus information about the relative merits of various techniques.
6. State the consensus information about the development of the technology in this subject area.
7. Stay away from any product commercialism and/or endorsement or disparaging words about specific products and manufacturers.
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1
WORK STATEMENT COVER SHEET Date:
(Please Check to Insure the Following Information is in the Work Statement )
A. Title Title:
B Executive Summary
C. Applicability to ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan D. Application of the Results E. State-of-the-Art (background)
F. Advancement to State-of-the-Art G. Justification and Value to ASHRAE WS#
H. Objective (To be assigned by MORTS - Same as RTAR #)
I. Scope J. Deliverables/Where Results will be Published K. Level of Effort Results of this Project will affect the following Handbook Chapters, Project Duration in Months Special Publications, etc.: Professional-Months: Principal Investigator Professional-Months: Total
Estimated $ Value
L Proposal Evaluation Criteria & Weighting Factors
M. References
N. Other Information to Bidders ((optional)
(Optional)
Responsible TC/TG:
Date of Vote:
For This W/S has been coordinated with TC/TG/SSPC (give vote and date):
Against *
Abstaining *
Absent or not returning Ballot *
Total Voting Members Has RTAR been submitted? Strategic Plan Work Statement Authors: ** Theme/Goals
Potential Co-funders (organization, contact person information):
(Three qualified bidders must be recommended, not including WS authors.) Yes No How Long (weeks)
Is an extended bidding period needed? Has an electronic copy been furnished to the MORTS? Will this project result in a special publication? Has the Research Liaison reviewed work statement? * Reasons for negative vote(s) and abstentions
** Denotes WS author is affiliated with this recommended bidder Use additional sheet if needed.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment E
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WORK STATEMENT#
Title:
Sponsoring TC/TG/MTG/SSPC:
Co-Sponsoring TC/TG/MTG/SSPCs (List only TC/TG/MTG/SSPCs that have voted formal support)
Executive Summary:
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3
Applicability to the ASHRAE Research Strategic Plan:
Application of Results:
State-of-the-Art (Background):
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Advancement to the State-of-the-Art:
Justification and Value to ASHRAE:
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Objectives:
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Scope/Technical Approach:
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Scope/Technical Approach (Continued 2):
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Scope/Technical Approach (Continued 3):
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Deliverables/Where Results Will Be Published:
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Deliverables/Where Results Will Be Published (Continued):
Level of Effort:
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Proposal Evaluation Criteria:
No.
Proposal Review Criterion
Weighting
Factor
Project Milestones:
No.
Major Project Completion Milestone
Deadline
Month
Authors:
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References:
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Other Information for Bidders (Optional):
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Feedback to RAC and Suggested Improvements to Work Statement Process
Now that you have completed the work statement process, RAC is interested in getting your
feedback and suggestions here on how we can improve the process.
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment E
EHC Research RoadmapRank Topics Ave
Score Sources Past or Ongoing
ASHRAE Projects Gap Identification
Grp 1: HVAC and infectious disease transmission 1 General role of HVAC (ventilation, RH and temp) in
spread of infectious disease transmission.
Role of HVAC in spread of infectious diseases - Develop a strategic research agenda to address the role of HVAC systems in the spread of infectious disease
Understand the role of ventilation, filtration, UVGI or other air treatment, temperature and humidity in transmission of communicable respiratory diseases such as influenza and common colds
84.3;
82.4
Indoor Air Quality
(Position Document);
Airborne Infectious Diseases (Position
Document);
RP-776 -- Investigate and Identify Means of Controlling Virus in Indoor Air by Ventilation, Filtration Or Source Removal (1993)
RP-397 -- The Effect of Indoor Relative Humidity on Survival of Airborne Microorganisms and the Related Absenteeism in Schools (1985)
2 Filtration and UVGI as engineering control/control practice to reduce infectious disease transmission.
Understand the role of ventilation, filtration, UVGI or other air treatment, temperature and humidity in transmission of communicable respiratory diseases such as influenza and common colds
Conduct studies on engineering controls to reduce infectious disease transmission, particularly. Table 3 summarizes the control strategies available and the occupancy categories in which these controls can be used. The research priority for each control is provided. Filtration and UVGI controls research are given top priority because less is known about how these controls can be applied in buildings and HVAC systems to decrease disease events.
ASHRAE should consider implementing an investigation into current evidence based infection control practices
82.4;
80. 6;
67.7.
Indoor Air Quality (Position
Document); Airborne Infectious
Diseases (Position Document);
Biological Agents
in Context of Globalisation and
Pandemic Influenza and
Airborne Transmission
(Emerging Issue)
RP-1509 -- Study the Degradation of Typical HVAC Materials, Filters and Components Irradiated by UVC Energy (2010)
RP-12 -- Air Sterilization by Solid Sorbents (1958)
to provide its membership a greater appreciation and understanding of such in order to support the necessary guidance required to prevent risk of infection from airborne transmission within these identified facilities.
3 Reduced energy footprint of buildings impact on infectious disease transmission. Further research be conducted to understand how reducing the energy footprint of buildings will impact infectious disease transmission
70.8 Biological Agents
in Context of Globalisation and
Pandemic
Influenza and Airborne
Transmission (Emerging Issue)
4 Disease transmission and risk factor research in the built environments
67.7 Vector Borne
Disease, Climate Change and the
Challenges to ASHRAE
(Emerging Issue)
Grp 2: Impacts of ventilation rate on health and performance
1 Impact of ventilation rates on work and people’s health, especially in other climates Relationships of ventilation rates to people’s health and work and school performance. Expand the scope of studies on the relationship between ventilation rates and health to more diverse regions of the world, particularly in buildings in hot and humid climates where a significant fraction of global population is found. Special attention should be paid to the different ways indoor environments are ventilated and conditioned. These studies should include all the building types where people spend extensive time. In this context, there is a growing need to address the challenges presented by increasing pressures from sustainability and energy considerations.
81.0 79.2
URP 1443
Indoor Air Quality (Position
Document)
RP-1443 -- Ventilation Rates and Health: Report of an Interdisciplinary Review of the Scientific Literature (2007)
2 Impact of ventilation on health in building with outdoor pollution
There is a need to examine the health effects of ventilation in locations with highly polluted outdoor air, especially those with high concentrations of PM2.5 and ozone.
3 Impact of ventilation rates on work and school performance Relationships of ventilation rates to people’s health and work and school performance Schools, day care centres and homes need to be studied more extensively everywhere.
81.0
76.3
URP 1443
URP 1443
RP-1257 -- Indoor Environmental Effects On The Performance Of School Work By Children (2009)
RP-700 -- Determine and Test Research Protocols for Evaluating the Relationship Between HVAC Systems and Productivity (1996)
4 Ventilation in operating rooms RP-202 -- Ventilation Requirements in Operating Rooms (1984)
Grp 3: Impacts of air-conditioning and health
1 Etiology of Building Related Symptoms in Air-conditioned Buildings A long-standing question is why Building-related symptom (BRS) rates (also often referred to as SBS symptom prevalence rates) are higher in air-conditioned buildings than in buildings without air-conditioning. Air flow rate is important, not type of system, but cooling and humidification may introduce problems... In the largest study of ventilation (?), the Northern Sweden Office Illness Study the most healthy buildings had mechanical exhaust and supply systems.. what was important was the outdoor air flow rate, not the type of system (but we do not have cooling and humidification in northern Sweden!). So air conditioning may be the problem (cooling and humidification), not the mechanical system Study the reasons for the apparent increase in risks of health symptoms in buildings with air conditioning
77.3
74.5
BRS and mechanical
ventilation/air flow rate (EHC
Discussion)
Indoor Air Quality
(Position Document)
RP-142 -- Relating Indoor Pollutant Concentrations of Ozone and Sulfur Dioxide to Those Outside (1981)
RP-93 -- Effects of Air Conditioning Equipment on Pollution in Intake Air (1970)
RP-792 -- Evaluation of Test Methods for Determining the Effectiveness and Capacity of Gas Phase Air Filtration Equipment for Indoor Air Applications (Phase II) (1996)
RP-671 -- Define a Fractional Efficiency Test Method That Is Compatible With Particulate Removal Air Cleaners Used in General Ventilation (1993)
RP-112 -- Ability of Air Conditioning Systems to Remove Pollutants Under Controlled Conditions of Pollutant Level and Air Flow (1971)
RP-169 -- Destruction of Ozone (1976)
RP-183 -- Organic Contaminants in Indoor Air and Their Relationship to Outdoor Contaminants (1982)
RP-97 -- A Study of Techniques for Evaluation of Airborne Particle Matter (1975)
Grp 6: IAQ and health in Transportation Environments
1 IAQ in Transportation environments
RP-1262 -- Relate Air Quality and Other Factors to Comfort and Health Symptoms Reported by Passengers and Crew on Commercial Transport Aircraft (Part I) (2004)
RP-959 -- Determine Aircraft Supply Air Contaminants in the Engine Bleed Air Supply System on Commercial Aircraft (2000)
RP-978 -- Interaction of Room Air Motion and the Human Body in Confined Spaces (2000)
RP-957 -- Relate Air Quality and Other Factors to Symptoms Reported by Passengers and Crew on Commercial Aircraft (1999)
Grp 7: Other health related topics 1 An improved scientific underpinning for the IAQ-
related elements of green building certification systems 73.6
Indoor Air Quality
(Position Document)
2 Acceptable indoor air pollutant concentrations for non-industrial work places and homes
69.9
Indoor Air Quality
(Position Document)
RP-1321 -- Modeling VOC Sorption of Building Materials and Its Impact on Indoor Air Quality - Phase II (Second Phase of RP-1097) (2010)
3 Non-dietary exposure can still be very important for relatively light SVOCs
66.7
Indoor SVOC and
health (EHC Discussion)
4 Noise levels and their impact on perception and productivity
RP-1322 -- Productivity and Perception Based Evaluation of Indoor Noise Criteria (2013)
RP-879 -- Determination of the Relationship Between Low-frequency HVAC Noise and Comfort in Occupied Spaces Psycho-Acoustic Phase (2004)
RP-714 -- Determination of the Relationship Between Low-Frequency HVAC Noise and Comfort in Occupied Spaces (1994)
5 Enhancements to localized air distribution effectiveness in the occupied zones for improved IAQ
RP-1373 -- Air Distribution Effectiveness with Stratified Air Distribution Systems (2009)
6 Ultrafine indoor airborne particulate matter
RP-1281 -- Identification, Classification, And Correlation Of Ultrafine Indoor Airborne Particulate Matter With Outdoor Values (2006)
7 MVOCs
RP-1243 -- Detection and Removal of Gaseous Effluents and By-Products of Fungal Growth That Affect Environments †“ Phase II: Development of a MVOC Database (2009)
Allergens and Biological Toxins That Can Be Removed by Filtration (1994)
8 Construction and renovation activities on IAQ RP-961 -- Identification of Contaminants, Exposures, Effect and Control Options for Construction/ Renovation Activities, Phase II (804-RP -- Phase I) (2001)
RP-804 -- Identification of Contaminants, Exposures, Effects and Control Options for Contstruction/Renovation Activities, Phase 1 (1995)
9 Air contaminant transport into buildings RP-903 -- Experimental Validation of Multizone Models for Predicting Air Contaminant Transport in High Rise Buildings (2003)
10 Legionella RP-610 -- Control of Legionella Strains in Non-Cooling Tower Reservoirs (1995)
Date: June 19, 2017 MTG Name: Multidisciplinary Task Group on VOC Mixtures in Indoor Air MTG Scope1: 1. Review literature on the incidence, effects and regulation of VOCs.
2. Prepare critical review of how ASHRAE standards address VOC mixtures.
3. Propose updated approaches to the assessment and control of VOCs.
4. Recommend research to improve understanding of VOCs. Impact on TC/TG/TRGs and Other MTGs:
• Changes to Standards 62.1 and 189.1 may be proposed.
• RTAR topics may be suggested
Possible Sponsoring Committees:
EHC; TC’s 2.3 and 4.3; SPCC’s 62.1 and 189.1; GPC 27; TRG4.IAQP
Supporting Rationale: Information used to support VOC provisions in Standards 62.1 and 189.1 was
limited and is now dated. An update of the science and consideration of alternate approaches is needed. Questions which could be addressed by an MTG include:
1. Are cognizant authority contaminant limits considering neither background
levels nor cost-benefit appropriate for use as IAQ standards? 2. Can conclusions be drawn from limited measurements of a small fraction of
VOCs in indoor air? 3. Are there methodologies which could develop more conclusive evidence on the
health effects of VOC mixtures? 4. Can ventilation rates be safely reduced with respect to VOCs?
A recently published White Paper on VOCs by the American Industrial Hygiene Association examined the use of VOC sampling for pre-occupancy assessment of new construction. AIHA found that VOC sampling is not predictive of occupant health effects and does not assess overall IAQ.
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EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment H
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62.2 has a long history of people arguing over whether the rate should go up or down
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment H
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Qfan = 0.01 * Afloor + 7.5 * NP
◦ Assumes default natural infiltration of 0.02*Afloor
◦ Could be reduced further using a blower door test
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Qtot = 0.03 * Afloor + 7.5 * NP
◦ Assumes no default natural infiltration
◦ Could be reduced using a blower door test
Some claim “increases rates”
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Committee has long recognized that infiltration impact on overall air exchange rate is lower with unbalanced ventilation (supply/exhaust) than with balanced
Addendum has been approved to account for this
Reduces infiltration credit when unbalanced ventilation systems are used
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment H
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Vast majority of systems installed are unbalanced
This increases the required installed fan rate for those systems
No evidence of problems in the field
Should reduce rate to turn this into a credit for balanced instead of a penalty for unbalanced
We have always wanted to deliver the target rate Qtot
Implicit assumption of additive infiltration and ventilation is that the system is balanced
We have been giving a free pass to unbalanced systems
FOR AGAINST
EHC Minutes 17.A - Attachment H
Item # MBO Date Due Assigned ToApplicable Strategy
#MBO Comments MBO Status
1 Support EH-related ASHRAE Research
6/30/2018 Research Subc.3C, 4A, 4B
5A
EHC will identify top priority research activities that will support ASHRAE's strategic plan but are not currently being conducted through TCs. EHC will support 2 new RTARs and their champions through this process, and will coordinate with applicable TCs/private sectors to co-sponsor these projects. Biowalls and Waterborne Infection RTAR is to be developed by the end of 2017. Additionally, EHC will continue to monitor existing project (RP-1663).
4
a) Discuss and report on at least a new emerging issue brief related to environmental health and b) review of current emerging issue briefs
30-Jun-18 Conlan, Education Subc.
1CIdentify 2 new Emerging Issue Brief identified for possible development. Update or reaffirm existing briefs.
EHC will continue to maintain and produce EH-related position documents and emerging issue briefs.
Position documents: Combustion in developing countries is planned to start 2015-2016 year. Legionellosis and IAQ PDs should be completed during the 2015-2016 year. Decision on 2 PDs (ETS and Limiting Indoor Mold Growth and Dampness in Buildings Systems) to be reaffirm, revise or retire. Other PDs are expected to be reaffirmed or do not need any action.
Emerging issue briefs, new emerging issues will be identified and briefs will be developed. Policy subcommittee will continue the process started in 2014 of determining which emerging issue briefs should be retained/revised, which should be dropped, and which should be turned into PDs. For those that are elevated to PDs, PD chairs and committees shall be named.
7Fundamentals, Handbook and ASHRAE-wiki (review and definition of terms);
30-Jul-16 Leung 1C Document summative of IAQ guidelines throughout the world
EHC continues to receive reports on the various environmental health related standards at each meeting.
9 Revise committee meeting structure for efficiency
on-going Exec. Committee 2A, 2B
Full committee meetings have included significant re-stating of details from subcommittee meetings. Subcommittee reports will be restructured to focus on items requiring votes, high-level information items, and an opportunity for questions. This will allow a greater amount of time for other issues and ensuring that all topics are addressed.
10Maintain continuity by making Immediate Past Chair a formal position
30-Jun-18 Vice Chair, Exec. Committee
2A, 2BRevise EHC MOP and propose ROB change -- include Immediate Past Chair as an official member when the immediate past chair has rolled off the committee following their year as chair.
Chair: Lan Chi Nguyen WeekesVice-Chair: Dr. Elliott HornerConsultant: Wane Baker
EHC approved a motion in ORL to revise the ETS PD EHC approved a motion in ORL to reaffirm the Limiting Indoor Mold Growth and Dampness in Buildings Systems PDEHC approved a new EIB on "Nano Environmental Health and Safety (nanoEHS)". Another on Indoor passive panel technologies for air cleaning in buildings is in review. Topics for 2 more possible EIB's have been identified.
Education/Program
3 Enhance EHC Education and Outreach Program
ongoing Persily 1C, 3D
Articles covering environmental health issues have been placed in most issues of the ASHRAE Journal for a few years. Contributions are slowing -- this activity needs to be revitalized and continued with an aim of 7 articles per year. Additionally, in order to ensure that EH issues and perspectives are available to the ASHRAE membership, EHC will submit session abstracts for every conference and work with CEC to ensure that EHC issues have a presence in the conference programs. Finally, EHC will continue to promote the IAQ Guide.
Environmental Health Committee 2017-2018Lan Chi Nguyen Weekes, Chair
6/12/2017
Research
2 Support ASHRAE Research by providing an EH perspective
ongoing Wei Sun 4B, 5A
Review all RTARS to provide inputs to RAC on environmental health related projects. This activity will continue, to ensure that important EH issues of which RTAR authors may not be aware are considered.
