Air

How much time do people spend in enclosed spaces?

Approximately 90%.

According to the EPA, what are the net avoidable costs associated with indoor air pollution annually?

Well over $100 billion.

What is the breakdown of the avoidable costs of indoor air pollution?

About 45% is attributable to avoidable deaths from radon and environmental tobacco smoke, about 45% from lost productivity, and about 10% from avoidable respiratory diseases.

What are the most common indoor air contaminants?

Combustion sources (candles, tobacco, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces).

What do building materials, furnishings, fabrics, and cleaning products commonly emit?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).

A01: What are the acceptable PM thresholds for most occupiable spaces?

PM2.5: 15 µg/m³ or lower; PM10: 50 µg/m³ or lower.

A01: What are the modified PM thresholds for polluted regions (Gold max)?

PM2.5: 25 µg/m³ or lower; PM10: 50 µg/m³ or lower.

A01: What is the acceptable PM2.5 threshold for Commercial Kitchen Spaces & Industrial?

35 µg/m³ or lower.

A01: What are the laboratory-based VOC thresholds for Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Toluene?

Benzene: 10 µg/m³ or lower; Formaldehyde: 50 µg/m³ or lower; Toluene: 300 µg/m³ or lower.

A01: If using VOC monitoring instead of lab tests, what are the requirements?

Sensors installed at 1 per 3,500 sq ft; total VOC levels must be 500 µg/m³ or lower for at least 90% of regularly occupied hours.

A01: What are the acceptable thresholds for Carbon Monoxide and Ozone in most spaces?

Carbon monoxide: 10 mg/m³ (9 ppm) or lower; Ozone: 100 µg/m³ (51 ppb) or lower.

A01: What is the Carbon Monoxide limit for Commercial Kitchen Spaces?

34 mg/m³ (30 ppm) or lower.

A01: What is the Radon threshold for regularly occupied spaces at or below grade?

0.15 Bq/L (4 pCi/L) or lower, with one test per 25,000 sq ft.

A01: How often must air parameters be monitored for ongoing compliance?

At intervals no longer than once per year.

A02: At what distance must outdoor smoking be prohibited from entrances, operable windows, and air intakes?

Outdoors at ground level within 25 ft (7.5 m).

A02: What is the maximum distance between "no smoking" hazard signs in outdoor areas?

Not more than 100 ft (30 m).

A03: For naturally ventilated spaces, what are the maximum allowable average outdoor PM thresholds?

PM2.5 less than 15 µg/m³; PM10 less than 30 µg/m³.

A03: When must mixed-mode ventilation projects rely on mechanical ventilation?

When outdoor PM2.5 levels are above 15 µg/m³.

A04: What MERV rating is required for filters if the permanent ventilation system operates during construction?

Media filters with a PM10 removal rating of at least 70% (e.g., MERV 8).

A04: What moisture and dust management procedures must be implemented during construction?

Store absorptive materials separately/protected, isolate active work areas, use walk-off mats at entryways, and use dust guards/collectors on saws.

A05: What are the Enhanced Air Quality thresholds to earn 2 points for Particulate Matter?

PM2.5: 10 µg/m³ or lower; PM10: 20 µg/m³ or lower.

A05: What is the enhanced threshold for Formaldehyde?

9 µg/m³ or lower.

A05: What are the enhanced thresholds for Inorganic Gases?

Carbon monoxide: 7 mg/m³ (6 ppm) or lower; Nitrogen dioxide: 40 µg/m³ (21 ppb) or lower.

A06: To earn 2(3) points for increased air supply, by what percentage must you exceed ASHRAE 62.1-2010?

60%.

A06: What is the CO2 limit for a demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system to earn the maximum points?

750 ppm or 350 ppm above outdoor levels.

A06: What are the airspeed and return air location requirements for personalized ventilation systems?

Airspeed no greater than 50 fpm (0.25 m/s) at the occupant's head; return air diffusers located more than 9.8 ft (2.8 m) above the floor.

A07: What are the two metrics used to ensure sufficient operable windows?

At least 75% of regularly occupied spaces have them, OR the openable window area is at least 4% of the net occupiable floor area for each floor.

A07: What conditions trigger indicator lights to cue occupants that it is safe to open windows?

PM2.5: 15 µg/m³ or lower; Dry-bulb temp: within 15°F of setpoint; Relative Humidity: 65% or lower.

A08: What are the interval requirements for indoor air quality measurements?

Intervals no longer than 10 minutes for carbon dioxide and no longer than one hour for other pollutants.

A08: What is the required height and density for air quality display screens?

Prominently positioned at a height of 3.6-5.6 ft (1.1-1.7 m) with at least one display per 3,500 sq ft.

A09: What are the dimensional requirements for building entryway mats/grilles?

At least the width of the entrance and 10 ft (3 m) long in the primary direction of travel.

A09: How frequently must entryway systems be cleaned?

Wet-cleaned at least once a week; vacuumed at least once a day.

A10: Engine idling is prohibited beyond what duration in pick-up, drop-off, and parking areas?

More than 30 seconds.

A11: What is the maximum makeup air velocity allowed near a Commercial Kitchen canopy hood?

Less than 75 fpm (0.38 m/s).

A11: For dwelling units, what are the range hood ventilation and coverage requirements?

Minimum exhaust of 100 cfm per linear foot or 200 cfm; device covers at least 75% of the burner area.

A12: What level of filtration is required if the annual average outdoor PM2.5 is 40 µg/m³ or greater?

PM2.5 removal of 95% or greater (e.g., MERV 16 or E10).

A13: If air is partially recirculated, what combination of treatments must be applied?

Activated carbon filter AND at least one of: Media filter (MERV 14 / F8), UVGI within ducts, or upper-room UVGI.

A14: What must be installed on all central air handling units to prevent mold?

Ultraviolet lamps to irradiate the surfaces of the cooling coils and drain pans.

A14: If cooling coils do not have ultraviolet lamps, what is the maintenance protocol?

They are inspected on a quarterly basis for mold growth and cleaned, with dated photos submitted annually.

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